Author Archive for PelletierHG22

Majesty Lewis–Maj Lewis Photography

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 
· 1 Comment

Majesty Lewis is an innovative photographer with a dream. As early as middle school, she always loved taking pictures and modeling, so when she received her first DSLR camera in senior year of high school she was obsessed. She quickly taught herself photography and editing skills, but she kept it only as a hobby throughout college. It was not until several years working in the business management workplace that she decided to take the leap of faith and start her own photography business–which she calls Maj Lewis Photography. She had the materials, business experience, and skills, but what would set her apart from any other Montana photographer? Her specialization in relationships and family work characterizes her business and spreads her name’s popularity among clientele. Majesty works with families of all ages and sizes, and she will make sure to accommodate every individual because “everyone deserves the opportunity to have pictures with the ones you love,” (Majesty). She has worked with couples, children, pets, as well as individuals with special needs. Majesty cares so much about her clients’ experiences that she will go as far to hold a baby while taking dedicated pictures of the parents. Growing up Majesty never believed being a photographer could ever happen, but she is proof that you can achieve your dreams if you work hard enough. Not only that, but Majesty also illustrates that innovation can be found in any field of work.

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Categories : Uncategorized

Piggyback DIY–Laura Rose

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Monday, November 14th, 2022 
· 2 Comments

Laura Rose has always enjoyed art and craft endeavors, so much so, that she decided to make a business out of it. Now what do all crafters need? A blank canvas to work on! Laura saw this need and decided to make blank canvas products more accessible for the average small business and consumers. She sells multiple sizes of fanny packs, mini backpacks, plain backpacks, and double pocket backpacks. They are all plain, thick, white canvas which can then be dyed, painted, bedazzling, or even embroidered. Laura even has an idea page for customers who want product recommendations. Nicole Dutra (owner of the tie dye company, Dutraville) has bought from Piggyback DIY, and thus, they have created a mutually beneficial business relationship where they both get more promotions. Piggyback DIY has created an efficient business while letting their customers be their prime advertisers.

2 Comments
Categories : Uncategorized

Jocie Hagan: One Project Closer

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 
· 4 Comments

Jocie Hagan and her husband, Ethan, started their own business of renovating houses. It started just by helping friends with slightly more advanced small house projects, but as their name got around their project sizes grew just as well as their popularity. To capitalize off of their growing name, they started a blog/vlog which incorporated primarily how to’s about various around the house projects. They partnered with Home Depot, which got them discounts on the materials and furnishings that they use in all of their projects. They also had on their blog lists of what materials were necessary for all of their projects in addition to comparisons between similar materials and proper examples of when each is appropriate to use. Additionally, Jocie connected her crafting and artistic skills to this business, and they also posted how to’s for a wide variety of artsy projects and décor. She does everything from simple diy wall art to full room theme painting to cute art projects to do with kids. Jocie engages her daughters in the family business, which also helps to grow their name. This serves as the primary money maker for the couple to raise their family on, and they have big plans in store for the future of their business.

4 Comments
Categories : Blogging, Building, Decor, Design, Interior Design

Nicole Dutra: Dutraville

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 
· 1 Comment

In Ellicott City, MD, Nicole Dutra found a passion for hand dying clothes and fabrics. After years of experimentation with different methods of tie dying, she found ice dying her favorite. A couple more years later, she decided to sell her work and create a business out of it. She named her business Dutraville, and creates all of her pieces from home. She sells her work both from Instagram and Etsy, but she also does custom orders. Nicole provides excellent customer service with both quick shipping and, if you’re in the area, she will even drive it to you. She even will give you a personal tour of her studio and explain the process behind ice dying, show you all of her dyes, and even let you help her get a project started! She sells everything from tote bags to hoodies to Turkish towels, and she provides a discount if you want her to dye an article of clothing (or other cotton piece) that you already have. Her business is still growing, but it is definitely already worth her time. Nicole has had stands at many small business fairs, most commonly being outside Su Casa on Main Street in Old Ellicott City one Saturday of every month. She has even had the opportunity to partner with other small business owners and combine their products and skills! Dutraville is one of my favorite small businesses to support.

1 Comment
Categories : Apparel/Accessories, Art, Clothing, Creating, Design, Fashion, Handmade

Colin Hammond–Baker from the Beginning

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Monday, September 26th, 2022 
· 1 Comment

Colin Hammond grew up as the youngest child of nine kids. Throughout his childhood, he would bake with his mom and older sisters. His love for baking grew exponentially, and by age twelve he had won over thirty ribbons and trophies from baking competitions across Maryland–specifically including the county and state fair. Once he reached high school, he began taking orders and running his own baking business. He ranged from one to six big orders each week, and he specializes in cakes and cupcakes. He most frequently caters for weddings and birthdays. The farthest place he has catered to is northern Virginia, which is roughly three and a half hours from where he lives. He is currently taking business classes at a community college to help him better run and expand his business. The quality of his cakes makes his high prices worth it, as he balances the cost of materials and time with making a profit. With his constant demand of baked goods, his business is thriving… so much so, that he is currently considering hiring an assistant baker. As of now, Colin is still growing his business, but he plans on someday opening up his own bake shop, and eventually turning it into a small chain.

1 Comment
Categories : Baking

Catherine Krol–Crocheting for the Multitudes

Posted by PelletierHG22 
· Monday, September 26th, 2022 
· No Comments

Catherine Krol discovered a passion for crocheting early on, around age seven. She always took interest in creating unique animals and shapes, and making the yarn come to life. Catherine made numerous homemade gifts before ever considering selling her work. In fact, as a graduation present she gave me a crocheted bear! She has always had a knack for crafts and anything creative. When I asked her what brought her to selling her pieces she said, “One day, when I was only about eleven years old, my mom saw me crocheting and suggested that I consider selling my work. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but here we are!” Catherine started selling her work to family and friends originally; then, her business spread by word of mouth and her customers multiplied. She offers some consistent items–such as small keychains, bears, cats, scarves, and hats–, but her main business comes from custom orders. She does not have a website, but she has business cards and her frequent customers advertise plenty. Comparatively speaking, her prices are very affordable, and even cheap, considering the cost of materials and her time. Today, Catherine is only fifteen years old, and she is making a beneficial profit just by doing what she loves. She has even used her skill to raise funds for missions trips with her church.

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Categories : Handmade