Meet Naima of Fearless Threads. She makes bags, scarves, fabric flower pins and even iPad cases all with the signature Fearless Threads look – vibrant fun prints. Fearless Threads is made up of the duo of Naima and her sister Fatima. Read about how she was inspired to start her business and how even you can be part of this “Fearless” family.

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?

We are the eclectic brand, known as Fearless Threads. Fearless Threads is delighted to provide customers with a variety of distinctive, handmade handbags and accessories. Our merchandise includes purses, totes, wristlets, iPad/Kindle covers, belts, scarves, brooches, and quilts. FSM shoppers love us because we work with them to create one-of-a-kind pieces that fit their personality and style. We can transform a customer’s vision into a vibrant creation that they will cherish and want to show off!

Although I design and create all of the products, I work closely with my sister who is the master of sales and marketing.

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

A few years ago, a friend brought back yards of gorgeous fabric from her trip to Ghana, and she couldn’t decide what to do with it. I gladly took on the challenge of creating something wonderful for her. The fabric was so rich and beautiful that it actually inspired me! I made a couple of tote bags for her and the requests from other friends and family started pouring in. I thought it would just be a hobby, but low-and-behold, Fearless Threads was born.

We would absolutely love to open a studio soon. Our customers can stop by and browse our selection of fabrics and styles and customize something that is a reflection of them. Lately, we have received many requests for sewing and craft lessons. We would use the studio to teach beginning classes and host events. In addition, we would like to work with more business to create custom gifts for their clients using their colors/logos. For example, we just created a signature tote for a wedding coordinator to give to all of her beautiful brides. We would love to work on more projects like that. It would also be utterly awesome to do something cool like design the gift bag for the Grammys!

The Savannah rounded tote - gorgeous inside and out!

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

I fell in love with sewing at a very young age. I took my first formal sewing class in the 7^th grade, but for as long as I can remember, I was cutting up my clothes and putting them back together in funky ways. The great thing about our business is that we allow the customer to be a part of the process of developing their products. It helps fuel their creativity and it allows them to purchase something that they helped design. Our customers are like part of the extended “fearless” family!

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

The vendors at FSM are also like family. It’s great to be there on market day and have Shel’s Studio next to me and see Carols Niece across the plaza. FSM has become such a great resource for sharing ideas and growing the business. The vendors, as well as the organizers, are so dedicated and passionate about their work.

Check out Fearless Threads this weekend at Fenton Street Market! They’re also on Facebook and Twitter and have an Etsy shop!

Elsa of Little Peeps Emporium makes jewelry for kids and their grown-ups. Read about her work, full life and how she got into running her own jewelry business while still being a kick-ass mom!

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?

I’m Elsa Spezio, proprietor of the Little Peeps Emporium, based in Jessup, MD. I sell handmade jewelry for kids and their grown-ups.

My glass jewelry for kids is made to be colorful and classy with a lifetime guarantee. I have made these pieces as durable as I can, and am confident they will hold up to the worst your little one can throw at them.

For the grown-ups, I have LOTS of earrings in different styles and materials. I use an even mix of the awesome tarnish-resistant Argentium sterling sliver and copper for my work. I like to alternate different semi-precious stones, glass beads, and even fair trade recycled paper beads, and see what combinations emerge. I also do some wire work, making wire-wrapped stone necklaces, bracelets and leather wrap bracelets.

How I’m known? Well, I take great pleasure in beating on things. I am happiest when I can take some time at the market and hammer out a pair of hoops or an S-hook clasp. Flattening wire on a block with a hammer gives it a lovely texture, and a stiffness that allows a pair of delicate-looking hoops to hold their shape. And it’s a great stress-reliever to boot!

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

I got started because of a temper tantrum. My daughter is a girlie-girl, and threw a total hissy fit at the toy store after she found a set of garbage beads she coudln’t live without. I had a roommate in college who made jewelry, and I instantly remembered the bead store she took me to when she got supplies. Armed with this knowledge, I got my daugther to calm down by promising to take her to the bead shop. She could pick out beads and I would make her a special necklace. I started making jewelry as birthday party gifts, and I noticed there wasn’t anything out there which was made to last for kids, but not heirloom-quality or fussy. I figured that would be a good niche.

Stuff for grown-ups soon followed, (Man cannot live by pink alone,) especially after I started selling a lot of my kid necklaces to adults. Over the years, I’ve dabbled with different creative media – a bit of painting, sketching, etc. I’m also pretty handy with tools and building. Making jewelry just clicked with me in a way that no other art had. Its making wearable art with hand ools, and that’s pretty cool.

My future vision… Keep doing what I’m doing, but smarter. Settle into a schedule for the year, make more stuff, and keep the stress level as low as possible.

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

To be honest, it started as a way to engage my brain while being home with my kids. Spending days on end with wee ones can make a creative outlet and adult conversation a precious commodity. My buddy Mary loves beads even more than I do, and she comes by and we will spend an afternoon drinking lots of tea and coming up with new designs. It’s my own little sewing circle.

I try to make pieces that are versatile, classic, and durable. I want little girls to love their jewelry, wear it all the time, and not have their parents worry about it falling apart. For the grown-ups, it’s a similar aspiration. I don’t want people looking at my stuff as something they will wear for a season and then stuff into the back of a drawer because it’s out of fashion. Likewise, falling apart is not an option. I encounter a lot of dirt, flying food, and general insanity in my life, and I’m not nice to the jewelry I wear. I expect my pieces to have quick and easy clean-up.care, and to endure, both by being not-too trendy, and really sturdy. That’s what I want for myself, so why not want it for others as well?

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

Lots of things, actually. The organizers are very supportive of us as entrepreneurs. Having a day out where I can chat with the customers, make more pieces, get a crepe & some fresh donuts, what’s not to like? The market is organized well, and there’s great camaraderie with the other vendors. Overall, it’s a class act, and it’s great when you can find a great vibe like that.

See Elsa’s work in person this Saturday at Fenton! But window shop on her website until then, and check her out on Facebook and Twitter!

The Carly Noel Collection is one of our most regular jewelry vendors at Fenton Street Market. Among the many things she offers are gemstones, sterling silver, swarovski crystals and pearls. Read about how she built her business with the support and encouragement of her husband and the role her family plays in her present and future aspirations for her business.

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?

Carly Noel Collection from Silver Spring, MD. We are known at the market for our diverse selection of jewelry and beads as well as making custom jewelry on the spot. As of September 1st we are expanding to a double booth to offer even more items than ever!  We will have new items for the holidays and more of our regular items as well.

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

I got started making jewelry when I was looking for something special to wear and couldn’t find any quality jewelry at a decent price.  Since I have always been involved in art, I decided to make something myself.  I continued to make more pieces, and people started asking me where they could buy them.  At that point my husband really encouraged me to go into business and that’s where it started. My short term future vision is to gain more experience in metal work. My husband will also learn this so he can help me add more to our men’s collection. Our long term future vision is to build a business that will be able to be passed down to our children.

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

We make unique, high quality jewelry.  One of the things that makes us special is that we make pieces with quality material that will last, while still keeping very reasonable prices.  I also work with my customers to help them choose a piece that is perfect for them.  I also work with customers that need a piece for a specific event or occasion.  Using our selection of beads, together we design a piece that is just what they need.

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

What isn’t my favorite thing about FSM!  We just love it!

Find out more about the Carly Noel Collection at their website and visit Carly’s first ever double booth at FSM this weekend!

Vendor profile written by Amina Ahmad of Handmade Habitat. Visit her blog for more on art and craft in the DC area!

Crepes at the Market are staple of Fenton Street Market. We couldn’t imagine a Saturday without long lines for delicious crepes and the most amazing doughnuts that at least I have ever had!

Miguel, or “The Crepe Guy” as people know him at Fenton, has been making crepes since 2005. In addition to his Saturday stand at Fenton, you can also find Miguel’s crepes at Eastern Market in D.C. on Saturdays and Sundays where his business partner operates. They started together at Fenton.

At Fenton, Crepes at the Market is always accompanied by Miguel’s Magnificent Mini Donuts, made fresh at the market and operated by Miguel’s brother. They’ve been making doughnuts since 2003 and recently expanded to include iced coffee at their stand, which they get fresh in the mornings from Kefa Cafe on Bonifant Street in Silver Spring – a great partnership of local businesses and breakfast foods!

But not only do we love crepes and doughnuts, they love us too! What makes Fenton so special to them? The neighborhood atmosphere, Miguel says. People love the crepes and they love to meet new people. “It’s always a fun time,” Miguel said.

Vendor profile written by Amina Ahmad of Handmade Habitat. Visit her blog, Of Cats and Crafts, for more on art and craft in the DC area!

Bhavna’s Henna & Arts offers a unique experience to FSM shoppers. Bhavna does on-the-spot henna tattoos for all! She does amazing traditional intricate designs, as well as stenciled and free-hand designs. You can even get a soccer ball henna tattoo! Learn more about this new vendor in the below Q&A and stop by and get a henna tattoo this Saturday!

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell?

My name is Bhavna Naik and I am a henna body art artist. I also do glitter tattoos (stencil and freehand), temporary color tattoos and make jewelry. I also do henna, glitter and temporary tattoos at markets and festivals and by private appointments and parties like birthday, slumber, Sweet 16, Girls Night In, etc. I also teach henna to kids and adults. I am originally from Mumbai, India and now I live in Clarksburg, MD. My business is Bhavna’s Henna & Arts.

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

My family and friends encouraged me in February of this year and made me start this business since I am always creating stuff and love henna and jewelry. So far I love everyday of being an artist and it makes my soul smile. My vision for the future is to continually better my skills and teach and do mostly bridal henna, and parties.

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

I do what I do because it’s art that people don’t just see- they feel it in every cell of their body. They realize that they are my canvas and that they are walking pieces of art.

I make my own henna with only limejuice and essential oils, which is all natural and safe. I am very against people who do black henna cause they are giving natural henna a bad reputation. To know how bad black henna is, please google black henna scars and you will know what I am against.

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

My favorite thing about FSM is the audience, the vendors and the market managers. I love how all appreciate art and uniqueness. It’s a beautiful blend of awesome people, awesome things and we get to take some money home.

Find Bhavna’s Henna on Facebook, Twitter and check out her website!

Vendor profile written by Amina Ahmad of Handmade Habitat. Visit the blog for more on art and craft in the DC area!

Fenton Street Market vendor Shelley of Shel’s Studio brings her pottery out to the market, which she handmakes right here in Silver Spring! Shelley is a FSM staple – she’s been a vendor with us since the first ever market back at the old location on Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue! Shelley is not just a potter but a teacher also. Read as she shares with us how teaching led her into pottery and how she uses this to spread her love for this art form with others.

1. Who are you, where are you from, and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?

Hi.  I’m the Shel(ley) of Shel’s Studio.  As a potter/ceramic artist, I make traditional functional pottery with a unique, decorative tweak. … and I live right here in Silver Spring!

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

I’m a retired special ed. teacher, who started doing pottery as a way to unwind from the stress of teaching.  (Back then I was a “Harried Potter”.)   Now I love the challenge of imagining what I want to form, and then making it happen.  I work both on the wheel and by hand-building.  My pottery is unique because I put a little whimsical expression into my pieces, either with a special stamp, a splash of glaze, a painted figure, or a sculpted addition, such as body parts or animals.

My vision, my dream, is to have a real studio to work and teach in, with room to display my varied creations. (Presently, I work out of what was originally used for the coal bin in my basement, in addition to taking studio-classes.)   I’m hoping that a wealthy benefactor will share my vision and give me a space in their home, garage, or office building to use as a personal studio and workshop.

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

I like to think I offer a service, by providing one-of-a-kind, finely handcrafted items for personal use, special occasions, and gifts.  At the market, I get to explain the pottery-making process, which usually surprises people at how involved it really is.  I enjoy collaborating on commission work for personalized or creative specialty items.  I also teach art to adults and children, so I share my passion for pottery and the joy of creativity.

Party perfect pieces! Left: The Chip 'n Dip | Right: The Horse Plate

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

FSM is a fun and unique shopping opportunity.  It’s community-based so it can be experienced on a personal level.  The open market allows interaction between vendors and shoppers.  I love connecting/communicating with the other artists, as well as the shoppers.

Thanks, Shelley! Look forward to seeing her unique hand-crafted pieces at Fenton this Saturday! & Like her page on Facebook to keep up with her work!

Vendor profile written by Amina Ahmad of Handmade Habitat. Visit her blog for more on art and craft in the DC area!

“Manga” means comic in Japanese. One of our newest vendors brings us ThunderKid Manga, a Japanese-styled comic book written to be fun for kids of all ages. Read with us as we chat with the author and illustrator of these magnas, Reuel Smith!

My name is Reuel Smith from Gaithersburg Maryland!  I’m a graduate student doing his PhD in reliability engineering at the UMD and a local comic author who writes and draws an all-ages comic book called ThunderKid!  My main property is the first printed volume of my comic, but I also sell button pins, posters, and apparel like bags and later this month t-shirts.  So far my father and I are relatively new to the FSM so we’re only now starting to get a name here.  ThunderKid itself is also pretty new and only now people are learning of it.  But as we meet new people and they meet us I’m sure that will change!

I’ve been drawing nearly my whole life and I love comics and cartoons!  In 1999 I had first come up with the idea for a character called ThunderKid and eventually in 2006 I began work establishing him as an online webcomic for all ages which went online in late 2007.  By 2010 I had done enough chapters to print my first volume and my business officially began.  Originally I tried selling at anime conventions exclusively because it’s done in the manga style (Japanese for comic). But I wanted to do more to reach more kids as they are my primary target audience, so recently I started attending more local fairs and markets since late 2011.  I ultimately want to introduce ThunderKid to many, many kids across the nation so they may grow up with a comic done like manga that they can pick up and read without too many worries from the parents.

First of all I love to draw!  God’s given me a love for drawing and creativity.  It’s something that I’ve loved doing since I was a little kid.  Most of all I want to put that love to good use.  I believe that very few webcomics and manga are targeting kids these days, and this is why I chose the manga format for my series.  The audience that manga caters to is predominantly skewed towards older teens and young adults with very little that is either targeting or savory for younger teens and children.  This is what I like to think makes us special as a business because ThunderKid was made with kids of all ages in mind. I love to see a child take interest in ThunderKid and most of all get into it.  It lets me feel like I’m putting my talent to good use and giving back to the community.

I’ve only been to a few, but right now dad and I are loving the community, not only between the local visitors but also among the vendors.  It’s very tight knit group all together!

Find out more about ThunderKid Manga on his website: http://www.thunderkidmanga.com/

You can also visit his online shop or peruse the magnas in person at Fenton Street Market this Saturday! ThunderKid Manga is also on Facebook and Twitter.

Vendor profile written by Amina Ahmad of Handmade Habitat. Visit the blog for more on art and craft in the DC area!