In a region known for it's work ethic, it's no surprise to find such dedicated, born-and-bred makers like Amy and Greg Eibel. The duo runs their apparel business, Little Chicago Clothing Company, as a side hustle in the time that they have left after teaching all day long. Not only that, but they're also part of the team that runs Canton's Print & Press, a handcrafted goods boutique which features local-to-Ohio artists and their work. Astonished? So are we. Read on to discover what fuels the couple's drive to constantly create and how they find new ways to consistently contribute to the community... and maybe you'll snag a great recipe for elbow grease while you're at it!
Read MoreHealth is about more than just the body. Tricia Reddy of Coastline Bowls emphasizes that doing good is vital to feeling good. Her smoothie bowls source their South American superfruits from single mothers working as farmers. Hiring these "supermoms" is just part of how Tricia sees Coastline Bowls giving back to the community.
Read MoreBrewnuts owners Shelley and John Pippen amaze us. Without any industry experience they started a business making donuts from beer, and Cleveland hasn't been the same since. Their booth at The Flea almost always has a line snaking from it's frontside. There's good reason for it: their recipes are out of sight.
Read MoreHere at The Cleveland Flea, Public Dove proprietor Carly Moran is known for two things: her upbeat attitude and her impeccable taste in the vintage women's clothing and accessories... and with a culinary background in pastries, she pretty much has this "sweet" thing nailed down. Read on to learn more about how Carly turned a life of pastries into a business of petticoats and pencil skirts.
Read MoreOur jaws hit the floor every time we watch the Birchwood Supply Co. truck unload at The Flea. Jason, the owner of Birchwood, always leans more towards "going big" than "going home" with is merch, and we know that our shoppers love him for that. Not only is Birchwood Supply Co. present each month during The Cleveland Flea, but Jason also runs a brick-and-mortar storefront in Akron. Read on to hear more about the growth of this favorite Flea veteran over the years.
Read MoreArmed with a collection full of well-placed pleats, streamlined jackets and dresses, and tees featuring iconic catchphrases, you can find Valerie Mayèn of Yellokwcakeshop every month as a season pass holder during the 2016 Cleveland Flea season. Read more about The Flea's most televised designer and how she's using her previous media exposure to do good in the community.
Read MoreNate and Erin Klees are so integral to the behind-the-scenes of The Cleveland Flea. No, we don't employ them (maybe we should...) but you can bet that you've seen their fantastic vintage pieces in more than one of our photo shoots. We're not afraid to say it: they make us look good. Learn more about the Articles family in their Maker Series interview.
Read MoreTwo treasure hunters if we ever met them, Mike and Laura of Black Kitten Vintage religiously stock their booth with some of the quirkiest, silliest, and sometimes just downright scary stuff we've ever seen. They're also known and loved by photographers for their huge selection of vintage and antique cameras. Discover more about the who, what, when, where, and why of Mike and Laura in our Maker Series interview below.
Read MoreQ + A with Brooke of Kukuli
Brooke Kelsey is just one cog in the machine that is Kukuli. The young business is a Cleveland and Lima based pop-up shop and distributor of authentic, handmade Peruvian home goods made by highly-skilled hands using methods passed down through generations. Brooke is joned by partners Abbie and Kate, who develop relationships and source product for the business on the ground in Peru. Read on for more insight into the evolution of their business thus far.
Read MoreLiza Rifkin runs Liza Michelle Jewelry, a local-to-Cleveland handmade business that creates thoughtfully crafted, future heirlooms for you and your home. Using recycled materials, ethically sourced gem stones and green studio practices, every piece is handcrafted with care and attention. We've been lucky enough to watch Liza's business grow over the course of its life, and we are consistently impressed with how conscientious and driven she has become as both an artist and business person. Somehow she remains unburdened by the entrepreneurial pressure, still finding a place in her business for one of the most stressful niches of them all: custom bridal work. Read on for more insight into her process, and how she incorporates her "Nature Girl" persona into her products.
Read MoreAll Things for You is run by partners, Tim Yanko and Dwight Kaczmarek. They each bring their own unique talents, interests and personalities to the business. They picked the name "All Things for You," a bit on a whim as they had to quickly create a business when a warehouse full of treasures was given to them to sell. But out of that name, a business that aims to bring happiness to everyone who steps into their shop or booth was formed.
Read MoreLakewood Plant Company carries an enormous variety of healthy and exotic indoor plants from all over the world that range from classic to the most unique. They are partnered with Peace by Piece Cleveland to provide job opportunities for people in the community with disabilities. Their vocational staff works on-site to care for their plants that are sold in the store.
Read MoreThe Bus Boutique is a mobile vintage shop in an old converted school bus. Each event is uniquely curated with selectively sourced goods ranging from primitive to modern. The inventory is eclectic and typically artisan crafted or designed. The interior of the bus has been refinished with primarily all found and salvaged woods and materials. The fun part is that it also doubles as a camper for when they're on the road. The Bus Boutique is owned and run by John Owens & Adam Zagger (Adam's Dad Glenn is also a big asset and gets honorable mention).
Read MoreOceanne is jewelry and accessories that romance the ordinary, by reminding us how special simple moments can be. Designer and founder, Anne Harrill, believes life's beauty can often be found in everyday pleasures, like sharing coffee with a friend, the flavor of raspberries in season, or the way the right hint of gold on your wrist can give the day a whole new perspective. It is her hope that Oceanne helps you celebrate the big and small moments of your life and and reflects your story with each piece you wear or share.
Read MoreCosmic Girl Goes is an eclectic shop owned by stylish entrepreneur, Robin Sweeney. Cosmic Girl's booth is filled with naturally, globally and rustbelt-inspired home goods and decor with bright pops of color, and the occasional deer figurine. Flea Founder, Stephanie Sheldon, caught up with Robin and learned a bit about her behind-the-scenes.
Read MoreGreat Lake Outfitters is a vintage clothing and home goods shop, specializing in rust belt chic and farm house treasures. Kelly has an eye for party dresses of all eras, 70's fashion (think bell-bottom jeans and suede fringe), as well as practical-yet-beautiful home goods. She's also a talented photojournalist, and we've asked her to begin to document what it's like to go to auction. More on that soon.
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