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People of Kennett Square–Bri-Arden & James

July 22, 2015 art, artist, business, Fashion, handmade, leather, organic, people, photography, portrait, raw, Story, Style

I knew Bri through Instagram. I have been followed her on Instagram long time. She is the designer-maker and owner of Arden and James. I love her beautiful handcrafted bags. Finally I had a chance to do a photo shoot with her. I arrived her house, her younger son was sleeping, and the older boy was tired but won’t take a nap. He stayed with us whole time, during the photo shoot I saw how she balanced her work with kids. Her studio is stylish, bright and organized. She showed me her new work, and also the first bag she made. She is such a talented artist and wonderful mom.

Where did the name Arden & James come from?

Arden is a little utopian arts community in Delaware. It was designed to demonstrate the values of the Arts + Crafts movement at the turn of the century. Many artists, musicians, actors, and craftsmen live there. There are walking paths through the woods connecting all of the homes and shared community facilities. Such a dream. They have an annual Arden Fair, which is in its 108th year. As a kid, my grandparents’ house was closeby, and we would go to the Fair. It’s a magical place, and it has inspired me all my life.

James is my older son. I started the company when he was old enough to sit on his own and I got my hands back :). My husband is also a James. He is an artist as well – a musician.

What is your design process?

The materials themselves drive my process. I only use materials I love: organic woven linen, locally milled waxed canvas, vegetable tanned leather, and pure copper. I see a natural material that inspires me and then decide what I can make that would highlight its best qualities. It’s sort of a backwards design process – not how I was trained in design school! I think that good design allows the materials to be themselves.

I love getting feedback from customers and friends. When designing something as personal as a handbag, I have to know how people will use it. I want my bags to be a reliable wardrobe staple and hopefully an heirloom, so the details need to be just right.

What currently inspires you and which other artists do you admire and why?

Wharton Esherick. He was a sculptor and painter who resided in Paoli. His home and workshop are open to the public, and they are an endless source of inspiration for me. I hope to shoot my Fall lookbook there this year. It’s funny, but when I make something, I ask myself – would this look good at Wharton’s house? It’s a “handcrafted modern” look. His work has no straight lines. It is informed by the materials and has a perfect organic feel. It’s just too good to put into words – you gotta see it.

What would you most like to make that you haven’t made so far?

Clothing. My sister, Britt, is amazing with styling, colors, and patterns – so it would be a collaborative line where I could choose the materials. My dream is to work with her every day (and our dogs and kids).

How did your parents influence your career?

My parents always wanted us to do what made us happy. Just to be our true selves. My Dad was always working with wood, and my mom was a painter. My mom always said that I was an artist, and wanted me to pursue art as my career, but I never believed in myself enough to think that I could pull it off. After getting my degree in Industrial Design, I apprenticed for other artists, worked in food marketing, and organized community events to earn money. It wasn’t until after my mom passed away – five years ago – and I was pregnant with my first son, that I felt the drive to make things. I could feel my mom’s confidence in me pushing me along. Since then I am always inspired and can’t wait to make more. I feel that my mom is sending these things to me so that I can live my dream. Everything falls into place as long as I focus and do my best. People have responded so passionately to my work – and it’s so flattering – because it’s me being completely honest and putting my true self out there. My work is a reflection of me, and the relationships I have built from that are so authentic and rewarding.

You are busy mom for two boys, how do you balance your work and kids?

The balance day-to-day is so hard, but overall, things work out. I am always going from one thing to the next, running around like a crazy person. But that’s how I work best. I am at home with the boys, so my attention has to be on them first. My boys are 2 and 4, so we don’t have any schedule – I just work in my home workshop when I can – mostly in 10 minute bursts throughout the day (on a good day). I use my iPhone for everything. I am never able to sit at the computer. The boys would be jumping all over me! I plan my work so that I can do handwork such as weaving in the car (while James is driving :)) or outside with the kids while they play. When the kids are both in school things will be easier. I had never imagined my business would grow so quickly – but I’m so proud that it has! The challenge keeps growing, but I’m still hanging in there!

To learn more about Bri and her work go to the website:Arden and James

People of Kennett Square–Estelle Tracy

May 11, 2015 blogger, business, food, French, people, photography, portrait, Story

I met Estelle through Instagram. She is a French food blogger. Her blog called ” le hamburger et le croissant” , I have to say it’s such a wonderful name. It reflects the food culture between France and America.

Tell me about your blog, how did it start? And how has it developed?

I started my blog in 2004 after reading an article in Gourmet magazine that featured five food blogs. I had no idea what a blog was, so I asked my husband who described it to me as some kind of online diary. I was intrigued, so I checked one of the blogs mentioned in the article, Chocolate & Zucchini (http://chocolateandzucchini.com/), written by a young French lady in Paris. Her blog introduced me to many other food blogs and, before I knew it, I was hooked! I had never read about food in such an approachable and engaging way. I was just learning to cook and loved that I could ask my questions directly to the recipe developer.

Reading food blogs soon became part of my morning routine until one day I thought: why not start one myself? At the time, I did not have much opportunity to speak French and the lack of practice was having bad consequences on my French skills: I was having difficulty finding my words and remembering the spelling of some words. So I looked for a blogging platform and started posting in French. If anything, I thought it would be a good way to practice writing.

Very early, I started posting about food and recipes. I had a little webcam that I would use to take photos. I would post about my farmers market discoveries, from the huge Brandywine tomatoes to the overgrown zucchini I would find at some vendor stands. It was exhilarating to think people from all over the world had the ability to read my posts. At the beginning, my family and friends in France were my only blog readers but, after a few weeks, I started reading comments from complete strangers. One year after I first started posting, I met my first reader in person, who went on to become one of my closest friends.

11 years after I started my blog, my goal remained the same: practice writing in French, while showing people how good American food can be. This led me to release a food survival guide for French people in the US (https://gumroad.com/l/AsVgQ) last month, which has been getting great feedback from its first readers.

You blog has a very interesting name: le hamburger et le croissant, where does the name come from?

When my American husband and I got married, we were looking for different way to represent our two cultures. After a little brainstorming, we decided to have a hamburger and a croissant sitting on a plate as the centerpiece of each reception table. This definitely got the guests talking! When I looked for a name for my blog, I was again looking for something that would capture the blending of our two cultures. I thought of our centerpieces and named the blog “le hamburger et le croissant!”

Who is your target audience?

As much as I want to be read, I first write for me, because writing helps me organize my thoughts and process my emotions. I also post for my mom because she is the first person with whom I want to share my recipes. Today, when I post a text I am especially proud of, I always email her to ask what she thought. Thankfully, though, I have other readers beside my mom, whom I see as like-minded people: easy-going food lovers, who enjoy their weekly trip to the farmers market, cook simple meals for their families, and meet their friends for coffee.

How long have you been lived in Kennett Square? How does it feel like to live here?

I have been living in Kennett Square for almost ten years and I love it a little more every day. This small town is home to so many talented artists and artisans who never stop to inspire me. The food here is also incredible. Talula’s Table always surprises me with fresh and amazing flavor combination (their coconut hummus was amazing, I miss it a lot) and Philter Coffee serves the best coffee around. Byrsa Bistro makes stuffed grape leaves as good as my mom’s and Sovana’s Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I feel very grateful to live in such an amazing town.

What are your plans for the future?

After leaving my corporate job two months ago, I am busy reinventing a life that is both professionally and personally fulfilling. I want to continue writing and I am currently working on a French cookbook. I’d also like to keep working with small companies, developing a marketing and social media strategy to let the world know about their awesome products. I love supporting small businesses but it is not always easy to hear about them in the first place.

No matter what, though, as long as my life involves a lot of lattes and a few slices of homemade cake, I will be pretty happy.

People of Kennett Square–Annabelle Schmitt

April 6, 2015 beauty, Fashion, highschool, people, photography, portrait, senior, Story, Style

Annabelle is a high school senior at Kennett Square high school. She plays flute, and also she is part of the CACC Folk Dance Troupe in Delaware.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This question always makes me feel like I should have everything figured out, but the reality is, I’m honestly not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I’ve applied to college as an international relations major, but I don’t know what kind of job I want from that. I chose international relations as my major because I’m hoping that I can find a job that genuinely helps people but also allows me to continue using my Chinese. I long to impact the world, but I’m not sure exactly what I want to do; I guess that’s why I’m going to college- to figure life out.

What’s the life like be a 17 year girl?

I always think it’s so strange that I’m only one year away from being legal. 17 seems so old, yet so young. I think being 17 is about starting to come into your own–starting to understand who you are, what makes you tick, and who you want to be. You start to realize who you’re actually friends with and what you need from friends and relationships. Being 17 is about making memories and having experiences; it’s about making mistakes and learning from them. As a senior in high school, being 17 also means desperately trying to juggle six AP classes, college applications, extracurriculars, while maintaining some semblance of a social life. Personally, I’ve given up a bit on the social life. It’s a good life once you’re done with college applications, but until then, it’s incredibly stressful. 17 is a good age though. It’s a bit of a limbo age, as you’re still your parent’s child and you’re still making all the same stupid mistakes teenagers make, but at the same time, you or your friends can drive, so you have a lot more freedom, and you’re nearly an adult. I’m curious about being 18, really. I wonder if I’ll feel more mature or if I’ll act the same, despite knowing I’m legally an adult. As for now, I’m enjoying this limbo between the teenage years and legality.

Do you like small town or big city , and why?

I’m used to Kennett by this point, and I love it here. Downtown Kennett is one of my favorite places to go with my friends, whether it’s for a lavender latte at Talula’s Table, a crepe at Yo’r So Sweet, sushi at Lily’s, browsing at the Green Eyed Lady, or tea shopping at Mrs. Robinson’s. Honestly, the list of things to do isn’t the longest, but it’s more than enough and is near and dear to my heart. But when I’m in Taiwan (where my mother is from), we’ll travel to Taipei and I’ll fall in love with the city lights and endless hustle and bustle of the streets. Everything is so exciting, and there’s always something new to be found right around the next street corner. When I look at both together, though, there’s something nice about the familiarity of a small town. The anonymity of a big city scares me sometimes–I feel like a little ant among millions of others, ready at any second to get trampled over. In a small town, I feel more recognized and comfortable, as you’re always coming across someone you know. Friendly waves and smiles are integral to a small town, and for that reason, I have to say I like small towns more.

What’s the last thing you cried about ?

I had to think about this, actually. The last time I cried wasn’t too recently (thankfully), although I can definitely think of some times I’ve cried this school year. It’s been stressful. My physics class has been killing me lately, so there’s a good chance I cried about not being able to do the homework and feeling entirely hopeless. I’ve never done so poorly in a class, let alone felt so hopeless and lost. It’s led to some sleepless nights and discussions with my parents and guidance counselor about changing to the lower AP class, but in the end, I’ve decided to grin and bear it. Besides, what’s life without a few tears?

What’s the most happiest moment in your life?

I had to think a lot about this question, and I really don’t have an answer. I’ve had some really great days in my life, but few of them stand out to me. After thinking about this for awhile, though, I noticed that the days I thought of were actually rather ordinary days.

For instance, a remember feeling rather happy after simply enjoying a stress-free afternoon with my sisters and mom in downtown Kennett. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Lily’s and then decided to visit the Growing Tree and try on some silly clothes, back before it switched to only toys. When we left, we discovered it was pouring rain. We ran back to the car laughing, still on a mental high from taking the time to do something so fun and relaxing after ages and ages of being in school. Our happiness contrasted the rain greatly, and I suppose that irony has made it hard for me to forget that day.

Another great memory of mine is skipping up a long ramp with my dearest friend, Katie, and just belting out “We’re off the see the wizard! The wonderful wizard of Oz!” We skipped until we couldn’t and then we stopped and burst into a fit of giggles. Of course, everyone was looking at us like we were crazy, but we were just having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

Now that I’m going off to college, days like these are the ones I cherish most. My family won’t be around anymore, and my friend Katie is already in college. The time I spend with my best friends and family is ticking away by the second, and seizing the few moments I can with them to make more great memories is more important than ever. So I definitely don’t have a best day (at least not yet), but I can honestly say that some of my best memories are simply snapshots of a single day, snapshots of when I am the happiest.

People of kennett Square–Emily and Andrew

Emily and Andrew are the owners of Tribe Beauty Culture. They create a boutique style hair , makeup and workshop place. It’s not a normal salon, you will enjoy your visit in a stylish environment and relaxing atmosphere.

Where is the name Tribe come from ?

Tribe started off with my sister and I wanting to make an impact. We were the original Tribe, a couple each with our own skills—hair and makeup. The idea was to create a culture of beauty, where we empower clients to recreate the same looks and styles from Tribe with the knowledge, technique, and tools. Since we started, my sister has had to relocate and Tribe has become a husband and wife team. We are still very much a “Tribe“. We started off small with big ideas, and every time a new client walks in the door, it’s important they feel they are a part of the Tribe.

What is the difference between Tribe and other hair Salon?

Tribe is different from other salons in the sense that our clients gain an intimate a personal experience each time they come in. They are given the attention they deserve in a relaxing setting that feels unlike any hair salon they’ve ever visited. Our stylists are amazing and skilled and focus on giving each client the knowledge they need to recreate looks and styles. We keep it simple—great hair and beautiful makeup.

Every one loves Tribe’s interior design. You have very unique vision about interior design, where do you get your ideas?

Andrew and I both believe very much in inspiration and creating a story with Tribe’s environment. My background is visual design and merchandising while Andrew’s is graphic design. We are able to work together and utilize our strengths to create a dynamic setting. The short answer—it seems to just come natural to us!

How do you feel like having two jobs?

Andrew and I both work full-time jobs. Balancing that with Tribe can sometimes be stressful but also exciting. Tribe is our passion and if you love what you do, it never feels like work!

Can you give some tips about how to do quick&easy everyday makeup?

Keep it simple. Start with a good foundation, literally. Invest in great skin care because thats where it all starts. Must haves for flawless complexion are a great foundation, killer mascara and a great lipstick.

TAGS: beauty, makeup

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Langer

March 27, 2015 art, artist, business, Calligraphy, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

I found Meredith through Instagram. She is an amazing multitalented artist. We met at her house in town, it’s a place full of her design elements. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. She showed me her work, and her unique tea dye business card. I absolutely love her work!!! We talked about everything, travel, art, cat, camera, food …etc. She has the most beautiful smile and great personality. I borrowed these words from her Instagram’s profile:” |sign maker | freelance calligrapher & artist | yarn spinner | dreamer |photographic documenter | proudly Pennsylvanian”.

What was your dream job as a child?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I had my own pretend classroom with a giant chalkboard & would talk to imaginary students for hours. Funny that now I’m still writing on chalkboards!

Were you always interested in art? how did you start the calligraphy?

I always had a huge respect for all different forms of art. I started calligraphy out of necessity; I had to make some signs for a client through terrain. Terrain is one of those places where you don’t say no to clients…you create what they want, even if it is out of your comfort zone. This project was painting names on 5 foot canvas for a wedding. Than the next project was a seating chart that was painted on glass. After that I loved analyzing each stroke of a letter & how to make them better.

How did you start become known for your work?

I really have to thank Instagram. I have found countless amount of jobs through word of mouth//friend of a friend that saw something I did on Instagram. I actually have to thank this application for a lot of things: I have found clients, made new friends, workshop attendees, & most recently found a new roommate through Instagram. I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now if it wasn’t for Jie finding me through Instagram.

What do you dream of doing in the future?

I definitely want to travel more! Traveling always helps me to shift my inspiration. I would also love to have an online shop where I sell custom products: stamps, wood burnings, cards…

What would be your best advice to aspiring calligrapher?

Play & have fun! Do not feel like every move is permeant or right/wrong…every stroke has a purpose. Also, get inspired! Find something that you admire & try to copy it with your own spin on it.

Check her website for more information: www.merelymere.com

People of Kennett Square–Demian Rivera

March 25, 2015 art, artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Uncategorized

Demian is a tattoo artist. He works for a Tattoo shop in town. Except the tattoo shop , he has another happy place–his garage, where he spends his free time fixing his motorcycle.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Don’t know I think the first thing that I wanted to be when I grew up would be like my dad. He is a cool guy with cool friends . That’s what i still want to be.

Why do you like tattoos?

Always have like them. Remember being fascinated when i saw somebody that had one .

How are your tattoos represent your personality?

I don’t know I get (tattooed) stuff that I like and that is kind of what makes me and my personality.

Does every tattoo has a story or meaning?

No, not everything has a meaning.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to people?

Find what you love and let it kill you.

People of Kennett Square–Patricia Maristch

March 23, 2015 business, Fashion, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

When I started my project last year, this girl emailed me said she would love to be part of my project. I found her job is quite interesting. This is Patricia, she is the founder of Piqued PR–a full service boutique PR agency .

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

The first thing I remember ever wanting to be when I was younger was a dance teacher. I grew up taking ballet, tap, jazz, etc. so my dream was to one day own a studio. Then there were years in high school where I thought I wanted to own a clothing boutique. Finally in college I decided upon PR. What stayed the same through all the years was my desire to be an entrepreneur and work creatively.

When and how did you start your business?

I started Piqued PR in spring of 2013. I worked at an agency in center city and freelanced on the side with lifestyle clients. Eventually I transitioned these freelance clients into Piqued PR!

Where is the name Piqued come from?

I love a good word, especially one that starts with “P”. Piqued generally means to catch someone’s interest, essentially that’s what I’m doing for my clients… piquing the interest of press and consumers for them.

What do you find the most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs get the attention they deserve by helping consumers discover them through social media and various publications. I feel like I help them achieve their goals, all while they allow me to live my dream too!

Can you give some social media marketing tips?

It’s all about visuals! Make sure you use the same filter in all you pictures and try to have at least one of your brand’s colors make it into everything you post. Also, interact with your followers and fans, ask questions, comment back, etc. It shouldn’t be a one way conversation.

People of Kennett Square–Zvezdana Scott

March 19, 2015 art, artist, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Style, Uncategorized

Zvezdana, people also call her Stella. She is the owner of Mala Galleria. I like her gallery. It gives some fresh air to this little town. The first time I went there, I asked her to be part of my “people of kennett square”‘s project. The next day I got a email from her, she said she wanted do a exhibit about my project. I was thrilled!!! I couldn’t believe I could have my first exhibit here. Thank you! Stella, I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What did you do before you open Mala Galleria?

I ran a Washington DC based humanitarian non- profit organization dealing with the post-war consequences, post- flood needs and soup kitchens in Serbia. I also organized many events, exhibits, film festivals etc. I still do all of that.

What made you decide to open a gallery?

I always wanted to do that. Where I come from, art is everywhere. I grew up with art, music, theater…I was somehow always surrounded by artists and I saw myself in this world.

How do you choose your artists?

I visit lots of art shows, find artists online, sometimes someone recommends them to me, or artists see the gallery and they visit because they like the work I exhibit. I exhibit 27 local artists at the moment, and several international.

Why did you choose Kennett square?

I always searched for the perfect little town to open the gallery in. When we moved to the area 4 years ago and I saw the downtown Kennett Square, I knew I found it. Beautiful, historic downtown with nice people. It was perfect!

What was the most memorable piece you have ever sold?

My first piece I sold, on the first day I opened the gallery. It was an antique, by Julien Celos (1884-1953), a Belgian visual artist. It was a good luck charm!

Learn more about Mala Galleria, check the website here: http://www.malagalleria.com/

People of Kennett Square–Jan Geddes

March 16, 2015 art, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

Let’s meet Jan, she is the owner of Brick Garage/Pack rats Place, It currently houses a selection of antiques, furniture, accessories and design elements.

The first time I went to Jan’s shop was at Halloween last year. She decorated her shop as ” haunted house” , It was creative, scary and fun!

I love her collections, her shop looks like a mini museum. If you ever come to Kennett Square, you have to check her store, it’s a must see place.

When did you start collecting?

Have always treasured things I love that bring fond memories. Started shopping

estate sales around 1990 to find great quality items at better prices to decorate

my home. Found them and more until my storage was overflowing. I needed a

better way to share my bargains and thus” Pack Rats Place” was born so I could

pass my bargains on to my friends.

When and how did you open the shop?

In 2003 saw a unique brick garage in the charming Borough of Kennett Square

which was originally built in 1934 as Young’s Garage and then was George’s

Plumbing for 37 years. Here I saw an opportunity to create a perfect space to

share my finds.

As I had spent over 20 years doing construction projects for myself, I tackled the

shop renovation and preservation of its place in Kennett’s history with a helper

and codes supervision.

During that progress, there occurred some personal tragedies over a period of

time that caused a several year delay in opening the shop, but having the “Brick

Garage”, gave me the incentive to persevere.

Where did the name “Pack Rats Place” come from?

Well, the condensed definition of pack rat is: “…noted for its habit of collecting

bright, shiny objects….and stores the objects it collects to decorate it’s nest…”. It

fits me and all the other pack rats out there to a tee!

Why did you pick Kennett Square?

It was the wonderful brickwork of the building, charm of the location, potential

for economic development and proximity to the major visitor attraction of

Longwood Gardens.

Is there any interesting story about your items?

All the things in the shop have interesting stories. The patina of time enhances so

many things in different ways. Most people have cherished things over the years

and in reality want those items to find a home with someone who will love them

as much as they had. The Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place creates that ambiance for

those items with its eclectic feel. Enchanting Estate Finds, Tantalizing Treasures,

Antiques, Wonderful Whatevers and Odd Objects and Such, etc. are combined

in a rabbit warren of rooms, grounded by a roaring fireplace in the “inside-outside

room” to give those heirlooms a place to shine until they move on to create new

memories. The setting is the main attraction and the inventory of recycled/reused

items changes through time. There are several events to attract people to the

shop, since once they visit they usually return, such as the annual Brick Garage

Haunted House and this past year, the KSQ Candlelight Holiday Home Tour.

Thrilled to be able to share the experience of the shop with others and participate

in Kennett Square community activities!

Find more information about Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place here: http://www.thebrickgarage.com/

People of Kennett Square–Veronika Goodnight Aka Kit

March 11, 2015 artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, Uncategorized

I met Veronika through my friend Kelsy. Veronika is a internationally acclaimed hoop dancer and fire performer. I went to her website, her performance made my jaw drop. She is absolutely amazing! When I met her, she was eight month pregnant, but that didn’t stop her doing hooping dance. She showed me the hooping dance movement in a really beautiful way. I really felt lucky to have met so many talented people in a small town. Her baby is due on March 12th 2015. I can’t wait to meet her baby.

When and how did you start your career as hula hoop dancer and fire performer ?

I was 25, I had just gone to a concert and I saw this hula hooper on stage dancing. I had never seen anything like it!!! My mind was blown. I researched how to make my own hula hoop and I practiced every day. The hoop would fall down but I was determined to learn!!! After about a few months of hoopla obsessing, I found out that I could hula hoop with the hoop on fire! I started practicing that and within the year I won, 2008’s fire hooper of the year. It wasn’t long after that I would get calls from Los Angeles. I worked for Britney Spears, was on the Jimmy Kimmel show and did many more tv shows and commercials.

What’s the life like in circus?

Circus life is incredible. You travel all over the world, meet amazing people, train hard, perform shows and you never really know where you’re going to be next! But it is difficult. You’re constantly in hotels and airports. You’re exhausted and mentally drained. But the good out ways the bad. And I feel happy that I have had a successful circus career for 8 years.

What’s the most memorable moment in your career?

I can not give one memorable moment in my career. There are too many! Performing for Britney Spears was high on the memorable moment list. Also working for Cirque.

What’s your main focus now?

My main focus now is my family. I’m at full term with my pregnancy and just waiting for my soul mate baby to grace this world. I’m resigning from my cirque career to focus my time being a full time mom and partner to my beloved. I couldn’t be happier with this bittersweet decision.

If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything. I feel successful. I feel respected. And I had a great 8 year run of being a circus performer.

Check Veronika’s website here:http://kitspins.com