Category archives: Uncategorized

This is Dee, My friend Jan introduced her to me. She was Miss Manhattan 1949, was born in Italy in 1928, and moved to New York City when she was 5 years. She and her husband moved to a 1837 farm house in Kennett Square after they got married. As age 88, she still has her sense of humor, she  remembered everything, and showed us her pictures, from her picture in daycare to her wedding photos. She loves gardening, once worked in Long wood garden as a volunteer.  She keeps her own small green house, it full of beautiful plants.

 

Dee was sitting in her house near her lemon tree.

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Beautiful fire place in Dee’s house.

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Dee was holding her Miss Manhattan’s photo from 1949.

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Dee was pointing to the left side first girl, she was 3 years old in Italy.

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Dee was attending a party with her family in New York city. She was on the first right side .

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Dee’s wedding gown was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor ‘s wedding dress.

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Dee’s wedding album.

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Dee was in her green house.

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Meet talented Hattie, from a ballerina to a sculptor. Now she is a self taught hand crafted jewelry designer in Kennett Square.

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What did you do before you start jewelry design?

When I was 4 years old I began intensive training in ballet. I was pigeon-toed and the doctor advised my mother that ballet would help straighten my legs. I quickly ended up taking 10 classes a week and when I was 14, I was accepted into The School of American Ballet at Juilliard in New York City. After that, I was a principal ballerina with the Brandywine Ballet Company for 9 years and, later, danced with Opus 1 Contemporary of Philadelphia as well as guest performed with many theatres and other dance companies. I began teaching ballet in 2001 and only recently have had to cut back to one day a week as it’s all my growing jewelry schedule will allow. In my early twenties, I also modeled as a ballerina for a sculpture class and found myself eager to learn how to sculpt. I took a class and began sculpting, later exhibiting my bronze dancers locally in galleries and art exhibits.

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What lead you to beginning to work with jewelry?

In 2006, I stopped dancing professionally and began my family. I enjoyed sculpture but it was expensive to have bronzed. But, without dance or sculpture, I found I still needed an artistic outlet. I picked up an instructional book on beading and wirewrapping at a local craft store and that night I think I made 30 pairs of earrings. I was hooked.

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Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everything around me. I love to garden and often am inspired by nature and its beauty and movement. I am currently fascinated with ancient Egyptian artifacts and patinas. I typically don’t sketch out or plan my designs. I have a general idea or inspiration, start grabbing materials and get to work.

 

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Who do you envision wearing your work? Do you think about this when you work on designs?

I strive to make jewelry that people want to wear. I try to make a variety that appeals to all ages and styles. I believe it is important to learn as many techniques as you can but that doesn’t mean you need to pull out all the stops in every single creation. I often find that the pieces people find the most appealing are the simplest.

 

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The most meaningful piece of jewelry you own is?

My favorite piece is my ‘Wrapped in Lavender Cuff’. It was the most technically challenging piece I have ever made and, because of that, the most rewarding. It was a lengthy process but when I finished it, I remember feeling proud of myself.

 

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Do you have a favorite jewelry designer that you admire?

I admire so many artists but I guess you could say my idol is jewelry artist, Jeanine Payer. She has recently closed her studio doors but I was fortunate to have been given a couple of her pieces and absolutely fell in love with the simplicity and feminine quality of her work. It remains an inspiration to me.

 

Check Hattie’s work here: Hattie Weselyk Jewelry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After two years renovating  an old  farm house, Mary and her family moved to their beautiful  new home. Mary also found her calling in home interior design, organization  and garden design. The EDIT was born. It is a personal, client-centered service providing home order and organization.

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1. What determined your passion for design?

I fell into this. EDIT evolved from my totally control freak nature! As a kid I would re arrange my parents furniture when they went out of town. It didn’t go over well.
As an adult, I’ve lived in a few houses (we seem to move around) and design and order (for me) are a natural part of the move in/move out/nesting and home making process. Creating good and pleasing spaces for life and family is a creative and satisfying endevour for me. But really, I’m a control freak.

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2. Can you describe your first Edit project?

My very first EDIT project was a whole house re order, deckutter and staging for sale process. It was a completed over the summer and the home sold shortly thereafter.
I love to bring order. And the backbone and essence of EDIT is just that. Order. Be it in a basement or closet.

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3. What inspires you?

I’m a always deeply inspired by my amazing friend family. The people who impact my thoughts and heart are truly exceptionally talented humans. I am very lucky to have them. I’ve watched each one of them take flight in their own distinct efforts and I finally feel as though I’m catching up!

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4.Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.

I get my inspiration from a life lived at home. My ideas are influenced by the spaces I have lived in, by the objects and stuff of life I’ve acquired and love and always always always from the natural world. I am certainly no expert on design but I do know what I love. And I do absolutely love what I do with EDIT.

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5. if you have no limits( money, resources), what would you create?

The world as my oyster would truly be endless gardening! Endless. There would be no blade of grass unturned! It would be a boisterous messy flowering world in my garden.

 

Dan was my neighbor, he started beekeeping a few years ago. My daughter and I were fascinated by his honeycombs. When I was doing my photography project, I thought he should be on it. I went a farm where he had his hives. I was scared about the bees at first,  but after he used smoke to calm the bees, everything seemed fine. I was taking  pictures while the bees were dancing around me. It’s such a cool experience.

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When did your interest in beekeeping begin?
I’ve always thought beekeeping was interesting, but didn’t have any experience with it until I found myself working on a small farm, and was asked to help with the hives there.  I didn’t actually start beekeeping myself until a couple years later when I took a break from farming and was starting a family.  It began as a hobby, and as my family has grown and I’ve found I have a little more time available, it’s taken over.
 
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How did you get your hives?
Like almost all beekeepers, I purchased my first bees.  They come shipped in a package, usually from Georgia.  Package bees are not always the best quality, and my first hives didn’t survive their first winter (I was a new beekeeper myself then, so I’ll share some of the blame).  Since then, I began to try to seek out locally raised bees that are hopefully a little more adapted to our climate.  I usually now raise my own queens and bees, catch swarms, and I get some new bees by removing feral colonies from buildings.
 
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How many hives do you have? How much honey do you get from each?
These days, I maintain anywhere from 20-50 colonies.  The number fluxuates more than you might think.  Every Winter, I lose a few, but throughout the season I’m splitting some hives and combining others.  Raising healthy bees has always been my primary reason for keeping bees, not producing honey, so I leave plenty behind.  Some hives end up producing a surplus, and I end up feeding some honey back to other smaller colonies.
 
Are there different type of honey?
Definitely!  Honey varies widly depending on what nectar sources the bees are visiting.  From dark Buckwheat honey, to light Black Locust and everything in between, all the different varietal honeys have distinct flavors.  Around here, our bees (thankfully) enjoy a pretty diverse nectar flow, so we generally produce a “wildflower” honey.  I think our local Spring honey has a great floral quality, and it varies a bit year to year, as the season sometimes favors some blossoms more than others.  If you haven’t ever set up a honey tasting, you should try it some time.
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Do beekeepers get stung by bees? And what your experience so far?
Oh, yes.  I get that question a lot.  I don’t usually like to wear gloves or too much protective gear, because I think it leads one to be a little clumsy with the bees.  Honey bees are not usually aggressive, but I do sometimes get stung when I misplace a hand when I’m grabbing a frame from the hive.  These days, I’m working hives most days of the week, so it’s an unusual day when I don’t get a sting or two.
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What’s your favorite part of beekeeping?
Tough question.  It’s mesmerizing just watching all the activity going in and out of a hive, or just letting myself become surrounded by the hum of life around me when I open a hive.  Keeping bees can definitely be a challenge too, and I love that there is always more to learn.  I also really enjoy teaching people about honey bees, and I have to say, the beekeeping community is a pretty eccentric crowd.  Perhaps I’m most grateful that beekeeping has connected me with so many passionate and interesting people over the years.
 

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.
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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!
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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!
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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. 

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.

 

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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 .

 

 

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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.

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

Find what you love and let it kill you.

 

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 .

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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!
 
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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!
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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.
 
 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!m3

 

 

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/

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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!

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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.

 

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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/

 

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.

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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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