YLNI Farmers Market – Fawnly Prints
Marie Heimann found a new use for painting: easing anxiety. During a difficult pregnancy, Marie started painting and found that while she was engulfed in creating her art, her physical discomforts melted away. Her aspirations did not stop after her pregnancy, however. Marie’s desire encourage and inspire others grew to the point of starting her own business, Fawnly Prints. With her husband and biggest supporter Cory at her side, Marie disciplined herself enough to learn how to watercolor, and eventually launched her business. Today, Marie offers original watercolor and hand lettered inspirational paintings made into professional prints. Getting started began with a book and the ambition to make life better. Marie transformed her growing skill into a business and Etsy shop in February 2016. Being a stay-at-home mom, Marie gets to care for her 3 boys while working on her artistic passion every day. Though her creations have not always been easy for Marie, she has learned to be confident in her individual voice and continue developing her art. Marie’s advice to anyone thinking of starting a business is to “keep practicing – you WILL get better.” This persistence of Marie has brought her business success, increasing both sales and lives inspired every year. Marie’s greatest achievement has been consistently growing her business, including doing custom thank you cards for a large organization. Come out to the YLNI Farmer’s Market this year and check out Fawnly Prints. Visit their Etsy store online like them on...
read moreYLNI Farmers Market – Out of a Jam
Paula and Bernie set a goal that’s simple yet effective when Paula quit her full-time job: to help women out of a jam. A leap of faith and one year later, Paula and Bernie are achieving their vision with Out of a Jam. Paula was driven by a calling to start a nonprofit vocational program that helps women in the wake of tragedy, domestic abuse, and addiction by teaching them the entrepreneurship, culinary skills, personal development, and interpersonal communication that can change their lives. To make the business sustainable, her students create amazing gourmet jellies, jams, flat bread, crackers, and scones. The sale of the student’s products, along with some private funding, allow Paula to offer her invaluable education to students for free. In this new endeavor, Paula has learned two important lessons. Her family’s support and the help of others are vital to being successful. It’s okay to not know what you are doing at first (many people would argue that it’s an attribute) as long as you are willing to ask for help when you need it. Outside of her business, Paula enjoys devouring cookbooks which aid her culinary education. After a year of pursuing her passion and calling, Paula offers one piece of advice to anyone wanting to start their own business (and really it applies to everyone in general). “Talk about it to others and really listen to what they are saying. Not just with their words but with their expressions and body language.” The most important conversations cannot always be heard. You can find Paula and her amazing students food every Saturday on Barr Street at the YLNI Farmers Market. To learn more you can also find Out of a Jam on Facebook or their...
read moreYLNI Farmers Market – Gnarly Beard Co
If you are looking to enter a beard competition, Bryan and Kate Conrad have you covered. With a rad assortment of beard oils, beard balms, gnarly beard sudz wash, hot oil beard treatments, shave oil, tattoo salve, and hand painted beard brushes, this team has helped gnarly beards be recognized nationally. This team is seeking to perfect the art of healthy grooming while redefining customer service and giving back. Gnarly Beard was born out of frustration with a product that they purchased online. Its subpar quality was not justified by its price tag. So, with a desire for something better and a military reimbursement check, Gnarly Beard Co was born. Bryan and Kate’s business is supported and inspired by each other (pause for the response to cuteness). They say that their greatest success is the community encouragement they received. This has allowed them to create more than just one line of their products and expand outside of the grooming realm. An important lesson propelling them forward is interacting with customers like they are family and friends. While it can become difficult to remember everyone’s names, preferences, and personal history, it makes all the difference. Many of these interactions are just small gestures. These small steps with customers lay important foundations in building the business and good customer relationships. When Bryan and Kate aren’t working on Gnarly Beard, they are indulging in their favorite hobby: parenting! Get down to the market and take care of your beard! Also, check out their website, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and...
read moreYLNI Farmers Market – Qué Será, Sarah Bakery
Have carbs and gluten become the enemy of your house? Sarah and Carlos want you to love your grains! Coming to the market this year with their artisan sourdough breads and pastries is Qué Será, Sarah Bakery. They’re bringing carbohydrates back with their unique recipe of a fermented dough that is easier to digest, even for sensitive stomachs. Not only do the two enjoy the feel of sourdough dough in their hands, but also they love how they can craft art that’s edible. Join them on their quest to make carbs great again. While Qué Será, Sarah Bakery is a new venture, Sarah and Carlos have been baking at their flower shop/coffee shop/gallery, Bloomin’ BREWtique, for some time now. Along with flowers, coffee, and breads (sounds like a great place to hang out), they feature local artists in their gallery. Just selling in the shop limits the amount of people they can reach however, so it’s off to the farmers market this year to grow their business. New adventures need the support of loved ones to steady the boat during the ride, and Sarah and Carlos have found that support in each other – while their customers support them both. Outside of their business, Sarah and Carlos enjoy painting, going on walks with their German Shepherd, and dreaming up the next big thing. Their adventures have produced some great successes and important lessons. The greatest success so far is being able to sell their breads to local restaurants, like Trubble Brewing Co. They have been able to accomplish this by efficiently planning their days and executing on those plans to ensure that everything that needs done, gets done. A bit of advice they like to offer to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be flexible. Just like with their commitment to join the YLNI Farmers Market, openness to change is essential because you never know what will happen. Get down to the market this summer and befriend carbs with Sarah and Carlos! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, and stop in their store Bloomin’ BREWtique between 9am and 5pm Tuesday through Friday at 106 South Jefferson Strett, Ossian, IN 46777 if you can’t wait until...
read moreYLNI Farmers Market – Young Urban Homesteaders
Fermenting foods is an ancient tradition, heavily practiced in Asian cultures. Phillipe Carroll and Samantha Marie first learned of this practice when working on various farms in California. The minute they first tried KimChi, they were hooked. This led them to create Young Urban Homesteaders in 2012, a business with an emphasis on bringing homegrown, ethically sourced, quality food to the community. Today, their wide selection includes: KimChi, Sauerkraut, Salsa, Liquid Peppers (Hot Sauce), Garlic, Pickles, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Refresh Produce Bags. The core mission of Young Urban Homesteaders is to strengthen the local food economy. Working with local farmers, their path to achieving that mission delivers clean (pesticide-free) food stocked with probiotics. “Every time money changes hands within the community the benefit is compounded” according to Phillipe and Samantha. A point of interest about fermentation is that fermented foods are “The Original” probiotic. Stop by their tent and they can give you the science behind how that works. After coming home from farming in California, they sought to grow their own produce and produce fermented foods to sell in the local community. They quickly realized that their KimChi sales outpaced their raw produce sales and focused on what the community wanted most. In partnering with trusted farms in the area, they buy as much produce as they can to deliver the amazing foods today. In 2016, they purchased over 1,000 pounds of produce from farmers that you can find at the farmers markets in the area. This steadfast focus has produced the relationships that make their business possible. Outside of YUH, Samantha studies to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and is a flow artist (aerial silks, lyra, hula hoop) and Phillipe does woodworking, makes music, and freelances interior design work (so if you need a fresh coat of paint, give them a call). Samantha and Phillipe know that success is not the result of one person, or even two. They attribute a great deal of their success to the community that buys their products and funding a food forest in the city. Both their vendor and community relationships are key, and it takes patience. Patience to grow those relationships and to grow your business. Their original business plan was, “Everyone eats, and we will be fine”. Finding victory in baby steps and a focus on doing what they love the most has brought them the success they have today. They have accomplished what they have set out to do thus far but know that there is so much left on the horizon they can contribute. Find Phillipe and Samantha at the YLNI Farmers Market on Barr Street! Also, be sure to like them at Young Urban Homesteaders Facebook Page and check out their website where you can buy many of their products...
read moreLFW Weekly Fun File
Looking for fun things to do in Fort Wayne? Living Fort Wayne compiles a list of events and activities happening every week! This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you don’t quite see what you’re looking for, check out our events calendar. If you’d like to see your event featured in the Weekly Fun File, or added to our events calendar, let us know! Email us at info@livingfortwayne.com or you can go ahead and submit your event to our calendar! Click on the event for more information about times, locations, cost, etc. Hobnobben Film Festival Preview Party Thursday, May 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out trailers for the 2017 films! Meditation in the Park Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. Everyone could use a bit of fresh air and a clear mind. Find both in the park! Visitors Center Open House Friday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn all about the Visitors Center, and enjoy some special treats while you’re at it! Youtheatre’s “James and the Giant Peach” Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, times vary This is such a fun show for the Youtheatre to be putting on! Support our kids’ art and enjoy the show! West Main Street Antique and Vintage Market SPRING 2017 Saturday, May 13 at 9 a.m. Don’t miss your chance to take home some really great finds. Three Rivers Running Company Pink Ribbon Run Saturday, May 13 at 9 a.m. Join the run to benefit breast cancer research! 5th Annual Raptor Expo Saturday, May 13 at from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Stop by to see these amazing animals! There will be presentations throughout the day. Mary Poppins Movie Sunday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. Mary Poppins in the Embassy Theatre? What a perfect Mother’s Day. Mommie Dearest and Mimosas – Mother’s Day at Cinema Center Sunday, May 14 at 11 a.m. As part of Downtown Fort Wayne’s Mother’s Day Downtown event, Cinema Center will screen Mommie Dearest! Do something different this year. Mother’s Day Downtown 2017 Sunday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free trolleys to explore downtown! Find the perfect gift for mom, or spend a fun day with her! Remember, this isn’t all Fort Wayne has to offer. Get out and have some fun this weekend! We can’t wait to see you around our...
read moreLFW — Weekly Fun File
Looking for fun things to do in Fort Wayne? Living Fort Wayne compiles a list of events and activities happening every week! This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you don’t quite see what you’re looking for, check out our events calendar. If you’d like to see your event featured in the Weekly Fun File, or added to our events calendar, let us know! Email us at info@livingfortwayne.com or you can go ahead and submit your event to our calendar! Click on the event for more information about times, locations, cost, etc. Food truck Thursdays Thursday, May 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Yay! Stop by teds for some delicious dinner! BikeFusion Friday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food, beer and bikes. Kick off the season with some fun! The Mersey Beatles at C2G Music Hall, Fort Wayne, Indiana Friday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. We love the Mersey Beatles. It’s a show you definitely don’t want to miss! For details on last years performance, check out this post. NAMI Fort Wayne 5K Run & Walk Saturday, May 6 at 8:30 a.m. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is hosting a 5K run/walk to support mental health services. There’s something for all ages, join them in breaking the stigma and making sure people get the support they need. It’s Been A Magical Year! Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. The Narwhal and the Manatee has been in business for an entire YEAR! Celebrate with them and leave with some goodies, too. Grand Opening Party — Masters Hand BBQ Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. Do you like BBQ sauce? Stop by their grand opening and give them a try! Melinda Howe’s Snow White Saturday, May 6 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Enjoy the New American Youth Ballet’s rendition of Snow White this weekend, and bring your kiddos! Cinderella’s Ball Sunday, May 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p..m. The annual princess tea party is here! This fundraiser supports Destiny Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to protecting children from human trafficking and exploitation. It’s a great event for a great cause, and your kids will have SO MUCH fun. Cherry Blossom Festival Fort Wayne, Indiana Sunday, May 7 at 12 p.m. It’s the 11th year for this fun festival. Learn all about Japanese culture this weekend. Fort Wayne Music Festival Wednesday, May 10 through May 14 Sweetwater’s hosting another music festival this year! You can check out the lineup on the event page. Remember, this isn’t all Fort Wayne has to offer. Get out and have some fun this weekend! We can’t wait to see you around our...
read moreLFW Weekly Fun File
Looking for fun things to do in Fort Wayne? Living Fort Wayne compiles a list of events and activities happening every week! This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you don’t quite see what you’re looking for, check out our events calendar. If you’d like to see your event featured in the Weekly Fun File, or added to our events calendar, let us know! Email us at info@livingfortwayne.com or you can go ahead and submit your event to our calendar! Click on the event for more information about times, locations, cost, etc. 1. Rachel Von and Jeremy Stroup’s Art Opening Thursday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stop by for an evening of creativity and fun! 2. Entrepreneurs, Don’t Be Socially Awkward: A Social Media Talk Friday, April 14 at 12 p.m. In this talk, Anna Russett, Senior Social Strategist visiting from Havas Chicago and Fort Wayne native, will discuss why social should be at the core of your strategy with tips on how to build a strong social presence that highlights your brand’s services or products and speaks authentically to your target audience. 3. Hike The Trails of Fox Island Friday, April 14 at 1 p.m. Hike the trails of Fox Island with Naturalist Jeff Ormiston. It should be a beautiful spring day! 4. Slidin’ Into the Latest Trends: Where Social Media is Going Friday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. Come hear Anna Russett, Senior Strategist with Havas Chicago and social influencer share emerging trends and innovations in social media. Learn where social media is going and how you can not only come along, but also lead the way. 5. Soirée Presents: Acoustic Showcase Saturday, April 15 ay 7:30 p.m. Hear some great music and BYOB. 6. Chalk it Up [workshop] Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m. Learn how to chalk, write, and design a chalkboard at Saving Grace Vintage. 7. Deer Park’s Dyngus Day Party Monday, April 17 Celebrate with food, drinks, and music! 8. The Buzz about Bees Tuesday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m. A local beekeeper will teach your kiddos (age 3-5) about the importance of bees — stop by and you may learn a thing or two, too! 9. Meet Me At FWMoA Tuesday, April 18 at 2 p.m. “This monthly tour program is specially designed for individuals with an early-stage diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. Tours are led by docents trained to effectively communicate with individuals with an early-stage diagnosis of dementia and are designed to be engaging for the individual and their care partners.” Check out the event page for more information. 10. Pippin National Tour: April 18, 2017 in Fort Wayne, IN Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the latest show coming to the Embassy! Remember, this isn’t all Fort Wayne has to offer. Get out and have some fun this weekend! We can’t wait to see you around our...
read moreAbode: A trendy home decor boutique in Leo?!
I’ll admit it – Leo-Cedarville, Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for inspiring and fresh home décor. You might not expect that the little gray house on Center St. in the heart of Leo’s downtown holds such unique and stylish pieces, but one glance from the outside draws you in! Owner and interior designer Carey Burchfield and her husband Nick completely remodeled this pre-1900s home and transformed it into their chic new home store called Abode Design + Decor. I sat down with Carey to chat about how it all came about. Walk me through the process of the transformation this house has undergone? Abode came about because I’ve always wanted a retail design storefront. A little over a year after finishing our own 2 year farmhouse remodel, I drove by this run down little home right on the major highway thru town and close to my home. I could instantly see the potential for the building and the location for a business/design storefront. After viewing the space with my husband, who seemed much more enthusiastic than I expected, we decided that this quaint 900 sq. ft. home was nothing compared to the renovations we had done on our own home. We jumped and took a leap of faith. Renovations took us about 8 months. One area even required a chain saw to cut out the existing unlevel floor joists (which were actually just tree trunks). The floors are all the original hardwood dating pre-1900. It’s a space that you have to see in person to appreciate. My goal was to create an environment where as soon as clients walk through the door they immediately fall in love. My favorite thing about the store is the furniture, are some of these restored vintage pieces? I like furniture that catches my eye, just something in my gut that says I’m beautiful, take me home! If the furniture needs a facelift that doesn’t scare me. Furniture I buy for the store, whether classic or unique, needs to be relevant to today’s design trends. I need to be able to envision it either in my own home or a clients. I definitely want people to find one of a kind pieces in my store that they can’t get anywhere else. Do you offer interior design services if someone wanted to recreate this type of look in their own home? I offer design services for any type of style a client has. I like to get a feel for what my clients are looking to accomplish in their homes, how they use their spaces and what functions well for them. What is one element someone can change in their home that can really make a statement and give a space a fresh look? One of the simplest things someone can do is to declutter their space. Take out the unimportant and unneeded items that take up space in your home and in your life. I find that most people already have a few elements in their homes that they love. Don’t be afraid to live in simplicity while you wait for the right piece, but if after six months or a year you feel stuck, it’s time to bring in someone to help...
read moreThe HEDGE: Julie Wall Interview
I have been a fan of Julie Wall, 31, for years now. She was born and raised in Fort Wayne and is the embodiment of a strong individual that is kind, direct, and a true believer in the entrepreneurial spirit. She started her own business, The HEDGE, in 2013. This place is where she has created a solid reputation with locals while feeding her creative spirit. I stopped by her new location at 1016 Broadway in downtown Fort Wayne (open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday) to chat and see how the new location is treating her. She spent a great deal of time rehabbing the building, and I was eager to see the new space. I asked her why she selected downtown, and she told me that “If I was ever going to do it, the time was now.” She went on to talk about the new energy happening in our urban core. “The timing is right. It’s so great being downtown. I love seeing people out and about for leisurely purposes. Being open on Saturdays for the hustle and bustle is fun. People are on the streets with their Shop Small bags as compared to five years ago when it was a ghost town down here.” She offers a wide range of services including custom printing, design, foiling, letterpress, debossing, edge painting, invitations, calligraphy, event signage, engraving, sublimation, fine art, murals, curation, workshops, printing demos, creative consulting, and more. She is heavily involved in the process from beginning to end with her clients and customers. She has been active in everything from weddings and parties to funerals and fundraisers. “People come in with an idea and we figure it out together,” Julie told me with enthusiasm. When I asked her why she does this, she didn’t hesitate with her answer. “I’ve grown up in a small family business, so I knew I would own my own business someday, too. It’s in my blood. It allows me to be creative every single day. It gives me the chance to disconnect from my own art in a good way, too. Owning your own business is empowering, but being self-employed really never ends. There is only so much time in a day.” Check out the spring workshops at The HEDGE on the website. Join them on March 25 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. for an open house printing workshop, and an art opening with new work by Daniel Dienelt and Julie. There will be PBR on the house, and delicious cupcakes from Zinnia’s Bakehouse. Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you don’t miss any updates!...
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