Business Name: Peyton's Post
Owner: Peyton Thorp
Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: peytonspost.com
Instagram Handle: @peytons_post
Offerings: Stationery, paper goods, custom art in watercolor
What They Have to Say: "After being scolded in school for doodling in class and passing time during the day drawing up new designs, I finally decided it was time to hunker down and make this side-business a reality. So, after many name changes, Peyton's Post, LLC is here to stay!
While working primarily in watercolor, you will find a variety stationery, invitation designs, prints, and much more. However, about half of my business comes from custom work, including original wedding dress and house portraits. I love taking on new projects and meeting new people, so I look forward to hearing from you!"
My Personal Favorites: Wreath Enclosure Cards; Teddy Bear Baby Swaddle Blanket
Business Name: Evelyn Henson
Owner: Evelyn Henson
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: evelynhenson.com
Instagram Handle: @evelyn_henson
Offerings: Art, gifts, stationery
What They Have to Say: "Brushed with a love for all things creative, I grew up in Columbus, GA. I've always had a love for art (see here) and discovered my love for painting when I attempted a floral still life as a Mother's Day gift in 2012 after two friends kindly gave me an old box of paints they didn't want. I honestly haven't been able to put down the paint brush since---there's something about art that brings out my happiest, brightest self. I started selling my work in May 2013 following my college graduation. It started with just a few art prints on Etsy, and has slowly evolved into a colorful & happy brand that has been seen in Glamour, Domino, Redbook, People, and more. My clients include companies like La Croix, Glamour, NBC Sports, and Staples.
Led by the mantra "painting is a celebration of life," I seek to create stylish art that colorfully celebrates the everyday. I look at places and things, but most of my paintings begin when I think about others and what I can paint to brighten their day. The personalized pet mug started as a joke for my sisters and I painted the confetti hearts mural with the intention of making pedestrians happier. Whether I'm painting a 40 ft wall or a greeting card, I'm always thinking about you and how I can create art that fills you with sunshine."
My Personal Favorites: Evelyn has a wonderful collection of gifts! Be sure to check out her Tea Towels, Tumblers, and Calendars.
Business Name: Surcie
Owners: Taylor and Mary
Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: shopsurcie.com
Instagram Handle: @shopsurcie
Offerings: All things wedding paper, event branding, and more!
What They Have to Say: "While Taylor has always wanted to own her own business, she became obsessed with the wedding industry while planning her own wedding. She coupled her passion for paper products, personalization and new found love of weddings to create Surcie. Taylor truly cares about each and every client and will work around the clock to make sure their vision is executed perfectly. When she is not working, you can find Taylor traveling with her husband, Bennett, playing with her labradoodle Henry, or scouting out the best new restaurants (and wine bars) with her friends and family.
No detail is too small for Mary, a determined self starter who has a love for Interior Design, Coffee Table Books and Two Roosters Ice Cream. Mary says it is her generation, but we all know that she just has the eye for amazing social media photography, design and tying the perfect bow on a welcome gift. Some of Mary's favorite things include traveling to Palm Beach, swooning over interior designer Mark Sikes, sipping on diet coke and researching the newest and best stationery trends. She can’t wait to help you bring your vision to life!"
My Personal Favorites: Be sure to see their Wedding Suites that give amazing options for everything you need printed for your big day.
Business Name: Liz Shea Designs | Art for ALS
Owner: Liz Shea
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: lizsheadesigns.com
Instagram Handle: @lizsheadesigns
Offerings: Art and gifts
What They Have to Say: "What began more than 25 years ago as an art project born out of a passion for bold color and vibrant patterns, has now become a line of versatile products, all backed by a vital cause. Liz Shea is a busy, talented entrepreneur who, like many women today, deftly quarterbacks her business, and cares for her four children and her husband. As one who relies heavily on organizational tools and has a passion for traditional stationery, Liz puts her creative stamp on each product she decides to offer.
Liz Shea Designs, where original artwork married with functional design is the starting point."
My Personal Favorites: They make it easy for you with the Peachy Holiday Gift Set!
Business Name: Inslee Fariss
Owner: Inslee Fariss
Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: inslee.net
Instagram Handle: @inslee
Offerings: Custom art, prints and gifts
What They Have to Say: "Inslee Fariss is discovering new inspiration in Raleigh, North Carolina after a recent move from Manhattan where she spent the past eight years cultivating her brand as an artist and fine-tuning her opinions about pastries - croissants in particular.
Inslee's whimsical and playful creativity is an identifying thread woven through all her artistry - be it invitation design, textile pattern, fine art or portraiture. Her brush brings lightness to everything she puts down on paper (or canvas).
For the past decade she has worked with wonderful clients - both private individual commissions and for large companies. Each day offers up unexpected new opportunities for creativity."
My Personal Favorites: If you need a gift for that beautiful friend who loves low-tech calendars, don't miss Inslee's 2020 Color Calendar.
Business Name: Florence Street Studio
Owner: Emily Shea
Location: Dallas, TX
Website: florencestreetstudio.com
Instagram Handle: @florencestreetstudio
Offerings: Custom illustrations and invitations
What They Have to Say: "Hi, my name is Emily Shea, and I have always painted. I grew up in the incredibly supportive and creative community of Columbus, GA. Childhood art lessons and museum visits led to a few tentative watercolor still life paintings that my parents still have (graciously) framed in their kitchen and, ultimately, to an M.F.A. in Interior Design.
As an interior designer by training, I am most naturally drawn to architecture as a subject. I believe in the power of place and the emotional hold that buildings (and bridges and cities and even favorite flowers) can have on our hearts. I love capturing the essence of a place on paper, bottling up that special feeling of a home or a wedding day, so that my clients can experience it even when they’re no longer there."
My Personal Favorites: Building Portraits
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I'd love to know if you've made a purchase from any of these small businesses this year in our Shop Small Holiday 2019 Campaign - tag me on Instagram @maryfrancesflowers and share your goodies with #MFMshopsmallchallenge