Meet the Makers

Reed Krakoff is an American fashion designer and the creative force behind Coach, his own brand Reed Krakoff, and Tiffany & Co to name a few. I have worked with Reed in so many capacities for so many years, and have had a firsthand view into his creative genius.Reed visited the shop many months ago and purchased canvas totes. He later sent photos of how he had personalized them by hand dipping the handles in rubber paint and hand drawing his signature square on the tote. My first thought was... "of course you did!" My second thought was... "let's do a collaboration!"One of my...

Ben Wolff is a third generation local potter, based here in Goshen, CT. Coming from a long line of potters and artists, Ben learned at the hand of his father Guy Wolff, but has forged his own path and developed his own distinct language. Ben stopped by the shop the other day, and we chatted all things pottery and small business and trade secrets. A part of our conversation is just here...   Martha: Many moons ago, I’d visit your dad's workshop when it was in Woodville. It was there, at Guy Wolff, that I first discovered your work. Ben: Yes, that's...

Maasai Collections was brought to life by Elizabeth Warner, a true global nomad. Born in NY and raised in Africa, and now living with her daughter in Litchfield, CT,  Elizabeth created Maasai Collections out of a love for Africa and a desire to support local craft. Here is a part of our conversation: about her work, how it came to be and how her life spent predominantly in Kenya has informed her purpose and passion.  Martha: How did Maasai Collections come to be? Elizabeth: It was to really develop workload for local people in Africa more than anything. I deeply enjoy the creativity of it,...

Charlie Dumais founded his company, Dumais Made, with his husband Kevin in 2017. Based in New York City and Litchfield, they have built their business based on their shared passions and interests. A classically trained interior designer and lighting designer, Charlie creates beautiful lamps, lighting and accessories. We spent some time in their incredible studio and talked about everything from Charlie’s days as an undergrad at Pratt to how a couple of pottery classes turned into a business. Part of our conversation...   Martha: Your studio is such an inspiring space. Charlie: This is the loft we always wanted in...

Kate McLeod is many things—former bakery owner, pastry chef and, more recently, creator of the wildly popular body stones. These deeply emollient, stone-shaped moisturizers have become a phenomenon; not only because they really work, but because they live at the place where soft skin intersects with the mindset of today’s self-care movement. Please join Kate and me as we dig a little deeper into her story…   Martha: When I was first opening the shop, a close friend said, ‘I just received this new thing called a body stone. You must order one for yourself and you must get in...