Doing these round-ups of other local small businesses has become one of my favorite things to do. I love not only supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs but also introducing my friends, clients and readers to some super talented folks. This time, I've rounded up a group of incredibly talented women who I've deemed as "makers" since they all have very different ways of sharing their creativity through the things they make. They are all local to Raleigh and are all certainly worth checking out! Below, I've given my thoughts on what makes them so special to me but also included words from their own unique perspectives. Hope you enjoy!
Morgan Rollinson - Morgan Rollinson Art @morganrollinson
What I Love: When possible, I encourage my clients to consider original art and supporting a local artist is only icing on the cake. Morgan's work spoke to me the first time I saw it. It's colorful, happy and whimsical but sophisticated at the same time. I also love how she manages to make florals appear almost graphic. I only discovered as I was working on this blog post that some of her designs have been translated to wallpaper (see last image below) and is so cool!
In Morgan's Words: I have an affinity for blooms and the simple mission to interpret beauty. Growing up in a creative family of woodworkers, designers, antique curators, and artists, creating has been a consistent part of my life. I graduated in 2014 from North Carolina State University College of Design with a degree in Graphic Design. During a summer abroad in Florence, Italy, I studied Art at the Florence University of the Arts. I now work as a designer and artist in Raleigh, NC. I aim to evoke feelings of lightness and whimsy through lively blooms, abstracted foliage and energetic interpretations. My paintings can be found in boutiques, galleries and private collections across the United States.
Whitney Bailey - Bailey Lane Baking Company @baileylanebakingco
What I Love: I learned about Whitney and her amazing cookies a couple of years ago when we first moved back to Raleigh from a friend. After my first cookie order as party favors for an engagement party we threw, I was hooked. Cookies, to me, are the perfect party favor no matter what the occasion. They are beautiful, they taste delicious and they disappear after eaten and do not add clutter to the house! Whitney is truly an artist with the designs she creates with cookies. For my daughter's first birthday, I loved the invitations and sent them over to Whitney for inspiration. Whitney was so talented that she was actually able to paint the design directly onto the cookies (see second image below).
In Whitney's Words: I have loved to bake as long as I can remember! Decorating cookies with my family was one of our favorite traditions growing up. I'm an artist and graphic designer by trade so I've always had my hands in something creative. I started baking and decorating cookies as a hobby around 3 years ago. I would put my 3 little boys to bed and come downstairs to a quiet kitchen and start creating. And I pretty much haven't stopped since! The business has taken off and I'm continually amazed at every turn. I'm absolutely along for the ride and plan to continue to do this as long as I feel God is calling me to it! I'm so grateful to be able to use and share my gifts - I love spreading joy through cookies.
Meredith Albee - Meredith Albee Design @meredithalbeedesign
What I Love: A friend told me about Meredith's work and how she had recently decided to quit her day job and pursue her passion - textile design. I could definitely relate to that. I loved the playful prettiness of Meredith's designs as soon as I saw them and hope to incorporate her work into my client's homes too. And I can say on a personal level that Meredith is just as sweet as she is talented - we met over coffee to talk shop a few weeks ago and she is a gem!
In Meredith's words: My artistic identity is a painter first and a textile designer second. I was introduced to the world of textiles while studying Art and Design at NC State University. My designs are unique because each begins as a watercolor or acrylic painting, then are digitized and transformed into a pattern to be printed on fabric—I work to preserve that painterly quality in the final product. I love seeing my art take on different shapes through fabric to instill beauty into a space.
Danielle Milner - ElleWoodsCo @ellewoodsco
What I Love: I discovered Danielle from her Etsy shop and then happily realized she was also a fellow Raleigh-ite. My clients were in need of a sign for their beach home and Elle customized an awesome one for their house. My favorite thing about her work is how she creates these visually interesting and graphic works of art from reclaimed wood that feel modern and fresh with a retro nod at the same time.
In Elle's words: Elle Woods Co came to life a little over two years ago as a form of creative therapy. I've been a crafter and creator my entire life, but the adrenaline rush of using power tools and turning reclaimed wood into works of art became an addiction. I turned this side gig into my full time career last summer and am loving every milestone of it! I specialize in geometric wood art, but also create customizable pieces for newlyweds, babies, businesses, and more!
If you are in need of a unique gift, party favor, or a beautiful home art or accessory, these are all a great place to start!
xo, Cameron
