Local Makers: Samantha Dickey of Dirty Beauty Skincare

Meet Samantha of Dirty Beauty! Come out and hang with us this weekend at the Maker's Mash at Reformation Brewery this Saturday from 5-8! 

First off, what do you make and how did you get started?

We make plant-based science-based skincare + cosmetics. We discovered that the ingredients in natural skincare are the same ingredients our grandparents grew on their family farms. We combined that with our love for technology + experience in Lab Science to develop a line of cosmetics that's driven by getting results - clear healthy looking skin!

What does your average day look like?

Our average day in the Lab is total Glad Science! We mix + measure just picked plants & flowers and fill beautiful earth-friendly bottles and jars. All day!

What inspires you?

We are inspired by men + women of all complexions that let us know that our product formulas make a positive difference in the way their skin looks. That makes them happy and us happy too! To stay fresh + focused, we rent a bike and head for the trails in downtown Woodstock!

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business/creative process?

The hardest lesson is that it takes lots of time + trial + error to get good things right! And that the creative process requires us to SLOW DOWN!!!

What's the best part about doing what you do?

The best part is seeing clear healthy looking skin as a result of our science + math based efforts!

What are you working on now?

Customized + Personalized skincare in a snap! We want beauty seekers to come to our Lab and get their bespoke face mask + moisturizers in just minutes! 

We also LOVE introducing young people to STEM! We use beauty to let students know that math + science is creative & glamorous! (Check this video out! So awesome!!)

Keep up with Dirty Beauty on Facebook, Instagram and their site! Come out and hang this Saturday at Reformation Brewery from 5-8!

Local Makers: Sean Fagan of T Dean Cocktail Provisions

Time to meet Sean Fagan! Sean is a good friend - Dusty designed his labels and we were lucky enough to be included in several tastings. His products are amazing. They make such good gifts too! Read his Q&A below and meet him in person this Saturday at the Maker's Mash!  

What do you make and how did you get started?

I make tonic, cocktail cherries and champagne mustard. I working to build a distillery that will be exclusively making gin. I got started making a tonic and cherries that can go along with it.

What does your average day look like?

I make products at Crazy Good Community Kitchen, seek outlets to sell my non-alcoholic products wholesale, look for special events, markets and festivals to build my retail side of the business and work on my distillery project.

What inspires you to keep making work? Where do you go to shake out of a creative rut?

I really believe in my products. I have a passion for good drinks and good food. I think small batch locally made products can foster community, industry and keep craftsmanship alive in our country. If I get in a creative rut, I try to go somewhere to be inspired - I look for new ingredients, or visit with another food entrepreneur, visit a distillery or brewery or independent retailer.

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business/creative process?

It takes time and there is more than just I can do in a single day. But I have FOMO a lot and it can cause me to shut down.

What's the best part about making what you make?

I make cocktail products and soon will make gin .... what do you think? (Lol.)

What are you working on now?

Ginger Tonic, Cherry Cocktail Syrup, new gin botanicals - plus a location for the distillery.

(We can't wait!) See Sean and his products this Saturday at the Maker's Mash at Reformation. Keep up with the magic on his Facebook, Instagram, and Website!

Local Makers: Brittney Bond of Queen B's Boutique & Studio

I can't believe how fast summer is flying by. We're on to week three of the Maker's Mash already. Two wonderful events have happened and two wonderful events to come! :) Brittney will be at this weekend's Maker's Mash, so be sure to come out and see her wonderful work! Her Q&A below:

How did you get started making jewelry?

I started making as a hobby that grew into a business.

What does your average day look like?

After getting kids off to school I open up my store on Main Street. I usually spend a few hours making new pieces, working on Custom orders, and helping customers throughout the day.

What inspires you to keep making work? 

I started this business in memory of my Mom, Betsy, who passed away from ALS a year ago this past February. With every purchase from my store or website I donate a portion to The ALS Association of GA. Its my hope that with this jewelry line I can raise awareness and funds to help fight this awful disease one bead at a time.

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business?

You can't do everything yourself! Its ok to ask for help!

What's the best part about doing what you do?

I love what I do. Going to work is not a job. It's a form of therapy and fun for me.

What are you working on now? 

I have a new summer line that I am going to be debuting in the next few weeks so I 'm super busy trying to finish it up!

Check out her work this Saturday at the Maker's Mash at Reformation Brewery or on Facebook or Instagram!  :)