Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Gina Patrick

Happy Thursday everyone! It's a cool morning, perfect for sipping hot coffee on the couch and watching the clouds make an attempt to break for the sun after a few days of heavy rain! It's turning out to be a rather nice day!

And I'm about to make it nicer. (Hint: read entirely to find out how to enter a giveaway you won't want to miss! You're welcome.)

I am so pleased to introduce to you Gina Patrick, oil goddess and owner of Virgin Apothecary, a line of skincare products based out of St. Simons Island for the "beauty minimalist." I officially met Gina at Moxie Craft Fest a few weeks ago but spotted her working the Sea Island Market last November. Though I was unable to stop by as I was just passing through, I am so glad I finally had the chance to talk with her in depth about her line and try out some products for myself. Guys, I was so excited to try out her Essential Face Serum that I created an entire "spa night" for myself. When I awoke the next morning, I couldn't believe how "alive" my skin felt! The brand truly speaks for itself but after learning more about Gina and her work, my appreciation for Virgin Apothecary is limitless. 

Gina may have created products for the "beauty minimalist" but she has certainly found a way to maximize the potential of one's natural skin. I'll give you an example: Gina's face. She's not wearing any makeup here. She's not wearing any makeup!

A concept that started about two years, Virgin Apothecary was officially launched in August of 2016. Gina was inspired to create a line of products free of nasty/harmful ingredients after growing disenchanted with conventional skincare products that commonly contain detergents and preservatives such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. But like most women (me, included), Gina came to the realization the hard way that ordinary products would never work; she often found herself loading up on products aimed to control an over-production of oil while enhancing her natural beauty but nothing seemed to work. On the contrary, these products seemed to exacerbate her problems. After researching different plant oils and herbs and eliminating her old routine, she found a simpler, more natural routine that revealed secrets about her skin she never knew: she actually had very dry, sensitive skin! Now Gina aims to educate others about healthier alternatives while providing simple solutions. After all, "our skin is the largest organ of our body!" she says. While finding a regimen that caters to your exact needs could take some experimenting, Gina says organic coconut oil (found in most grocery stores) is a great go-to oil that has many uses. It's a great place to start but talking to a skin expert like Gina will help you determine what formulas of oils and herbs are best for your skin.

Perfectly handcrafted in her home, quality of every item is ensured by creating in small batches. 

Let's talk a little bit about the quality of Virgin Apothecary: Every single product is, "all natural, non-toxic, GMO free, cruelty free, with organic ingredients when possible." Currently, Gina creates and stores her products in her home kitchen and office. But creating is no overnight process. For example, after perfectly weighing a mixture of ingredients, soap bars are developed using either a cold or hot process. Each has its separate pros and cons and requires extensive technical skills. After a lot of other steps and running each recipe through something called a Soap Calculator, the soaps are cured for about 6-8 weeks and then sold to consumers. At this time, she offers a wide range of skincare and wellness products, including a natural bug spray, a hybrid (multi-purpose) mist, a face serum, hair oil, beard oil, body oil, body melt -massage butter, lip balm, multi-purpose salve (hands/feet/cuticles), and handcrafted soap. But Gina is constantly working on new concoctions to provide a broader collection of high-quality products to shoppers.

Her bars of soap are perfectly crafted and worth every penny!

I have become keenly aware of things I put on or in my body over the last several years and am proud to say I am now a devoted customer. I am impressed by Gina's dedication and passion to not only educate consumers but provide a better, simpler way to great skin care! People are becoming more and more health-conscious and it's important they are aware local health pioneers like Gina exist. Humbly she says, "I love all the friends that I have made through starting this new chapter in my life, and I never would have thought to have found such a supportive and gracious community of small business owners! "

I seriously recommend you trying out her products for yourself! You can find her products inside Dot & Army in Downtown Brunswick, of course on her website, and at her Etsy store!

Screenshot of her online shop! I want all the things!! Enter here for your chance to win a Virgin Apothecary Travel Kit! Goodies include: 

1 Pink Lotus/Lavender Hybrid Mist (2 oz)

1 Multi Salve (1 oz)

1 Cocoa Mint Lip Balm

1 Essential Face Serum (10 ml roller)

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Break!

Happy Thursday all! I regret to inform you I am taking a break from entrepreneur features this week. While I have a rather exciting line-up, these past couple of weeks have been tricky with focusing on the craft fair and Mother's Day and life and kids and scheduling, etc., etc!

I will be picking back up next week and am quite excited for all the future features!!

Can I distract you from my shortcomings with a photo of my children and some really pretty/old oak trees? (It's acceptable to be jealous of where I live. I often have to pinch myself!)

I have lots of bookings for the weekends to come and am itching to get "out there" with my camera!

Have a great rest of the week! (Tomorrow's Friday - yay!)

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Jess Austin

When I used to think of macrame, dingy yellow, over-sized plant holders arranged neatly in front of dark wood paneling or overly fringed vests from the 70s would come to mind. However, macrame has made a fierce come-back and I'm not even a little sad about it. Actually, I can't get enough! Jess Austin, owner of Lavender Bee, is this week's entrepreneur "crush" and probably the biggest reason for the resurgence of macrame around these parts!

Macrame, the art of knotting and weaving leather or cord in an adorning fashion, can be traced back to the 13th century. Both practical and decorative, more and more people are purchasing pieces for personal and professional spaces. One macrame top seller is the fancy 'lil plant holder. "Plants are totally all the rage right now," she says. And she's right; I mean, I'm completely obsessed. While there's a plant holder for every "crazy plant lady" (like myself) in her shop, that's not all she creates. If you're in to fiber art, - which you should be - you can also find keychains, terrariums, dream catchers, and wreaths. But her favorite pieces to create are her intricate wall-hangings - and believe me, the bigger, the better! While a white rope and piece of driftwood may seem simple, Jess' pieces are anything but. Chaos, asymmetry, and lots of drooping layers is how Jess likes to design her genuine works of art. She perfectly encapsulates a bohemian style that would liven up and add dimension to any wall! And when you see her work up close, it's hard not to have a deep appreciation for her talent. (I'm patiently awaiting somebody to drop off a pair of antlers for her to macrame over.)

Jess grew up in Brunswick, GA, where she met her high school sweetheart/now husband, Corey. After high school, he joined the Air Force where they began traveling! From Dover, DE to Germany and exploring parts of Europe, Jess and Corey once again call Brunswick "home" with their two adorable children. Like most of my entrepreneurs, this full-time mom-turned creative business woman decided only working for herself would suffice. Lavender Bee was started after their return to southeast Georgia two years ago where she dabbled with different things in the world of home decor and finally discovered her passion for all things macrame. Today, Jess assists friend and co-creative genius, Jenny Van't Land, in Van't Land's bi-annual festival for emerging indie artists and creators, Moxie Craft Fest. In the future, Austin sees Lavender Bee expanding both commercially and in fine art. It's seriously only a matter of time for both. LOOK AT HER WORK. JUST LOOK AT IT!

**By the way, did you SEE the mention of Moxie Craft Fest? This week's entrepreneur "crush" couldn't have come at a better time because that's THIS Friday at 5pm in downtown Brunswick and Jess, along with some pretty amazing pieces, will be there!! You'll definitely want to take a piece of her work home with you!

Find Jess' pieces at all the places below!

Etsy :: Facebook :: Dot & Army :: Viola's Market :: Coastal Kiss :: Lucy Gunn Lifestyle Store :: the Hidden Hand Society :: Melvin the Mini Bus :: Madison & Mabel :: Color it Green

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Ed Hose

Ed's work towers over my son at the Glynn Place Mall

Tipsy McSway's, the Glynn Place Mall, Jekyll Beverage Center. These are places (just to name a few) you can find Ed Hose’s signature-styled, brightly colored illustrations. In fact, drive almost anywhere in the Golden Isles and you’ll spot her work. (I’m pretty sure I saw something of hers while driving up to an ATM one time?) Ed truly is “the” artist of the Golden Isles. Her work brings a happy tone with plenty of humor, love, and a sense of “togetherness.” It’s no wonder businesses don’t hesitate to commission Ed to create unique pieces that accurately portray their product or service and individuals entrust her to skillfully capture a loved one through an illustrated portrait. While the message behind any work of art is certainly up for interpretation, I would say Ed does an exquisite job echoing the emotion of anything or anyone she draws.

Ed stands in the doorway of her shop at the Pier on St. Simons Island, GA

Though Ed’s shop sits tucked away in the Pier Village Market, it is anything but hidden. Walking up to her tiny hut, you will be met with a “Free Hugs” sign and illustrations that cover almost every square inch of her space. The atmosphere is welcoming, light, and positive. Taking a look around, you’ll quickly realize there’s a piece for every personality. (One of her most ingenious creations is her coloring book collection.) While standing in her shop, I began throwing questions out to her for my blog. One of them was how long it took to complete each piece. Ed stated she is unsure how to gauge the time it takes to work on a piece since she may end up starting over several times but she guesses anywhere from 10-80 hours, give or take. It is both fascinating and intimidating to attempt to calculate the hours Ed has dedicated to the work that envelopes every customer who steps foot in her shop.

<3

Ed says she doesn’t remember a time she wasn’t drawing. As an only child, she learned to keep herself busy with a pencil and paper. She has an educational background in illustration and graphic design and gained experience through a children’s art center and an Entertainment Collectibles company though, shortly after, decided working for herself was most appealing. (Can I get an “amen?!”) Her two sons are the driving force behind her work but she says her greatest inspiration is drawing about love stories and puns. If you want to find Ed in her “zone,” you’ll have to drive to a bar or crowded place where she gains focus through loud noises, conversation, and lots of stimulation. In fact, the first time I ever met Ed was in a bar where I found myself in desperate need of a break from my core studies. (Basically, yes, I’m trying to tell you I went there for a drank.) She sat quietly with a rather large, extremely detailed illustration and I observed her take several breaks to observe the people around her. My twin sister introduced us and I’m pretty sure I was foaming at the mouth because my brain was imploding from all of the talent at which I was gawking.

Ed says, “I would hope that my illustrations convey a different perspective. That’s my favorite thing about drawing. There are limitless perspectives to draw upon. I could draw the same thing endless ways and I hope my perspective is one that people like, laugh at, and remember.” This is the thing that speaks to me the loudest. As a photographer, I also hope my perspective is one that people like and are inspired by. If you are lucky, one day you’ll meet Ed Hose and walk away feeling like you’ve just come across one of the most talented, genuine, positive, and freaking hilarious people who ever existed. And if you buy one of her works of art, you will walk away owning a piece of Ed and a piece of yourself.

Find Ed on Facebook or indulge yourself on her website. You can find her in person at her shop at the huts at the Pier of St. Simons Island, GA!

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Christie Mitchell Richardson

Every week I get to sit down and write about a new entrepreneur who has inspired me in some way. And every week I end the post feeling more inspired by these people than I did coming in to it. I view these people with such admiration and am in constant awe of what truly goes on "behind the scenes." There are many reasons I pick an entrepreneur but whatever my reason is, it is my goal to shed light on how truly amazing these people are.

You guys just don't even know...

Christie Mitchell Richardson is a Brunswick, GA native, mom, wife, and killer business-woman. Enter Southern Priss Designs, a furniture and home decor company owned and operated by Christie herself, along with a team of people that know her very well. Southern Priss takes neglected, unloved, or un-pretty pieces of furniture and turns them in to quality items any person could love and cherish. Christie has always looked beyond the cosmetic flaws of something while preserving a keen eye for its maximum potential. While she seems to maintain a consistent style, she manages to give each piece a very unique look. If that's not maximizing potential, I don't know what is!

But this next bit is my favorite...

Christie first attempted refurbishing furniture at the young age of 19 and managed to sell some pieces to friends but soon gave up on it because it never took off. It wasn't until Facebook her business truly blossomed. Two years after her first attempt - and with lots of love and support from her husband, David - she found a piece at Goodwill, worked her magic, and sold it on social media on August 31, 2010. Since then, her furniture has been in high demand and can be found in homes all over the south. (I can attest to this personally because I've recognized a Southern Priss piece in the background of many a Facebook photo.)

Not even an hour before this shot was taken, Christie was covered in paint.

Today, Christie employs two sets of pickers who explore the wonderful worlds of auctions and yard sales, in addition to making house calls when someone is interested in getting rid of several pieces. They know exactly what Christie is looking for and never settle for less. She also employs a painter and two "narpenters," half-nannies/half-carpenters. (Christie coined this term and it's the cutest thing ever.) Painter Nicole Miranda seems to know Christie better than she knows herself and keeps her straight at all times. "Narpenters" Christine Allcott and Rachel Long part-build things and part-assist in keeping Christie's tiny human alive, safe, and happy. (As a stay-at-home mom, I can only do one of these things. I have no clue how to use a tape measure or any power tools so, needless to say, I'm quite impressed with each of these women!)

So where can you find her pieces should you be like the rest of us and covet one for your very own? Follow her on Facebook for pieces constantly being placed for "adoption"! You can find some in person at Finder's Keepers Furniture in Pooler, GA and Simply Carolina Kitchen and Bath in Ridgeland, SC.

But wait, there's more!

Christie also owns a clothing company, Retro Darling Clothing. Started in 2012, Christie was inspired by "fun and funky patterns" on clothing that is also affordable. (Retro Darling clothing can be found upstairs from Fancy Do's Hair Studio at 4238 Coral Park Drive in Brunswick, GA.)

Christie poses with some pieces she finished just prior to me arriving. By the time I left, the vanity had already SOLD. WHAT?!

I will end on this note: Christie is definitely living the dream. Upon driving up to her beautiful house (obvs decorated by herself, duh) tucked behind tall trees and dangling Spanish moss, you will be met with a fantastic marsh view and the sound of roaming chickens and pet goats. Guys, she has a miniature farm! When I asked if she'd pose with one of her chickens, she turned around in a snap, wrangled one - in her dress - and posed for the shot. But that seems to be Christie - she doesn't skip a beat. She definitely doesn't mind rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty, both literally and figuratively. She's always working on new items but still finds time for her family and always looks like a Barbie doll (even when she's covered in paint). She's good at everything she does and she definitely deserves all the success. I'm proud to know her!

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Russ Hutto

Happy Wednesday all! I hope you had a great Easter weekend! Mine was spent traveling to see family - so worth it, as it was Emmerson’s first time hunting Easter Eggs!

Despite my lack of social media activity, I can assure you I am staying quite busy - so many projects in the future and I can’t wait to show them all off to you!

But for now, it’s time for me to roll out my weekly Entrepreneur Crush of the Week! I’m pretty excited to share this specific business venture (for so many reasons)!

Russ during his marching days!

Russ Hutto is a dear friend of several years (alongside his amazing wife, Lydia), old CrossFit buddy, and inspirational business-man. He started Marching Band is Awesome (MBIA) as a hobby Facebook page in 2014, as a way to unite teens with an affinity for all things marching band. As a member of his high school and college marching bands - a total of 8 years marching - I’d basically say he knows what he’s doing. That “hobby” page now has over 100,000 likes worldwide and is a full-fledged, successful business that sells uniquely and specially designed t-shirts, hoodies, and other goods exclusive to marching band! (But don't worry, if you are looking for something more specific, you can find apparel that represents winds, percussion, leadership, color guard, majorettes, dance line, and even parents/grandparents of marching band members. His top-seller? A tacky Christmas sweatshirt!) MBIA not only allows teens to fashionably express their love and pride for marching band, it is a social platform through which they can connect, show off their merchandise, exchange accomplishments and stories, and gain inspiration.

MBIA seems to be a movement, a gathering of souls who, like Russ, will always have some emotional stock in the art; he has taken his passion, shifted it from a hobby to a business (seemingly overnight, as I remember when MBIA was but a wee baby!) and has found a way to give back (thousands of dollars) to the community annually in the form of scholarships and charities, both organized and on a case-by-case basis. The main purpose? To promote and support music education. 

Kids sport their MBIA attire!

Look at these tacky Christmas sweatshirts, omgsocute

Russ has accomplished one more (MAJOR) thing with MBIA: he has fulfilled his dream of writing through his Amazon best-seller, Because, the first book in a series about teen Rigby Raines, a talented musician who is faced with some harrowing decisions.

As an entrepreneur, there is MUCH to be taken from my friend, Russ. First, he honed in on a passion and found a way to monetize it. (HHEELLOO??? Every entrepreneur’s dream!) Second, there is a strong community that is the very foundation of his business. Though this community is genuine and not for the purpose of driving sells, emotion does drive sales and to say his audience, customers, and followers are emotionally committed is the understatement of the year. Every kid (and adult!) who purchases and flaunts MBIA commodities is proud to do so because it’s not just a group on social media - it’s a way of life. Finally, Russ has this lesson to share: “…a good idea at the right time also requires persistence to see it through to fruition.” There was never a truer statement. At times, most of us have been faced with the choice of giving up on our dreams but good things come to those who wait and I’d say Russ has got this whole entrepreneur-thing down. I am nothing short of honored he allowed me to feature him this week and I will continue to follow him closely - because I’m not done learning from this guy!

Connect with Marching Band is Awesome!

Facebook :: Instagram :: Main site

Be sure to keep an eye out for Russ' weekly Facebook and Instagram live-streams where he gives away free t-shirts and hoodies!! Also, Mother’s Day is coming up so check out his mommy-inspired tees!

Lol