Amber with Sparklez Slimez

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influences are things in nature like sunsets, the ocean, and flowers. I like finding beauty in the everyday things in life. It inspires me to try to make pretty things that give me a sense of joy and calm. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? Staying tidy! I have so much going on all the time with different projects that it’s hard to keep my space organized and that can stress me out. I try to pack everything up after I’m done for the day, but I never really feel done! 

Rings

A clean space is also high on our list! Do you have a favorite item that you have created? I love the little cork tops for the small jars I use for my slime station. I’ve been decorating the tops with different themes for holidays, sleepy time dreamland, gemstone garden, etc.  Every time I make one I think it’s my favorite, until the next creation. It’s a little something extra that adds some cuteness to the day and I love when people notice the details I put into every part of my work. 

What do you love most about Burbank? I love the people and community in Burbank. I regularly do the Downtown Burbank Cultural Market every weekend and I love the interactions and laughs I have with everybody that comes by. There’s so much fun stuff to do and explore around every corner. I love being able to be a part of that fun. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?   I’m a licensed attorney and obviously have veered off that path. I love the education and knowledge I have received and the law degree still comes in handy but being able to work with my hands and create is what makes me happiest, and that’s what I wanted to follow. 

Love that! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years I see myself happy and fulfilled because those are the intentions I have set for myself. I have no idea what that will look like, and that’s ok. 

You have the day off, what do you do?  Dog beach with my three rescue pups is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love seeing my boys so happy running freely at the beach. Sharing the experience with friends and their dogs while sharing laughs and food is the best. 

Anything special you would like to add? I’d like to give a huge thank you to Jackalope because without them my slime business wouldn’t exist! I was doing an ASMR soap booth for the festival one year when I offered to do a slime workshop. They asked if I could do that as part of the booth and Sparklez Slimez was born! Their events will always hold a special place in my heart and it’s one of my favorites of all the events I do throughout the year! 

We love that so much! Find Sparklez Slimez at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st where she will once again be offering her awesome slime station!

Website: www.sparklezslimez.com

Instagram: @sparklezslimez_

Theresa from Minkara

Where are you from and does that affect your work? I’d say I belong to a lot of places as I have traveled a lot and I have lived in many different locations (Madrid, Naples, Rome, Canada, Australia, and several spots in the USA…) but if you ask where I was born, I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain.

Having been to so many countries has made me seen the world around me with open eyes, definitely affecting my work by taking mental notes of all the landscapes, nature, cultures, textures, colors .. and mixing all that into eclectic collections that are inspired by all the things I lived and saw in each of those beautiful locations

That is so cool! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? Nature plays a big part in my inspiration process but also the places I've been to and all the elements I encountered while traveling: Textures, colors, shapes, materials and people. 

On another hand, I have always been into botany and plants ( as a pharmacist I guess that's unavoidable! ) and when I first saw my Australian teacher John, a royal artist, sculptor and master opal Jeweler, I soon wanted to learn his technique so he taught me how to turn organic materials into living jewelry pieces (amongst other things). John travelled the world in search for stones, pearls and all kinds of materials that he then incorporated into these designs. He was one of my biggest inspirations as well; thanks to him I quickly found my passion in metal smithing, as this allowed me to use the chemistry involved in the process to combine the beauty of different elements and natural materials in my designs.

Metalized Leaves

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? Sometimes I have an idea to make a piece of jewelry, but the material does not allow making it because it would be too fragile or not suitable to wear it comfortably. This happens a lot with those pieces inspired directly by nature, when I try to cast a tiny lichen into a necklace, for example, and it does not work.. or a tiny something. However when it works it’s a reason to celebrate because the piece becomes so special. I remember last year when I succeeded electroforming a sea cucumber and a cicada into a pendant and a pin respectively, of course they had to find that special person to take them home, but when they did, it was amazing to share the story of the making with the customer and sharing how unique that piece they took home was.

Another challenging part is the tech part of running a business… the social media slavery!

Rings

Haha we agree on that! What is your favorite piece that you have created and why? Lately I am loving more than anything else the 18K gold salt and pepper diamond rings and the contour rings that I created for them. It was lot's of fun to make those waxes and trouble shoot the unusual shapes of the stones. And I love thinking that I was able to create such a beautiful piece from repurposed diamonds. (By the way, those will be discounted during the Burbank market ! Shhhhhh... Keep the secret! ;-)   )

What do you love most about Burbank? I love the huge creative community that Burbank has. It makes sense having all the big movie studios near! I always get customers with the most amazing professional stories and creative advice, and I really like that.

I also have special friends from my very first job in Madrid who live now in Burbank so I enjoy seeing them after the markets every year :-) 

I have participated in a continuous way in the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival with Jackalope from the beginning of my jewelry adventure and I have really good connections there. 

Some of my best customers I met there, they kept on coming through the years and I ended up making their engagement and wedding rings. They even invited Cat and I to their wedding! It was so special to feel a part of the community in that way. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?   Quite a few!

• I am a Pharmacist as well and used to work in Breast Cancer Research.

• I sang at the Sydney Opera House with their choir while I was living there

• I was in a Roller Derby team in LA

• I've been to 47 countries around the world

• I was almost attacked by a Grizzly bear in Yellowstone while happy campers were trying to warn me and my husband from the base of the mountain that the Bear was coming! Now I laugh but that was quite scary... We could hear his menace grawl!

OMG you win on the fun facts! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  Hopefully having a successful and sustainable business that allows me and my family to travel every year looking for adventure while searching for new materials and stones :-)

You have the day off, what do you do?  Now that I am a mother.... SLEEP!!

Find Minkara at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: www.minkara.life

Instagram: @minkarajewelry

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? I was born and raised in Italy, in a town nested between Mount Vesuvius and the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up in Napoli, with its art, ancient history, and vibrant culture, shaped my entire way of seeing the world. It’s a melting pot of people, colors, and stories, and that energy lives in my work. That’s also why I feel so connected to Southern California, it has a similar creative, sunny, and soulful vibe that feels like home to me.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influence was my grandfather. He was an oil painter, and I grew up surrounded by his canvases, color palettes, and the wonderful smell of paint in the air. We always shared a special connection, and I think that his creative spirit got passed down to me. I also attended art school, and growing up in Italy, art was everywhere, in churches, museums, even the streets! It was a normal (and totally awesome) part of daily life, and it made a big contribution in how I see beauty in the world.

 What is the hardest part of your creation process? As a recovering ☺️  perfectionist, letting go and trusting that a piece is truly “done” can be difficult. Embracing imperfection doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve come to realize that nature isn’t perfect either and that’s what makes it so beautiful. I want my work to reflect that same organic, imperfect beauty, even though it’s hard to resist the urge to control every detail. Clay is the perfect medium to learn to let go, and honestly, I find it deeply therapeutic.

As a fellow perfectionist, I get that! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why? My leaf plates are a delight to make and I’m kind of obsessed with them. I love my quirky bud vases a lot. But if I had to choose just one, I feel a special connection to my “plump” amphora with blue glazes and underglazes. There’s something about it… the shape, the symbols, the deep-sea colors that reminds me of ancient Greece and the Mediterranean sea. It just feels like me.

What do you love most about Burbank? I live in Pasadena and love the whole area so much. Burbank is a vibrant community with an artistic energy, a creative hub with a vintage soul. There’s something magical about being in the heart of the entertainment world with just the right mix of inspiration and charm.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? There's actually a picture of me and a caption with my name inside the Griffith Observatory! I moved from Italy 20 years ago and had the incredible opportunity to work on The Big Picture, the largest astronomical image ever created, alongside a small group of scientists from Caltech. It's still thrilling to know I was part of something so cosmic… literally!

Also, long before that, I founded Soldissimi.it, the very first Italian website dedicated to coupons, sweepstakes, and freebies. This year, it turns 25 and it is still the largest Italian community on that topic!

That is so cool! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years, I see myself with my hands and clothes full of paint, clay, and a little dirt (from collecting rocks and exploring places). I’m drawn to bold colors, transparency, and textures shaped by nature. I have a passion (and a MS) for Geology; my nature plates are inspired by my love for fossils. Whether I’m creating, painting, or just getting lost in the desert with my family, I am happy!

You have the day off, what do you do? If I have a day off, you’ll probably find me out in nature, whether it’s a forest, a desert, a river, or the sea. I crave that peaceful, quiet connection with the natural world. It recharges me, grounds me, and fills me with inspiration. No better way to spend a day than surrounded by beauty and silence. I usually come back with sand in my shoes, a few interesting rocks in my pockets, and a hundred new ideas in my head.

Anything special you’d like to share? I’m so excited to be a part of the Jackalope community, this is my first time participating, and I’m truly looking forward to every smile, kind word, and bit of advice from people attending. What makes it even more special is that my 15-year-old daughter will be with me. She’s an amazing artist in the making, and creating together has always been our happy place. I feel grateful to share this experience with her and with all of you!

Find Simonamadeit at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: https://www.simonamadeit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonamadeit

Where are you from and does that affect your work?
I was born in Jordan, with roots in a small Lebanese village and deep ties to Palestinian culture. I spent my childhood surrounded by women who cooked from scratch, passing down recipes and traditions through the generations. That upbringing shaped my entire relationship with food. To me, baklava isn’t just a dessert—it’s a symbol of hospitality, memory, and joy. The flavors I use are inspired by my travels across the Middle East, and every bite tells a story of where I come from.

Very cool. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest influences are my mother and grandmother. They were passionate, intuitive cooks who taught me that food is an expression of love. I also find inspiration in the beauty of Middle Eastern design—the layering, symmetry, colors, and textures. That same sense of balance and craftsmanship goes into every baklava I make.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part is also what I love most—staying true to tradition while offering something fresh and elevated. I never use shortcuts: no corn syrup, no preservatives. Every batch is handmade, using organic clarified butter and premium nuts. I also test new flavor combinations regularly—chocolate baklava with almonds and walnuts, pecan baklava, almond baklava. Each one has to be just right before I share it with my customers. There’s no faking flavor—people can taste the care.

And much appreciated. What’s your favorite that you’ve created, and why?
Pistachio Baklava—hands down.
It’s rich, flaky, and made with organic clarified butter, premium pistachios, and a touch of rose water for balance. This is the baklava I grew up eating in Jordan—it’s the most traditional and the most nostalgic for me. It’s also the first flavor I felt truly expressed who I am: rooted in heritage, elevated in quality, and full of heart.

All of my baklavas are made with that same commitment—flaky layers, high-quality ingredients, and just the right amount of sweetness. But pistachio will always be my favorite.

Now we are hungry! What do you love most about Burbank?
Burbank has such a welcoming, creative energy. It’s a place where artists, small businesses, and food lovers all connect. Every time I participate in a market or event here, I meet people who genuinely care about the story behind the product. That kind of community support is what keeps me going.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I might be a chocolate whisperer—I’ve mastered chocolate tempering and created a unique pistachio chocolate with Dubai-inspired flavors. I originally made it just for display at a wedding expo, but curiosity got the better of me and I brought samples to the farmers market. My customers loved it—some even texted me asking to bring it back. Now it sells out every week! I didn’t expect it, but it looks like I’m becoming a chocolatier too.

So fun. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself opening a small baklava café in Los Angeles—part boutique, part gathering space. I want to create a warm, inviting place where people can slow down, enjoy Arabic coffee, and taste something that brings comfort and connection. I also plan to keep growing through more wholesale accounts, weddings, large events, and maybe even a baklava subscription box. Most of all, I want to keep building through word-of-mouth—those honest, heartfelt referrals from one happy customer to the next.

That sounds like a great goal. Now, you have the day off—what do you do?
When I have a rare day off, I try to enjoy all the beauty LA has to offer. I catch up with family, meet friends, or take a walk at the beach to recharge. I don’t always slow down completely—but a cardamom coffee and some time outdoors does wonders.

Anything special you’d like to share?
I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Human Resources at age 49 and was honored to be the commencement speaker. When I moved to California in 2018, I decided to follow my passion for food and began catering and offering Middle Eastern cooking classes—both privately and through Airbnb Experiences: 🔗 https://www.airbnb.com/experience-hosting/listings/422850/experience

Today, I’m fully booked creating my Dubai chocolate, making Middle Eastern desserts, catering weddings, attending farmers markets, and fulfilling online orders through my website.

I absolutely love what I do—but I do miss teaching in-person cooking classes. There’s nothing quite like sharing a table, telling stories, and showing someone how to make something from scratch.

Find Jackie’s Middle Eastern at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: jackiesmiddleeastern.com

Instagram: @baklava.by.jackie

How did Blooming Amethyst get its start?

Blooming Amethyst was born out of a passion for offering something that isn’t always easy to find—truly natural skincare. As an herbalist, I understand the importance of using pure, plant-based ingredients in our everyday routines. We wanted to create products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, allowing people to experience skincare as it was meant to be—simple, effective, and in harmony with nature.

Beyond just creating products, we love educating others about how the evolution of modern skincare has led to an overuse of plastics and harsh chemicals. Our mission is to help people make the shift back to natural, high-quality ingredients that nourish and heal, just as they were originally intended to do.

Very cool. Where did the name come from?
Amethyst is my birthstone, making it a reflection of me and a part of what I’m sharing with the world. The name Blooming Amethyst represents growth, transformation, and the journey of creating something pure and natural.

Love that! What inspires you to create?
I love creating products that I can trust on my own skin and that others can feel good about using too.  

And what is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is achieving consistency in scent and color. Since everything I make is 100% natural, variations naturally occur from batch to batch. People are used to products that look and smell exactly the same every time, but nature has its own seasons. Different harvests bring subtle shifts in scent and color, and while that may seem unpredictable, it’s a reminder that our products are truly derived from nature.    

Sun Glow

Interesting, I would have never considered that. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
Sun Glow is my favorite product because it’s truly been a face saver. It’s a daytime facial oil with natural UVA and UVB protection, which is perfect for me since I’m allergic to sunscreen but spend so much time outdoors. It keeps my skin nourished, protected, and glowing without any of the irritation I’d get from traditional sunblocks. 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

What I love most about Pasadena is the ambiance and the people. The city has this perfect balance of energy and relaxation. it's full of life yet has a laid-back feel to it. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?

A fun fact about me that others may not expect is that I’m currently learning American Sign Language (ASL) to become trilingual! I’m really excited about connecting with the Deaf community and embracing new ways of communication. Shout out to the best teacher ever Dr. Tomas.

Wow, super cool! Find Blooming Amethyst at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: bloomingamethyst.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Blooming_Amethyst

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so I’ve always felt like a true California girl. The culture here is laid-back and full of creatives and free-spirited people, which has definitely influenced my approach to Good Karma. I want my pieces to feel effortless—something you can throw on and instantly feel good in, no matter where you are.

How did you get your start?

I’ve always been entrepreneurial, but I never imagined I’d end up in fashion. Good Karma was born out of a gift—a beautiful Thai cotton dress, hand-embroidered with bright orange carrots, given to me by my dear friend, Nana. I wore it so much it literally fell apart.

At the time, I was new to sustainable fashion and didn’t know how to properly care for natural fibers. When I asked Nana to help me find another carrot dress, she couldn’t. These pieces weren’t mass-produced; they were never meant to be. And that realization sparked something in me.

With Nana’s help, I started reaching out to artisans in Thailand, sourcing handmade pieces to sell on Etsy. I started small—buying just five pieces at a time, waiting weeks for them to arrive, and wondering if they would ever sell. Slowly but surely, they did. Each positive review felt like a little push forward, proof that others saw the beauty in these pieces too.

Today, I source fabric directly from artisans in Jaipur, India, who carry on the centuries-old tradition of hand block printing using vegetable dyes, as well as makers in Thailand who weave the most beautiful, lightweight cotton, thoughtfully designed for their hot climate.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest influences come from the deep-rooted textile traditions of Asia. I’m Korean myself, but I’ve always been fascinated by the art of Indian block printing, the softness of Thai stonewashed cotton, and what I like to call the East’s version of beachwear—flowy, modest silhouettes designed for hot weather.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Since I’m not a designer by trade, the hardest part is translating my ideas into real pieces. I question myself all the time—will people like this? Will they wear it? But I think that challenge is what makes this journey so rewarding. It pushes me creatively, and every piece that comes to life feels like a small victory.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?

Right now, I’m really excited about the Summer Sweetheart Dress. It’s an Indian block print cotton mini dress with billowing sleeves, a lightweight cotton liner, and a tie in the front that you can style into a bow. And of course, it has pockets.

Pockets are a major win! What do you love most about Pasadena?

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say the food. Pasadena has so many incredible restaurants, especially small businesses, packed into a small area. You can walk around Downtown Pasadena all day and find almost any type of cuisine you’re craving.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?

I ride motorcycles and scuba dive.

Very cool! Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m hoping Good Karma continues to grow, and I’ll be taking off too—on a lot of vacations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

Good Karma is truly a love project. It’s about creating clothing that feels good, does good, and honors the hands that make it. I wanted to create pieces that are accessible to everyone—not just in price, but in spirit. Clothes that carry meaning, that are thoughtfully crafted, and that celebrate tradition over mass production.

Our pieces aren’t made in factories. They’re crafted by Ban Chum Chn, Thai women who sew in the comfort of their communities. ‘Ban Chum Chn’ translates to ‘community housekeeper,’ a reflection of the rich tradition in Thai villages where older women gather to work together, support one another, and sustain their livelihoods. This is a way to honor their craft, their independence, and their way of life.

At its heart, Good Karma is for my grandmother. She raised me in handmade clothes, with unconditional love, and shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until now. This brand is my way of carrying forward her legacy—making clothes with care and sharing that love with the world.

Love all of that. Find Made By Good Karma at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.madebygoodkarma.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebygoodkarma

Lula Flores

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I was born and raised in Chile and have been living in LA for most of my adult life. The myriad of cultures I’ve been exposed to and experienced have greatly influenced my artistic style and work.

What inspires you to create?
I draw upon my own life experiences for inspiration. Art has its own language and I express myself best through this medium. Whether I’m feeling sadness or anger, happiness or gratitude, or anything in between, my works depict a genuine and honest reflection of my inner self.

How do you define success as an artist?
The greatest sense of accomplishment I get is when I sign my name on the bottom of a newly finished creation. This means that I have succeeded in taking a mere idea in my head, taken it through all the trials and tribulations in physical form, and finally blessed it with the stamp of approval that signifies that this specific artistic journey has come to a glorious end. 

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
For me it’s finding true inspiration from my heart and soul. People might think artists and creatives in any field have a constant blooming field of ideas to pluck from, but that’s far from the truth. I don’t like to create out of necessity, but rather from a place of sincerity.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why? I'm very proud of this new "Journal Series" I've created.

Not only does this journal make my art more accessible to the masses, but people can easily carry and interact with it on a daily basis and make it their own.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I love to listen to great music and dance around while I paint! I usually work on several different pieces at once and find myself dancing from one to the next... usually when no one else is around! Lol! 

Love that! Find Lula Flores at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.lulaflores.com

Instagram: @lulafloresart

Mandi with Tolly’s Treatments

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I grew up and went to college in Minnesota, lived in San Francisco for a year, Colorado for a year, and now I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 15 years! I’ve learned a lot about myself and different lifestyles along the way, but being a Scandinavian from Minnesota mostly gave me dry skin and a kind attitude ;) I bring both of these things with me into formulating skincare and aromatherapy products!

Tell us how you got your start? 
I began making the Citrus Honey lip balm when Brian and I got married in 2012 (my last name became Tollefson, hence ‘Tollys’). I wanted a non-toxic lip balm for our wedding favors and it was hard to find! So I made my own. It was continually requested by friends and family and I became enthralled with learning how to formulate more and more non- toxic products.

I launched Tolly’s Treatments officially when I became a mother in 2016 in order to stay home with my baby and still have a creative outlet. In 2022, I became a Certified Organic Skincare Formulator and began creating the formulas and branding you see today!

That is so cool. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Formulating products is a science, as well as an art. It takes A LOT of trial and error, feedback, and perseverance. I have the hardest time with my patience for something to click - but when it does…it’s magic!! That’s what keeps me going

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
I LOVE the Hydrating Skin Repair body butter - it’s almost like a cult classic at this point, ha. I’ve had it since the very, very beginning and my customers still keep coming back for it. It smells divine (no synthetic fragrances, of course!) and is the perfect consistency, plus very versatile - I made it as a pregnancy belly butter, but it’s extremely healing for scars, stretch marks, extra dry skin, etc. Of my new Mindful Beauty line, I love most the intention: gentle gel cleanser.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
There are so many things I love about Pasadena, but the people top it all!! Everyone is so kind and interesting to talk with, always. And the food, I love the food.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
Before starting Tolly’s, I was working as a producer in live TV. Mostly award shows and live specials. I loved it, but I love this work even more!

Oh wow that is a surprise! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?   
This is a hard question for me because I’m in my era of working on Mindfulness and living each day - but I also believe in having goals and dreams! In 5 years, I see myself as a healthy, happy mom and business woman who is working every day at being better. I’d love for Tolly’s to be a full time income and generating profits that can do good for my family and community.

That is a great goal. Any advice for someone just starting their own business?
Keep learning. Always work on getting better at what you do. Be mindful of what resonates. It’s going to be soul crushing sometimes, but keep trying. It doesn’t have to be huge right away, gain knowledge and perspective and you’ll find the thing that works.

Great advice. Anything special you’d like to share?
I LOVE JACKALOPE! I am so happy to be part of the most awesome community of creatives and customers. I am forever grateful, thank you for this opportunity. Xo Mandi Tollefson

Find Tolly’s Treatments at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.tollystreatments.com

Instagram: @tollystreatments

Justin with Wylies Wood and Leather

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I lived in 13 different cities before the age of 18, all across the midwest, south, and East Coast. I grew up with one foot in the city and the other in small town USA; and the intertwining of these two walks of American life have absolutely defined my design and build sensibilities. To use an analogy, each handcrafted piece would fit perfectly within the city mouse’s lakeside, country home or in the country mouse’s New York City penthouse apartment. Everything is crafted to offer you a unique taste of subtle luxury, while feeling home-y and inviting.

Tell us how you got your start? 
I moved to Los Angeles twenty-five years ago and I spent the first three years working for an extremely talented contractor in Pasadena. I believe I’ve worked in nearly every home in San Marino and Pasadena. During that time I received an incredible education in electrical, plumbing, and all-things-handy-man. Most importantly, this job launched my curiosity for how things are made. During a nearly twenty-year career as a television producer, I took any opportunity I could to work with my hands and continue to expand my skills; like rebuilding a vintage motorcycle from the ground up because I wanted to know how engines work. I eventually found my true passion in woodworking and leather craft and the rest is (living) history. 

Very cool. Where did the name Wylies Wood & Leather come from?

Our name and company ethos honors Wylie, my late canine companion. I found her as a pup, while working on a film production in Chinle, AZ. For 15 years, she brought endless joy to my life and to anyone who met her. In celebration of her, and inspired by her most remarkable traits, my desire is to offer everyone the chance to invite Wylie into their home. 

We love that, her memory lives on. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Splinters. Especially from Black Wenge wood. 

I would believe that. How do you define success as an artist?
My wife and our two daughters are everything to me. They are the biggest reason why I left a successful career as a producer. I want the three of them to know that healthiest (emotionally and mentally) version of me and I want to fill their lives with love and support. If I can show my daughters that starting a business of your own, and doing something that brings you absolute joy is possible, all while showing up as a strong, understanding, and deeply loving partner to my wife, is possible, than I sincerely believe I am the most successful person on Earth. 

Love that. What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
The cornerstone to Wylie’s is The Wesley Chair. I love the piece for two reasons. Firstly, it is named after my oldest daughter. Secondly, it feels incredible to sit in.

Wesley Chair

What do you love most about Pasadena? Pasadena is so rich with history and art. The world’s greatest architects have built here, the greatest movie directors studied here, it is home to the most beautiful gardens in Southern California. It’s where Marty McFly and Doc Brown devised a way back to 1985 and it’s the home of Pie and Burger. 

And what about Burbank, since you will be joining us this Summer?

Many people move to Hollywood to stake their claim in the entertainment industry, but once they arrive they soon learn that it is Burbank where the magic is actually going to happen. Burbank is home to so much remarkable television and film history- I mean Friends was filmed here need I say more? 

For 15 years it is where I worked on and off camera on numerous scripted and reality television shows. Most importantly, it is where I met my wife 10 years ago. Unbeknownst to us, we were both working for the same company, but in separate buildings. One day, while I was running late to a film shoot, I bumped into her on her lunch break; and the rest is history. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I’m a trained classical singer. 

Oh very cool fun fact! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?   
I see myself doing what I am doing today (perhaps on a slightly bigger scale). I hope I’ll still be encouraging my daughters to chase their dreams and not work for someone else’s, and to be as in love with my wife as I am today. 

Mic drop! Anything special you’d like to share?  
I have an uncanny ability to eat lots of ice cream, too often. 

Find Wylie's Wood and Leather at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: wylieswoodandleather.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wylieswoodandleather

Family Business! Founders (Tiffany, her mom and sister)

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I am originally from Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. My cultural background plays a big role in my designs, as I love incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage into our products. For the past three years, we’ve created a Lunar New Year collection, as well as an Asian food and fruit collection, both of which are inspired by my childhood memories, traditional symbols, and the vibrant colors of Chinese culture. Blending these influences allows me to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating the joy and playfulness of my heritage.

That is very cool and unique to you. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influence is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up watching his films and have always been deeply inspired by his whimsical art style, rich storytelling, and the sense of wonder he creates in his worlds. I strive to bring that same sense of playfulness and magic into my own designs

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is the design and prototyping phase. I usually start by sketching out ideas before turning them into digital illustrations, but I also have to consider how they will translate into physical product. This includes choosing the right colors, figuring out the best way to cut the acrylic, and ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Each collection goes through multiple rounds of prototyping to perfect the colors, shapes, and overall look. Once this phase is complete, the rest of the process flows much more smoothly.

There is a lot of behind the scenes involved. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
My favorite item we’ve created is definitely our animal portrait magnets and brooches. I’ve always loved the charm of vintage cottage-style gallery walls and wanted to bring that idea to life with my own designs. That’s how the Sunnie Farm collection was born—I imagined a whimsical farm where these animals live, each with their own unique personality. I designed their portraits as if they were meant to be hung in a cozy farmhouse, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our collection.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena has such a unique charm—its diverse community and rich artistic culture make it an inspiring place to be. The city is home to incredible art spaces like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, and it hosts amazing yearly art events that bring creatives together. It’s a wonderful place for artists to share their work and for people to find inspiration.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
In university, all my art classes were from 7-10 PM, so I naturally became a night owl when it comes to creating. Even now, I do my best design work late at night—it’s when I feel the most inspired and focused.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I hope to still be growing Sunnie Creative, expanding the business in a way that allows me to reach more people while also giving me more time for myself and my family. 

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?  
My biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out is to strongly consider doing in-person events. They're an amazing way to test your products in real life, get immediate feedback, and really start building your brand's presence.

Love that. Anything special you’d like to share? 
We release a new collection every 1-2 months, and we’re always excited to share more fun, creative art with you! Stay tuned for fresh designs!

Find Sunnie Creative at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: https://sunniecreative.com/

Instagram: @sunnie.creative