i love Sweet Pepita’s shop announcment. it reads like so:

“Everything changed once Sweet Pepita was born. We have always been environmentally conscious. Now, though, it feels more urgent. The decision to use only organic and recycled fabrics was an easy one. Our 100% organic rib knit cotton is bright and beautiful and super soft. Combined with recycled fabrics, a hip and funky look is created!
Hand sewn in Baltimore, Maryland.
Sweatshop-free!”

name: Shannon

company name: Sweet Pepita

hometown: Baltimore

clubs/activities/affiliations that you are a part of?: Yeti Loves Seamonster, the Etsy Trashion Street Team and the Baltimore Etsy Street Team

how long have you been a resident of baltimore?: I was born here. I moved around though, in and out of Baltimore (we always come back, don’t we). Let’s just say a long, long time.

where in baltimore do you live?: I live in Woodberry, right on the edge of Druid Hill Park.

how long have you been crafting?: Since I was a kid, I guess. My brother was definitely more creative than I was, though. He taught me a lot about letting go.

can you describe your creative process? I don’t know if I can even call what I do a process. If an idea keeps me up at night, I sketch it out and make a few samples until I get it right. Sometimes I make a lot of samples.

when you are not in the studio, what can we find you doing?: Chasing Pepita (my daughter) around the house. Trying to keep her little monkey paws out of the trash. You know, that sort of thing. And I can’t wait for it to warm up so I can get out in the garden. Digging in the dirt feels good!

 

favorite baltimore craft resources and inspirations?: Out of Order at Maryland Art Place. It’s really fun to participate and get all dressed up and hang out with other artists and craft persons for a night. And of course the Charm City Craft Mafia and now the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, too!

one piece of advice you would give to anyone looking to start a craft business?: Get out of the house. It can be really isolating doing this, especially if you work alone. I need to follow this advice more!

favorite local crafter/craft business?: My husband and I discovered Cotton Monster while I was pregnant and we totally fell in love with her work. When my daughter gets a little older I’m gonna take her to choose a monster to buy. My Pepita’s pretty wild. I know she’ll find her perfect match in one of those little guys!

3 books we should read:

Well, everyone should read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee,

and then one of my favorites from when I was younger is In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez.

Also read Dorothy Parker’s poetry. Definitely.

3 movies we should see:

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada

Harold and Maude

The Goonies.

3 baltimore places we should see:
Trinacria Macaroni Works on Paca Street

the Baltimore Conservatory in Druid Hill Park

the harbor to ride the water taxi.

anything you would like to add?: Thanks so much!

thank you so much, Shannon, for sharing your thoughts with us!

if you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.

 

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