Neighborhood: Owings Mills
Years as a Maker: 4
Background: Afrotika consists of modern African-inspired art and clothing created by deaf artist and fashion designer, Abby Haroun. Through AfroTika, Abby supports the education of underprivileged deaf children in developing countries. Proceeds from Afrotika’s sales support the education of deaf children in developing nations.
Being a maker means: Having the ability to empower others.

“Creativity is the voice of the silent.”

Neighborhood: Westminster
Years as a Maker: 4
Background: Alpha Bravo First Aid began by selling premium American-Made first aid kits and supplies to businesses and offering on-site CPR training. Recently we began offering first aid supplies to the general public at our CPR classes and the response has been phenomenal.
Being a maker means: An opportunity to create the best custom first aid kits on the market. 

“Nothing is more expensive than a cheap first aid kit” 

Neighborhood: Prince George’s County
Years as a Maker: 2
Background: PG County Native and creative at heart.
Being a maker means: Taking an idea from your head and manifesting it into reality.

“The love you show yourself manifests all around you.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: Around the Way Parchment is a full-service stationery design firm on a mission to strengthen your interpersonal relationships one piece of paper at a time.
Being a maker means: Taking an idea from my mind to become a product that inspires, uplifts and motivates others is what fuels me to create.

“A man’s gift makes room for him…” Proverbs 18:16

Neighborhood: Phoenix
Years as a Maker: 6
Background: Wife, mother, artist, entrepreneur, Yahtzee enthusiast, dog lover.
Being a maker means: Being a maker means bringing my artistic visions to life for others to enjoy. 

“Everything is hard before it is easy.” – Goethe 

Neighborhood: Columbia
Years as a Maker: 1
Background: Akin Falodun, founder of Bamba Foods, pioneers nutritious, culturally-inspired snacks. 
Being a maker means: Filling the void of ready-to-eat African cuisine in big retail stores. Being a founder involves leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to the vision of bringing ready-to-eat African cuisine to big retail stores.

“Empowering taste buds with the rich flavors of Africa, Bamba Foods aims to make every meal a cultural journey, filling the shelves of big retail stores with the warmth and diversity of our culinary heritage.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore County
Years as a Maker: 4
Background: We come from a long line of entrepreneurs and have always had a passion for business. We started the company to continue the family tradition of problem solving, and serving others. 
Being a maker means: The word maker made me think about my great grandfather Ngugi who combined creativity, technical skills and an enterprising spirit to create and market his own unique product in 1940. When he started his milling company, he saw an opportunity to problem solve. He loved to collaborate with other likeminded traders to bring solutions to the community under the same roof.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford 

Neighborhood: Pikesville
Years as a Maker: 9
Background: BLING master and visionary behind Bella’s Bling Boutique.
Being a maker means: Someone who uses their gifts to create “magic”.

“Changing your mindset will change your life.”

Neighborhood: Nottingham
Years as a Maker: 2.5
Background: Black woman owned home fragrance company specializing in luxury candles without the luxury price tag. We hand blend our fragrance oil, so you enjoy a unique fragrance experience. We also create uniquely scented incense, wax melts and room sprays. All fragrances are clean and high quality. Our packaging is eco-friendly and sleek. Our favorite color is black, and we display that with our lux black packaging.
Being a maker means: Changing people’s lives through my craft. 

“To us, candle making means so much more than making a house smell good, they can be therapeutic and an essential part of your self-care routine.”

Neighborhood: Highland Park
Years as a Maker: 5
Background: Specializing in mood enhancing custom art coasters. Our coasters feature bright colors, empowering messaging and nostalgic photos. Created in small batches of 20, our coasters are carefully crafted to be durable while also elevating the mood of your home decor. These conversation starters are both functional and artful.
Being a maker means: I can give life to the lifeless.

“Each creation is a conversation with my inner child.”

Neighborhood: Eastern Shore
Years as a Maker: 5
Background: Woman owned, plant related business, specializing in unique plant accessories & plant care items.
Being a maker means: I love being my own boss because it gives me the freedom to be creative, to meet & connect with new people, to design items and then watch them come to life, and most importantly it means that I can watch my little one grow up since I have a flexible schedule. She’s the main reason why I pursued my goal of becoming an owner, maker, and designer.

“We strive to create plant related items that are made for everyone. Whether you are a beginner plant parent, a plant enthusiast, or even don’t have a green thumb, we got you covered. We have a unique selection of 3D printed & other mixed media plant care items, along with many unique plant accessories and decor. We have something for everyone to choose from.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: Born in Flint, MI. I love to uplift and inspire people through what I create. I believe everyone needs motivation or encouragement that can help through our day, week, month, or year and so I decided the best way for you to get that is by pairing an inspiring quote with a Creation. The quotes are my way of letting you know that you’re thought of. They’re to give you hope, courage and confidence and put you in a space of positive thinking.
Being a maker means: Being able to use my God given gift to design jewelry and bring joy to others by what I create.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

Neighborhood: Maryland
Years as a Maker: 15
Background: Mom, Designer, Adorer of Animals, Yoga Teacher.
Being a maker means: When I create something, I truly believe that it will bring joy to people.  I take great pride in using quality materials and producing my items with my own hands. 

“I make things that make me smile.”

Neighborhood: Lauraville
Years as a Maker: 3.5
Background: A Baltimore native, the baby girl, and favorite auntie. We specialize in creating high-quality, natural personal care products that are safe and effective for all skin types.
Being a maker means: To embrace the art of creation, to be the architect of ideas, and the solver of problems.

“Crafting natural products stems from my desire to provide a healthier, effective alternative, sparked by my personal experiences and a passion for elevating your daily personal care routine.”

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Years as a Maker: 1
Background: Lindsy is a self-taught AAPI illustrator.
Being a maker means: I illustrate and craft things that bring me joy, hoping to bring smiles to others.

“I find joy and inspiration in the spontaneous connections and shared moments inspired by my illustrations.”

Neighborhood: Rosedale
Years as a Maker: 4
Background: LaToya Renee| Herbalists, Fueled by a personal quest for wellness.
Being a maker means: Being a maker to me is striving to share the knowledge gained, crafting Herbalistic products that nurture, balance, & promote your well-being as your Herbalist / Herbal Educator.

“Inspired by my own journey with Multiple Sclerosis, Herbslistic Wellness emerged as a testament to the transformative power nature holds to assist us in healing naturally…”

Neighborhood: Pikesville
Years as a Maker: 8
Background: Chef, farmer, and folk herbalist.
Being a maker means: I get to share my work and feel the impact it has on others.

“I am inspired by my own journey of caring for my spirit and health through food.”

Neighborhood: Walbrook
Years as a Maker: 12
Background: Established in 2016, Jon’s Design Company is a furniture and design studio based in Baltimore, Maryland. We are best known for our striking & colorful cutting boards and coasters.
Being a maker means: That I can create something bigger than myself and that can outlive me.

“We make the process of buying custom-made approachable.”

Neighborhood: Hampstead
Years as a Maker: 6
Background: I love to play with fiber and fabric and enjoy botanical printing, natural dyes, spinning wool, knitting, weaving, felting, and thread painting on fabric applique. I also love to travel and often use photos taken while traveling as inspiration for my art.  
Being a maker means: I make art because it’s fun and fulfilling.  

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir. 

Neighborhood: Harford County
Years as a Maker: 2
Background: Loves all animals!
Being a maker means: We create healthy products & treats for our animals.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”

Neighborhood: Owings Mills
Years as a Maker: 10
Background: Makeda is not just candles! We make body butters, sugar scrubs, linen sprays.
Being a maker means: Being able to create a product that comes from the passion I have for my craft and a desire to share it. 

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”  – Albert Einstein 

Neighborhood: Baltimore City
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: Born and raised in a coffee farming family and coffee farm owner himself, Jean Christophe co-founded Matriarch Coffee to establish a one stop shop for authentic coffee from Rwanda to the USA.
Being a maker means: I get to establish a coffee brand that provides unique multicultural menu offering traditional and nontraditional coffee products such as coffee scrubs.

“Like a perfectly brewed cup of Matriarch coffee, savor the richness that sets you apart from the rest.”

Neighborhood: Owings Mills
Years as a Maker: 10+
Background: Former engineer and classroom teacher, current maker and educator.
Being a maker means: I get to be a problem solver. I love to
figure out how I can make these relics from the past into something useful for today.

“I love taking objects with classic, vintage appeal, and turning them into unique, functional works of art.”

Years as a Maker: 6
Background: I’m self-taught and I’m still learning.
Being a maker means: Visibility for the little girls who look like me who struggle to see themselves in the art world.

“Art is my soul on canvas.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore
Years as a Maker: 14
Background: Sam (Shena) Smith is a conductor of creativity energizing the Art & Fashion landscape in Baltimore and beyond. As a published Designer and Creative Entrepreneur, Sam is on a mission to infuse more Soul into Style and spark the wardrobe and wellness conversation. Not only a Mom and Wife, Sam holds several titles including CEO of New Vintage by Sam, founder of The Creative Consulting Group, founding member of She’s Well Networked, Impact Communications Manager for Bmore Empowered, Spicegirl at The Spice Suite, Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Community educator and a trailblazer in Baltimore’s Small business community ecosystem.
Being a maker means: I have an opportunity to create something from nothing and reminds me of my power to design the Art and life I love.

“My hope is to encourage humankind to take better care of themselves through clothing and intentional adornments. “You are the sanctuary” is our motto.”

During my volunteer time at a thrift store, inspiration struck me after witnessing the sheer volume of clothing destined for landfills due to minor imperfections.  I envisioned a way to way to rescue these fabrics and transform them into beautiful and useful accessories and décor. A spark was ignited, and PEACES was born, an example of sustainable crafting. I am also on a mission to help preserve and pass on the traditions of sewing and textile arts by serving as a teaching artist at local community centers and after school programs.  I enjoy uniting with other local handcraft artists to ensure the legacy of these arts continues for generations.

Neighborhood: Arbutus
Years as a Maker: 6
Background: Pineapple West Co. is a local, woman-owned, small business making handmade coasters and trivets made in small batches.  Patterns are ever-changing in a variety of styles, with seasonal and evergreen sets. I started making coasters as DIY gifts for my family and friends and it soon blossomed into a business in 2018 – I was not expecting people to enjoy coasters as much as they do, but I sure am grateful!
Being a maker means: I have the opportunity to have a creative outlet that allows me to continually evolve, be challenged, and connect with others, both customers and other makers.

“Seeing and hearing people excited about something I created, and knowing they will cherish it, brings me so much joy!”

Neighborhood: Sandtown
Years as a Maker: 5
Background: I am the Owner/Designer of unique Handmade Jewelry and Accessories. Black Woman Owned, Small-business’s home based in Sandtown, Baltimore, Md. As a kid, I was obsessed with Arts and Crafts. Always trying to make things “not so average.”
Being a maker means: I thrive for creativity and uniqueness.

“As a kid, I was obsessed with Arts and Crafts. Always trying to make things “not so average”. I started crafting and Jewelry Making to release some creative energy.”

Neighborhood: Govans
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: CEO, philanthropist, innovator, self-care advocate, business mentor, influencer, travel enthusiast, and serial entrepreneur.
Being a maker means: I’m inspired to create the change we need to see in the community that we serve.

“It’s important to be part of the change we want to see, and entrepreneurship allows us to have a seat at the table without having to ask for it.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore County
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: Aleia Street has been an artist since birth, creating since she could walk. She is a lover of all things vintage and the Earth’s natural beauty.
Being a maker means: To bless the world with your creative vision. From idea inception to product execution, being a maker is a labor of love and a blessing to embrace.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

Neighborhood: Baltimore
Years as a Maker: 4
Background: Jennifer Nolley is an artist and mom of 3 with a passion for art and design. After receiving a master’s in interior design from the Corcoran College of Art and Design, she started painting again in adulthood.  After her 3^rd kid, she started looking for approachable art supplies and art activities for her kids and began creating her own curated art box.  All of the drawings, tips and techniques were inspired by her kids and previous experience, designed to make each step simple while providing all of the tools needed for a tiny masterpiece, both on-the-go and at-home. 
Being a maker means: There is still a way to pursue something you love, even with 3 kids and, when I started, a full-time job. I have been standing in parking lots almost every Saturday, in a storage unit after it closes, up late at night making these art boxes and shipping out orders… so I have proven that there is still time in the day to do what you want.

“Whatever I’m doing, I can only give it my all.”

Neighborhood: Westminster/Union Mills/Pikesville
Years as a Maker: 8
Background: First started in 1987. 
Established bee farm in 2016. We’re a bee keeping farm located in both Carroll County and Baltimore County. We’re proud to be the favorite for locals to buy honey, bees, bee products, and bee keeping equipment. Our bee hives and other bee keeping equipment use advanced proprietary technology that makes the bee keeping experience efficient and streamlined. Additionally, our bee products are chemical free as we believe in all-natural bee keeping practices. We partner with other sustainable farms to ensure our honey comes from natural sources and is of the highest quality. Come see us today!
Being a maker means: It makes me proud to be able to produce one of the best natural bee products.

“I started working with bees as a hobby, trying to help my son with his allergies and got inspired by the process.”

Neighborhood: Owings Mills
Years as a Maker: 5
Background: Guiding with angelic grace for positive change. ComaCast Rise Recipient 2023, One Million Black Women Goldman Sachs ℅ 2022, Featured in Sheen Magazine and Byrdie.
Being a maker means: Prioritizing innovation in design, incorporating sleek aesthetics, and fostering a sense of empowerment among customers.

“Feeling celestial always.”

Neighborhood: Hampden/Govans
Years as a Maker: 9
Background: Siblings who became friends over a shared love of tea. 
Being a maker means: Following our passion, connecting with community, supporting others within our communities. It means not always having the answers but always being open to learning.

“Tired of the same boring tea blends, Brittany and Joey love finding inspiration in culinary flavor pairings when brewing up ideas for new blends.”

Neighborhood: Hampden
Years as a Maker: 11
Background: Redefining the art of thoughtful gift giving.
Being a maker means: We are proud to be a part of the maker community where we are working together to strengthen the economy and to bring quality products into homes across America and beyond. 

“Cutting Boards that Make a Statement.”

Neighborhood: Baltimore City
Years as a Maker: 3
Background: Tiera Chin is a wife, mother, and founder of Yorktown Spice.
Being a maker means: I can share my family tradition with the world, and my children can watch me work to build a legacy and flourish as an entrepreneur.

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”