You've probably noticed by now that a lot of these business owners are moms who, like many of us, are looking for ways to contribute to their families' financial welfare. From what I could see at the Hullabaloo, they all offered high quality, creative and useful items. Why not consider foregoing the big box stores for a least a few of your holiday gifts this year and spending your money with one of these businesses? You'll probably get a higher quality item for the money and one that's indubitably more hip. Most of all, your buying local contributes directly to Arizona's financial success and helps someone just like you provide for his or her family.
***By the way - A Shout-out to Hissyfits!***
I would be completely remiss in my review of the Hissyfits Hullabaloo if I did not acknowledge Hissyfits owner, Nikki, for her amazing initiative in planning this event and hosting it so perfectly. I'm so impressed with Nikki. First, for the way she runs her shop. It has a great vibe & she only takes in good quality clothes to re-sell. Secondly, she supports local moms/artists by carrying their items at the store. If you haven't been by Hissyfits resale shop on 7th Street just north of Glendale in Phoenix, it's time to stop by and find a great deal!! Also, you can find Hissyfits on Facebook to get the latest news about great deals and the kinds of items they're looking to sell.
Flowergirl - Tammy R. Mendoza, 602-617-9226
I fell in love with the work of our next artist, Tammy Mendez. Tammy got her start making simple flower hair barettes for her own daughters. As she kept making them, the designs became more elaborate. The pieces she creates for Flowergirl are anything but plain. Her romantic pieces bloom with beautiful flowers and glimmer with "jewels" and other lovely embellishments, some of which have a vintage feel.
Tammy's headbands and barettes make the perfect accessory to nearly any outfit. And, don't think these hair adornments are just for little girls. They're elegant enough to look appropriate on an adult as well. Who among us grown up girls doesn't need a little shimmer now and then? Now if I could only get my little girls to keep them in their hair!
Tammy's table was crowded with people who wanted to get one of the gorgeous pieces - so I could only get one decent shot. Don't worry. Just call her if you want a chance to own one of these.
Flowergirl Headbands
Shannon Woodruff's business, Hustle Mama, offers a variety of items from barettes, to cute handmade purses (or diaper bags) to re-usable sandwhich bags. You can choose from a variety of fabrics and her workmanship is professional. This girl is a seriously crafty woman. You all know that this is not my gift! (see my last attempt at handmade art here). So, I would be really jealous of her if she hadn't been so sweet.
Being an organic mama, I especially like the re-useable food bags. They're great for the following reasons:
1. They reduce plastic waste. Ziplock baggies may be convenient but they're hard on the environment.
2. They're probably safer for eating because they're not really edible, unlike plastic zip bags. I learned this today when I found Destructo Girl gnawing on a ziplock a friend had given to her (containing treats), toddlers will try to eat anything when bored.
3. They're economical because once you buy them, you can use them over and over. See? Money saved!
If you're interested in any of Ms. Woodruff's pieces, check her out on Etsy. While her card says to visit the hustlemama site, most of her work is actually over on blueberrykisses.etsy.com
Hustlemama bags
Hustlemama bags
Heaven's Closet - www.heavenscloset.net
Cindy Wheat is the gifted seamstress behind Heaven's Closet. She creates unique and custom ensembles intended to make every little girl feel like a princess. She definitely succeeds. There is no doubt that this mama's clothes are made with lots of love as well as skill. Her designs are sweet and whimsical and her model - daughter Heaven - wears them well.
Cindy offers different themed designs like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Stars and Stripes. If you need something special for you little princess, Heaven's Closet is a good place to look!
Cindy Wheat from Heaven's Closet
Precious Baby Boutique - http://www.preciousbabygifts.etsy.com/
Precious Baby Boutique caught my eye because they sell a very popular kind of baby toy that usually comes in plastic. You know those stackable baby rings? Some babies just love those but I've never really liked the fact that so many of them are made of plastic, which is not the best thing for babies to suck on (but they do) - and it's not a great choice for our environment. Sarah Hoel of Precious Baby makes her stacking rings of fun colored fabrics. They are so bright and cheerful, any baby would love playing with them.
I also clicked over to Precious Baby's Etsy site and discovered Sarah also offers some cute decorated onesies. My favorite is a pink one with a guitar and there are some other fun ones with ties. Perfect little presents for the next baby shower!
Precious Baby Boutique
Lemonberry Kiss - http://www.lemonberrykiss.etsy.com/
Nikki of Lemonberry Kiss is another of those accessory mavens. Her hair ornaments are particularly unique; unusual items like zippers and peacock feathers set them apart. In this case, picture speak louder than words.
She also creates these cool barettes with fun vintage pics of glam stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis.
I'd let these butterflies rest in my hair.
Flipped Bird – flippedbird.com
I can’t confirm or deny the origin of the name of this vendor and it’s possible association with the gesture commonly referred to as a Flipped Bird. Ok, I actually can, but you’ll have to read their website to find out if your guess is right. I will tell you that owner Marci McDonald’s husband calls her “bird” – so that’s part of where the name started. You'll have to figure out the rest yourself. However, let’s move on to her product.
Marci sent a friend to represent her because she had multiple local events to attend the day of the Hullabaloo. Once you see her bags and hats, you’ll understand why. Her handmade bags come in fabulous colors and patterns and are designed to flip inside out so you can wear them in the reverse! These cloth bags are so cool, they’ve been sighted near such famed teen sensations as – Justin Bieber. Haha!
Sadly, by the time I got to Marci’s bags, my camera had died completely, so I reverted to my cell phone – which does NOT take good quality pics. Be sure to check out her websites for the best representation of her work. By the way, the friend Marci sent to represent her bags was super friendly and not a Phoenix native. However, she survived the summer and is excited about the local feel she’s finding here. Yay, Phoenix!!
Here's one of the Flipped Bird bags with it's reverse side...
Ok, I realize that some of you might be on girly-girl overload right now, especially if you're not into pink/frills/sparkly stuff or dessert-shaped soaps. So, in your honor, let's take a break from it all and talk about something much simpler. Like T-shirts. Yes. T-shirts. But these are special T-shirts!
The people who created Holy Pinata are seriously into loving Phoenix and patronizing local business (which you know I can support!). This local business inspires it's fellow "believers in Phoenix" to show the love by - well - wearing a tshirt to prove it. The shirts are all 100% combed cotton by American Apparel and sport themes like "I cactus PHX" or "I pinetree Flag". They come in all sizes - baby to adult - so you and your baby can match.
A visit to Holy Pinata's facebook page is also good for a laugh because they post pics of sightings of the holy pinata (their red, paper-mache mascot) visiting locations all over Arizona. Best of all, $2 from the proceeds of each sale can be designated toward a local charity.
A visit to Holy Pinata's facebook page is also good for a laugh because they post pics of sightings of the holy pinata (their red, paper-mache mascot) visiting locations all over Arizona. Best of all, $2 from the proceeds of each sale can be designated toward a local charity.
Holy Pinata's T-shirts
In case you're wondering...NO, these businesses did not pay me to write a review about them. I only write positive reviews for businesses I really think are cool. And, these were not the only businesses I loved at the Hullabaloo. Over 80 vendors were scheduled to attend this event so there is truly no way I could review them all! If I missed you or I met you and didn't review you, it's because my epic camera FAIL ruined the pic. I'll catch you at the next local event!! For those of you who'd like to see more of the great businesses who attended Hissyfits Hullabaloo, check out Hissyfits Facebook page.
LOVE the review :) I know the next several weeks will be crazy but I usually have off Tues and Thur off if you want to get together!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feature! Appreicate it greatly! : )
ReplyDeleteShannon of HustleMama
Nice post, I walked the show and couldn't possibly remember everyone, thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDelete