Expect to see a range of women creators during the October series.
Sisters Elaina and Alysia Bright hand make every product.
As events and festivals began to cancel early this summer, Elizabeth Todd (owner of The Shoe Hive) knew there had to be a solution for ways that makers could sell their wares. “There is so much talent in our local community, and as a local store owner, I want to make sure I’m supporting our local artists,” says Todd. And thus the Courtyard of Creators Series was born.The upcoming series specifically highlights women of color, and is located in the courtyard outside of the Old Alexandria boutique. Here’s who you can expect to see this month. 127 S. Fairfax St., theshoehive.com
1. Hatch, Oct. 9-11
Founded in 2012 by Maritza Maxwell, the company sells a variety of handmade items like temari (soft balls that date back 1,400 years in Japan made from scraps of old kimonos) and colorfulice cream scoops. Maxwell herself comes from a family of artisans— her mother was a fiber artist, while her father was a woodworker—and started Hatch to pass along the joy that comes from creating beautiful things and teaching new skills. hatchskills.com
2. Skin Scholars, Oct. 23-25
Seven generations of herbalists and indigenous traditions and principles are at the center of Skin Scholars, started by sisters Elaina and Alysia Bright. “We want 2020 to be remembered as the year we thrived, not just survived as a small business,” says Elaina. The Brights rely on nature’s ingredients and ancestral recipes. She says, “Our business is proudly owned and operated by two sisters and women of color who have a passion for quality skin- and bodycare products that reflect our deep roots.” Think Agrio oat and milk masks made with natural bentonite clay, avena sativa organic goat’s milk, aloe vera powder and chamomile flowers; or the earthy-herb fragrant Thirteen replenishing facial serum, which spotlights ingredients like frankincense essential oil, tamanu oil and more. Also available at the pop-up are handpoured soy and coconut wax candles. skinscholars.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Skin Scholars
