Women to Watch: Female Artisans

#BossBabesATX’s craftHer market showcases female makers from throughout Texas.

By Hannah Phillips, Photos by Tess Cagle

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time for the biannual installment of the #BossBabesATX-produced craftHer Market. The market, happening April 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at East Austin’s Fair Market, celebrates female artisans, makers and entrepreneurs from throughout Texas, and has become one of the most anticipated #BossBabesATX events, showcasing more than 300 women since its first market in the fall of 2016.

The event aligns with the #BossBabesATX mission to provide a platform of visibility, outreach and financial opportunity for women-owned businesses, women-led community organizations and women-identifying artists and creatives. Founded in 2015 by Jane Hervey, with co-founding board members Leslie Lozano and Ashlee Jordan Pryor, the group is now a nonprofit promoting gender equality.

This year’s spring market will feature more than 100 vendors, with products ranging from handmade jewelry to leather accessories, vintage clothing, candles, ceramics, home goods and more. Selecting each season’s vendors is a long but exciting process.

“We always want to highlight diversity among the artists themselves, as well as the products on display,” says Bella Toledo, a #BossBabesATX committee member.

Sunday’s panel discussions will also showcase the group’s commitment to diversity, with a conversation covering women of color in entrepreneurship moderated by committee member Keisha Gillis and featuring Lily Shepard of Twerk N Burn, jewelry designer TK Tunchez and loctician Maaty Owaribu. Gillis will also participate in a morning panel about mental health and entrepreneurship.

Six speaker panels will run simultaneously throughout the day, so scan the craftHer website for a full order of the day’s events. With so many incredible vendors and speakers to choose from, we rounded up a few must-meet women artists.

Photography and Art

Inspired by laid-back surf culture and Founder Codie O’Connor’s recent travels through Indonesia, CK Goods brings the good vibes with colorful acrylic paintings on canvas. Don’t miss El Paso, Texas-based photographer Sarah Annie either. She blends her love of dance and photography to create mesmerizing and modern dreamscapes.  

Jewelry

Whether your style muse is an earthy goddess or a bright, bold badass, there will be plenty of handmade treasures available for purchase. Minimalists should look out for McKinley Mizar Jewelry, signature cuffs from Nina Berenato and Vibe’s delicate gemstones.

Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with statement leather-tassel earrings from Midwest Handcrafted Goods,  OHME Shop’s “Smash the Patriarchy” hoops, mix-and-match word earrings from Hannah Parks Design and Chauncy and Coco’s “Feminist AF” engraved necklace.

Clothing

Keep the statements coming with a “Strong Female Lead” T-shirt from Realm, “Latino Power” shirts from Jen Zeano Designs and “Girls Support Girls” swag from Daisy Natives. Vintage enthusiasts can strike gold in Sass Mouth Apparel’s gorgeous trailer and will love repurposed creations from San Antonio’s Socorro Society. For a classic fit with natural fabrics, find Mary Claret, a small-batch, low-waste brand featuring elegant linens and flattering designs.

Ceramics

Good luck picking just one ceramics artist to support Sunday, much less one planter! Kristen Saksa Juen will showcase her hanging planters and small, dotted pots for succulents in blue, purple, white, yellow and mint green. Get inspired by Genna Williams’ saggar-fired creations too.

Leather

This year’s market brings an influx of leather-goods designers. Grab a unique bag from Hatton Henry or adorn your pet with Geaux Pup’s leather leashes and collars.

Home Goods

Another selection from which you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one item is home goods. Check out Mexican blankets from Byron & Blue, vintage flags and kilim pillows from Catalpa and African-inspired designs from Zetland855. Perhaps the most extraordinary décor items at this year’s market are Myranda E.’s uniquely adorned skulls.

Stationery and Prints

When you need a tactful way to remind yourself who runs the world, look no further than Billie Claire Handmade for “hand-lettering, floral profanity and major sass.” Inspired by her desert upbringing in New Mexico, favorites include the “Bow Down B*tches” and “Can’t Touch This” succulent prints. And if you need to send a reminder via snail mail, stock up on Honest AF greeting cards.

Scents and Skin Care

From Siren Noir’s consciously made cosmetics to Natural Mystic’s luxury line of hemp-seed-oil-based bath-and-body treats, craftHer vendors have all of your self-care needs covered. Unwind with a Herland Home coconut-wax candle or stop by Salty Lemon Apothecary for beautiful homemade soaps, serums and soaks. If you can’t wait to get home to relax, recharge at Vita Wellness Massage.