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Travel Tuesday: Vashon Island, WA
Growing up some of my favorite moments were during the surprise road trips my parents planned, just this past weekend when they were in town for the holidays we made our way to Suncadia. During the trip both my sister and I commented on how much we love road trips. The ability to unplug, breathe fresh air and see something new. I remember when my family first moved to Washington in 2004, we immediately set out exploring the city on the weekends. Before we knew it we had made the city home, and we knew more of the region than many native Seattleites 😊
Yet somehow during all these years I had never made it to Vashon Island. A couple of months ago that was finally remedied and now I keep dreaming about escaping to the island and dwelling in a sweet cottage. Did you know that Vashon Island, WA is just a quick ferry ride from downtown Seattle (during the week) or West Seattle (on the weekend)? There are woodsy trails and scenic drives on the island just begging for you to experience. Even during a rainy weekend, the island reveals it's got it's own kind of magic✨
I have heard that up to 40% of those who live on the island are artists, which once you visit is absolutely not a surprise. Below is a list of some of the thriving creatives, entrepreneurs, boutiques and restaurants that the island is host to.
Snapdragon Bakery and Cafe
Snapdragon opened its doors in February of 2012. Adam Cone and Megan Hastings are the creative minds behind this endeavor. It is an Island favorite serving rustic and comforting vegetarian food. Did I mention there amazing pastries and cozy fireplace?
Meat & Noodle/Lauren Garaventa
Meat & Noodle is a private club that meets regularly to discuss soup. Hearty bowls of noodle soup have been served to its members since May 2013. Everything in the bowl, give or take an optional squirt of Sriracha, is local—the noodles made by friends; pieces of locally raised pork confited low and slow; a colorful smattering of assorted herbs and edible blossoms; sweet radishes picked from a nearby farm; and a restorative broth three days in the making from bones that farmer and butcher Lauren Garaventa had saved from an earlier slaughter. The dinner started at Garaventas home and then expanded to unique venues around Vashon as well as at well-known restaurants in Seattle.
Lauren Garaventa owns and operates Needle Creek Farm and plans to open her own restaurant, bar, and butcher shop on Vashon as a way to establish a blueprint for ethical, sustainable meat programs in small restaurants. The brick-and-mortar will serve as the official space for Meat & Noodle to continue to thrive.
Pure
Owned by Stephanie Morris and opened in 2010. Pure is an organic cafe & juicery, All menu items are plant based and gluten-free.
Glass Bottle Creamery Ice Cream Shop
Glass Bottle Creamery is a retail store selling local raw milk, kefir, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. All of our dairy products are sourced from Vashon Island and the Puget Sound region, and the ice cream is made down the street at their sister business, Vashon Island Baking Company.
Vashon Island Baking Company
Vashon Island Baking Company is Vashon’s premier bakery. Featuring a rotating selection of hand-made pastries baked daily, in addition to birthday cakes, pies, cupcakes, and seasonal chocolates. Vegan and gluten-free selections are available.
Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced whenever possible. Island-grown vegetables are used in their quiche and hand-picked fruits are used in many of the pastries.
Giraffe, Lifestyle Boutique
Giraffe’s curated collection consists of goods from artisans from over 45 countries as well as artists from the PNW. Everything in the store has a unique journey and story and provides an opportunity to know more about the world and how our choices can make a positive impact on the global good.
Owner Priscilla Schleigh grew up in Washington. Blessed with a natural gift for sewing and design, Priscilla was invited to teach at a trade school in Haiti. Her time in Haiti planted the seed for her interest in Artisans and Fair Trade. After running her own millinery business, representing and working with local artists, her dream of owning Giraffe came true. Through Giraffe, Priscilla shares her passion for the artisans, telling their stories over a cup of tea and weaving the threads that connect us to people around the world.
Nashi Orchards
Nashi Orchards uses sustainable practices to grow the finest Asian and European Pears and heirloom apples to handcraft perry and hard cider. They carefully control fermentation to preserve some of the natural sweetness, use 100% juice pressed at their winery and do not add sugar or flavoring.
Nashi grows numerous varieties of Asian Pears, Perry Pears and Apples from which the perry and hard cider is made. The orchards and surrounding farm and forest are home to St. Croix sheep, Bouvier de Flander dogs, barn cats as well as an abundance of birds and other wildlife.
Read my detailed blog post on The Uncommon Union.
Seattle Distilling
Seattle Distilling is a family business. And they care deeply about what they make. Their process is honest and intentional: to use the best local and sustainable ingredients they can find, and to make spirits right – from scratch – grain to glass.
King Caramel
Handmade and hand-wrapped caramels. Owned by islander Hedy Anderson. Before starting King Caramel, Anderson was a handbag designer and had a popular line called Hedy Handbags. She was unhappy with her work and after some prodding from friends began selling her caramels at farmers markets. The caramels can now be found at DeLaurenti and many other specialty retailers.
Workshop: The New Freelance Economy
I recently had the privilege of hosting a workshop on "The New Freelance Economy" at General Assembly in Seattle. It was a sell-out event, with 100+ RSVP's. The event featured a presentation, a panel which included Kaleb Willis of Kaleb Norman James Design, Danny Owens, and Ankur Kothari of Olive & Goose and audience Q&A. The workshop was geared towards technology/commerce + art. The attendees when surveyed, were an equal split between art and tech. It was great to see all of the interest and anticipation around the topic of the new freelance economy. The workshop was a clear sign of a shift which is taking place in the economy both nationally as well as locally. There is a desire for artists to learn to operate as entrepreneurs, and for technologists to learn to better market their individual brands.
For more details about the event, and a link to the presentation (which includes startup/entrepreneur and marketing/social media resources), please read below.
Event Details
Join our panel as they share the ins and outs of freelancing: what it means, how to do it part or full-time, how to price yourself, how to develop your portfolio, where to look for potential projects and what it takes to become an independent contractor.
Learn how you can hone your talents, market them to potential clients and communicate your project goals clearly to channel success. The strategies discussed in this event work for programming, design, marketing, writing and many other concentrations.
The panel discussion will be followed by a drinks and networking.
Takeaways
Come away with new ideas and tools that will help you run your freelance business more efficiently and learn how you can always keep your pipeline full of great clients
- Develop a game plan to begin working in your field independently
- Better market your services to potential clients
- Navigate online and offline resources for freelancers
- Understand key pain points and for freelancers and how to deal with them such as taxes, insurance, and time management
Link To Presentation
West Seattle: Support The Small Businesses at the Junction
When I lived in Burien a little less than two years ago, my family spent many an evening and weekend in West Seattle at our favorite spots at the junction. On a recent visit to West Seattle I realized how much it has already changed in just a matter of a couple of years which makes me a bit nervous. To see a Starbucks and a Chipotle just felt weird on this street which is known for it’s weekend farmer markets and niche small businesses.
Since #shopsmall // #smallbusinesssaturday is coming up on November 26th! I thought I could shine a light on some of my favorite small businesses in this neighborhood. It all came together perfectly since I recently got to have a bit of a blogging adventure with Julia from Style and Cheek, and Josiah Michael managed to capture photos of it all for us (even with all my crazy facial expressions!).
Family owned and operated since 1932. The current owner, Jack, is a favorite, and his rosy cheeks always remind me of Santa Claus. I always order a bottled coke and a Turkey and Artichoke on baguette sandwich. They are known for their house-made ice cream (people line up out the door in the middle of winter for it)!
A family-owned bookstore in West Seattle, WA. They buy, sell and trade used books and have a selection of new books as well. The shop allows you to trade in books for credit, I think I may still have a card on file. I should go check that out!
So many great records and possibly the only decent coffee at the junction.
Twilight Gallery, is an independent, woman-owned and operated art gallery and jewelry boutique. They cultivate and champion independent women artists and designers, featuring contemporary art, eclectic designs and one of a kind handmade pieces from around the world. I recently met the owner Tracy and she has some brilliant ideas for where she wants to take this business. Keep an eye on it and expect BIG things in 2017!
Their pizza slices are AHHMAZING! Great atmosphere, perfect for happy hour.
I can always go here to pick up great items for my snail mail obsession. As well as the perfect items, whether I’m in need of a “7 year pen” or a “be strong” mug.
This store is brimming with merchandise, and there is a little something for everyone. Everything from linens to holiday ornaments to Paris themed stocking stuffers. Not to mention they carry two of my favorite designers: Rebekah J Design and Moo-Young.
A darling flower shop and small gift store.
Though I am not a fan of their coffee, I do appreciate their pastries - if you can get in the door. Most days it’s quite cramped and impossible to get a seat.
Well, I would say this is enough of a list to merit a visit to West Seattle this coming Saturday -- what do you think? Regardless of which neighborhood you may find yourself in on November 26 I hope that you will support your local small businesses. Let's make sure they are around for another generation!
Photos By: Josiah Michael Photography
4 Social Media Tools To Help With Consistency
We did a social media series a little while ago that highlighted some great tips from Lauren Caron and Andrea Alder, but I know how easy it is to fall off the wagon. So I am back with some fresh tools for you :) In addition to a link to December National Holidays, below are 4 Social Media Tools to help you with your brand research, aesthetic and consistency. I recently heard that every day you should try to take a step to automate a common task. Please make sure to use the links provided as they are affiliate links which will help you and me ❤️
An Instagram marketing tool that allows you to analyze competitors, review influencer engagement, build lists, track campaigns and statistics - all in one place.
Everyone knows your visuals are key to success on Instagram. Planoly allows you to visually map out and manage your Instagram.
Manage your social media in one place to start building your audience. Check out their free plan!
Amplify your organic growth and get more customers to your business today. Mention Uncommon Cartography for exclusive pricing.
Canva
Canva makes design simple for everyone. Create designs for Web or print: blog graphics, presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, invitations and more!
**BONUS**
Apps
- Snug: A quick visual view of your Instagram feed, if you don’t wont to set up an entire account on Planoly.
- VSCO: Great filters to help you achieve a consistent aesthetic with your social media feed.
- Foodie: Just what it says, a great app for editing food photos.
- Snapseed: A complete and professional photo editor developed by Google.
Feature Friday: Studio Lola
Several months ago I met Jenn Tucker the founder of Studio Lola in Pioneer Square at the Urban Air Market. I immediately fell in love with the Studio Lola fox paper, and since purchasing have gotten to know Jenn a bit more. Her passion for bespoke, and hand-made items that are created sustainably has had a definite impact on me. I thought that you all might be interested in learning a bit more about what she is doing. So in honor of the upcoming small business Saturday, here is a business you should consider supporting :)
The following is Jenn sharing a bit of the inspiration, history and process that makes Studio Lola the unique small business that it is.
Studio Lola aims to provide home decor that gives you a sense of instant nostalgia for your own place and experiences, with a feeling of comfort, and an added dash of joy.
Originally inspired by the adventuresome spirit of my grandmother Lola (who also had a fantastic sense of humor and loved a good puzzle), Studio Lola has always been the outlet for my need to practice tactile design. After 15 years focusing my creativity in the graphic design industry, I found I missed my retail and three-dimensional design roots, and Lola called me back.
Like the studio’s namesake, I enjoy solving a puzzle with an end result. The process of developing a product with a new take on an old classic brings me great satisfaction. For me, the research and testing is a part of the puzzle, which ultimately leads to a tactile creation from the very heart of my design aesthetic and personality. Making products for the home melds everything I have learned, loved (and learned to love) together: sewing and designing patterns; graphic design; re-creating a story; photography; home comforts; and sustainability.
The way I see it, we could all use a bit of levity in our lives. I like to use my creativity and sense of humor to bring a momentary giggle, a smile of a memory, or a breath of beauty to the day—to—day of others. Studio Lola is my way of sharing the spirit of life, by curating and creating items that bring joy and comfort into your life and home.
One of the privileges of entrepreneurship is the ability to make responsible, meaningful, and sustainable business decisions in matters that can make an impact, no matter the size. Studio Lola values the opportunity to practice a livelihood that you love, supports other entrepreneurs and believes in always finding ways to lessen the human impact on the environment. That’s why Studio Lola donates a percentage of sales to non-profits with similar values for the environment and community. And whenever possible, Studio Lola sources locally made, 100% organic supplies from other small businesses.
I hope that what you find here speaks to your soul in a way that makes it feel like that pillow, or that character has always been yours, and has now found its way back to you, much like placing that perfect piece in the puzzle.
A bit more information about Studio Lola’s process, and materials:
Studio Lola uses Texas-grown organic cotton that is processed and milled in the USA. Studio Lola dye is from a small company in L.A. that is producing small batch, environmentally responsible UV process dye. It is important to Studio Lola that all aspects of the textile dyeing process are approached as sustainably as possible.
Photos By: Angela and Evan Photography
2016 Upcoming Events For Studio Lola
- November 29: Rainier Club Holiday Bazaar
- December 3-4: Urban Air Market, Portland
- December 19: Fremont Foundry Holiday Market
Make sure to check out @studiololacollection on Instagram as they are running a giveaway for this gorgeous pouch!