Our Favorite Southern Maker Instagrams

The Maker Movement is incredibly important to be aware of and a part of. It creates jobs, quality goods, and allows for sustainability, creativity, & durability to thrive. Take the time to support not only the Makers that have stuck out to us below, but also the ones in your area. It is vital that we don't just consume, but we also create. 

ManReady Mercantile @manreadymerc

Founded 4 years ago by Travis Weaver from Zephyr, Texas, ManReady Mercantile is the epitome of what being a maker is all about. Their small business is founded on the principles of honesty, hard work, and integrity. ManReady Mercantile sells a wide array of high quality goods catered specifically, but not exclusively to men. Not only are they makers themselves, but they are always looking to work together and collaborate with other makers to continue creating goods that will last a lifetime. 

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Great Bear Wax Co. @greatbearwaxco

Great Bear Wax Co. are makers who sell memories with a wick. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, GBWCo was founded by Jake Carnley with the idea that lighting a aromatic candle is like igniting a memory or moment. From Lavender  to Tobacco Bay to Rose, the scents they capture in wax are delightfully soothing. The Great Outdoors seem like only a flick of a lighter away when there is one of these Great Bear candles in the room.  

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Loyal Stricklin @loyalstricklin

The craftsman at Loyal Stricklin can be found working in their studio near the railroad tracks in Opelika, Alabama. Fed up with mass produced low-quality goods, Michael Stricklin founded this durable goods company to commit to making goods of the highest quality from the best materials. Their handcrafted and American made leather products are not only appealing to the eye, but durable and practical as well. 

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Lucy's Inspired Jewelry @lucysinspiredjewelery

Lucy's Inspired Jewelry is handcrafted and uniquely made from vintage chandeliers, architectural salvage and found keys. Another maker found in Alabama, Lucy Farmer definitely has a creative eye for design and repurposing. She does not merely craft jewelry, but strives to make a difference in her community. One of those improvements is raising awareness for sex trafficking by donating to a local organization in her city. This maker is using her brand to give inspiration and spread beauty all while making fashionable pieces of jewelry. 

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Sturdy Brothers @sturdybrothers

These two brothers are dedicated to creating waxed canvas and leather goods that are handcrafted with American-made materials. Located in South Georgia, Sturdy Brother's products are made for those who still enjoy getting their hands dirty. Sturdy Brother's lives up to its name by its desire to create and craft beautiful goods that will last, while also rekindling craftsmanship in America. 

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Elizabeth Suzanne @elizsuzann

Elizabeth Suzanne is a clothing company based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Yet, they are so much more than just a style of clothing. A community of diverse and powerful women make up the company and customers of Elizabeth Suzanne. They are committed to making garments from amazing, durable fabrics with designs that are practical, timeless, and elegant. Their commitment to quality and customers is something seldom seen in the retail world today. 

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Old Try @theoldtry

Old Try is home decor for Southerners made by Southerners who are living in Boston. They have expanded to make art for other regions besides the South, so don't worry all of you north of the Mason/Dixie line and in the Wild West. Their decor encapsulates the unique essence and character of each state. It is patriotism with tact and style that is seldom easy to find. 

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J. Stark @starkmade

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, J. Stark creates bags, accessories, and homegoods meant to last. Their goods are crafted with a timeless and authentic aesthetic paired with usefulness and practicality. They have a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from for their products. Sourcing everything from the US of A, this is a true American makers brand that wants to bring us back to the time of hard work and hand made. 

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In God We Must @ingodwemust

In God We Must are makers of provisions and apparel located in Marietta, Georgia. This business is founded on hope, positivity, and perseverance. Check out their website to read the inspirational story of how IGWM was started. Whether it is a ring or a t-shirt, the message of In God We Must is to embrace the pioneering spirit inside of us all. 

Erotic Meets Ironic: An Interview with Freddy Krave

FREDDY KRAVE is a young photographer whose art is thought provoking, inspiring, and absolutely one of a kind. His message is one of embracing oneself and being free in your own skin. It is refreshing to see someone so talented living authentically while doing what he loves. 

Christophe: When did you first become interested in photography?

Freddy: Since I was a little kid. I’ve always “had a thing” for photography.

C: Were you self-taught or did you learn in school/from a mentor?

F: Self-taught. I never had the chance to study photography, I have a big lack when we talk about lights, settings, lenses. I think I’ve just developed my own personal style with my basic gear.

C: How did you develop your style?

F: Speaking of..Well since I didn’t want to take bad pictures using natural lightning and since I didn’t know how to use at the best the environment, I just thought that using a white wall was a good idea. For me it was like drawing on a blank paper, creating something from nothing.

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C: What themes do you explore through your work?

F: I’m a big lover of the human body. I just wanna feel free to show it without fears or censorship. I would define my work “eronic”, a mix of erotic and ironic. I love the part of being sexy but at the same time I love the part of being silly.

C: How do you find and choose you subjects or locations?

F: Some of them are my friends, some of them thanks to social medias. I just ask, if they’re interested we shoot! The location it’s pretty easy to find. I just need a white wall, usually my place is my home made studio.

C: What inspires your work?

F: I’m inspired by my inner thoughts and by music. Music really is my muse. The thing is that I just wanna do things. I have no limits, sometimes I really feel different from other people, but I try to embrace this feeling.

C: How do you compose an image? Do you go into the shoot with a specific shot in mind, or does the inspiration strike when you place your model in the setting?

F: I wanna give life to that blank space! The subject is the spark in the dark. Sometimes I have a certain shot in my mind but often I just do what I wanna do when I start to shoot. I think it’s much more sincere and natural.

C: What has been your biggest lesson learned through creating your art?   

F: Never listen to what people say. Just be yourself and always be true to what you are. If someone won’t appreciate it, there is no big reason to be sad, certainly someone else will love what you do. The most important thing is to have control about what you’re doing.

C: What do you hope your art says to people?

F: I would love to be understood by everyone in a parallel universe (lol), but knowing that this isn’t possible, I just want them to feel free to think what they want. I’m so open minded that sometimes I ask myself, “Is it possible to be more open minded that how i am at the moment?” I could never expect from people to see only what I want them to see.

And that is the one and only Freddy Krave. We here at FOLK are all looking forward to seeing more of Freddy and his photos. His work is a reminder to keep an open mind, live authentic, and be eronic.

Tumblr: Kraviation | Instagram: MrFreddyKrave

If you would like to purchase Freddy's work, click here

Top 10 Best of Fall

Experience the different aspects of Autumn submitted by folks from all over the place. Fall is a beautiful season of change and celebration, so enjoy the diverse perspectives offered by these photographers. Keep a look out for our next round up for a chance to be featured!

 @zapiratene

White Mountains of New Hampshire by @mattupham featuring @trussardigordon

 a quiet house in the highlands of Scotland by @davidtfbarry

From @mihiamelie in Croatia

Blue Ridge Parkway by @kristaramsay

@coldoctober

Loree Rowland @loree.1

Jamie Martin

M Burney Photography

Panagiotis Mavrakis

Q & A with Helias Doulis

We had the privilege of hearing from Helias Doulis, a young photographer from Greece living in London whose expressive work capturing portraits of people is thought-provoking, breathtaking, & poetic. See more of him and his work on his website and Instagram @helias.doulis

When did you first become interested in photography?

I started taking pictures when I was in my second year as an undergraduate student back in 2014 at the University of Wolverhampton, which had almost nothing to do in terms of similarity referring to their subject, to the ones that I have mostly been shooting during the past year or so. I started shooting abandoned buildings across the city that I used to live in the UK, and after breaking up with my first partner, I wanted to explore my feelings within random partners and the different seasons of the year in nature. This series is a completely unpublished one, which I still hold on to in order to create an exhibition which would contain my true self at beneath and above its roughest hours.

How did your Nurtured Nature series develop?

I was shooting some photographs with my muse, back in 2015, in Greece, and more specifically at Limanakia. That’s quite common for us though, since I use his body as an artistic canvas where I can most of the times reflect myself upon, like creating a mirror that is not physically existing, yet is always managing to create a never ending emotional surface for both of us. It was just a month after our shooting for my first feature film that is now eventually completing its post-production process. He had lost more than ten kilos to be able to present his character on camera, so his body was extremely skinny apart from weak. We created random body shapes besides the rocky landscape of Limanakia in different times and types of daylight, when I realized that I wanted him to be a Siren within a project along more bodies.

Were you self-taught or did you learn in school/from a mentor?

I am a self-taught photographer who is experiencing his different emotional spasms with the support of the lenses of a camera, reflecting his filters upon poetic visuals.

What themes do you explore through your work, a dichotomy of nature versus nurture, or an exploration of humanity in nature?

There is a continuous fight between what we are designed to be with by Nature and what we have been armed to be with by Nurture. Nature in terms of a womb, in terms of a mother who is eternally giving birth to her creatures, yet Nurture in terms of a society, in terms of a father who is eternally killing his creatures’ sensibility upon the tomb of masculinity and patriarchy. The exploration of what men have been equipped to be with, the exploration of society’s expectation of them to be presented and act through their nurtured selves while running towards the shelter of Mother Nature.

You feature many types of landscapes in your work, sensuous rock formations and meadows. What do those settings speak to in your work and it's mood?

The setting for my ‘Parabyss: A Nurtured Nature’ and ‘Blossom of Solitude’ Series has been a rocky shelter where men can find a haven to exist freely and be protected by the threatening public eye of the viewer, who is always awaiting to corrupt their sensitivity across the shore. The ‘Sheltered’ Series was shot in Macclesfield Forest, in Manchester back in November 2015. I wanted to expand on that tightness within the expression of the bodies and the way they present themselves in adverse weather conditions while trying to survive. It has been the key point of my first exploration while using a female body as part of a photographic project in order to visualize Mother Nature as a desperate yet always resourceful body among the freezing meadows of Cheshire.

You compose your subjects in positions you don't normally see in portrait photography, how do you decide on those positions and what stories do they tell?

My aim is to highlight the creature’s path within the destructive environment, a dystopia that allegorically may vary the true identity of each one of us. The beautiful world of the Pre – Raphaelite paintings present the protagonists sitting sullen and sad, while in my own shadowy world, creatures – with beauty being conquered by desire – dare to look at the viewer, overcoming the shame they may feel. This shame, dipped in the persecution, is what I am trying to capture through the body.

What inspires your work?

Since my studies are on the Literary and Cinematic Writing, the art of speech is endlessly catching my attention when facing a human being or a landscape. Poetry, makes me realize that the human being is itself a landscape waiting to be explored. Leaving behind so many artists that have inspired me from this form of art, I will focus on some photographers and filmmakers, whose works have served as stimuli to my whole work, such as George Platt Lynes, William Klein, Greg Girard, William Gedney and Nan Goldin, whose aim was to create living statues exhale sensitivity or power, indolence or pleasure, ‘victims’ of their own desires and old memories. Regarding directors, I will deliberately mention Aleksandr Sokourov and Bill Douglas, who present their heroes always corrupted by misery, destitution, hiding behind the dust or debris.

Do you go into the shoot with a specific shot in mind, or does the inspiration strike when you place your model in the setting?

Within the first shots, I wanted to undress the Man of the coat that Magritte and Beckett gave to Him, the armor of which is said in the Three Guineas of Virginia Woolf that has supported the masculinity syndrome, and to reveal the vulnerable body, the enduring one. While observing my models and the movement that I wanted to create with their bodies, I realized that this is the time for me as an artist to reveal that sensitivity that they can hide in order for the viewer himself to reflect on the society’s garment that he is wearing, either.

How do you compose an image?

The poses are sometimes clear in my mind even before I get the camera in my hands and way more often when there are several models together, born at that time as the bodies exist one next to another, seeking to enliven with a touch.

What has been your biggest lesson learned through creating your art? What do you hope your art says to people?

Since I was a little boy, I wanted to create a shelter where everyone can hide himself from harness, wear or death. And even if I still find myself helpless or obsessed with what the past used to mean in my life, I do take the time to stay at home and hide myself from everything when I suddenly realize that there is nothing stronger than showing your weaknesses to overpower that scared little boy that is now crying to see the light of beauty, within my adult body. 

Our Favorite Southern Instagrammers

We wanted to take the time to share what Southern Instagrammers we have loved following as fall is unfolding all around us. Experience Autumn in the South as each one of these accounts takes you on a unique journey honoring southern roots and celebrating the essence of this beautiful season of harvest and change. 

Brothers and Craft @brothersandcraft 

Brothers and Craft is comprised of 4 brothers who are a creative visual team focused on discovering community and craftsmanship. They are based out of Charleston, South Carolina and are the creators of the outerwear brand Tekkima. Wander all around the South as these brothers explore and discover the individuality of different cities like Asheville, Charleston, and Nashville. Creativity and stories abound with every post, there is not one that we want to miss!

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Rush Jagoe @rushjagoe

Rush Jagoe is a Kentucky born, New Orleans based editorial photographer. I maybe a little biased considering I grew up in the Louisiana swamps, but Rush's feed makes me feel like I'm standing in the bayou surrounded by cypress trees laced with Spanish moss listening to the chorus of frogs. Simplicity and authenticity are the words that come to mind when I am looking at his work; each picture seems to stand alone yet flow together seamlessly.

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Tyler Sharp @tylersharpphoto

Tyler Sharp is a Creative Director, photographer, and writer based out of Texas. Bright and lively, Tyler's Instagram is a breath of fresh air. The Great Outdoors is never far from his feed. There is a certain vibrancy and color rich experience to each post that you can't find just anywhere. As the colors of fall continue to surround us, I definitely know where I will be looking for some rustic autumn moments. 

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Chandler Bondurant @chandlerbondurant

Chandler Bondurant is a commercial and editorial photographer currently based out of Atlanta, Georgia. His work is relatable urban living combined with the exploration of the breathtaking outdoors. Whether it is a cup of coffee in a hip Atlanta coffee shop or glaciers in Alaska or photo projects in Africa,  Chandler's feed is that of authentic living and a lifestyle of adventure. 

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Elizabeth Kirby @local_milk

Elizabeth is a photographer, stylist, creative consultant, and recipe developer as well as the creator of the blog Local Milk. She is based out of the Appalachian foothills in Tennessee. Her feed shows the elegance in daily life and tradition. Her work is absolutely whimsical, as if she has made every day into a simple yet beautiful fairy tale. 

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Tiffany Rogers @rogersmade

Tiffany Rogers alongside her husband Matt founded RogersMade, a collaborative creative company whom specialize in crafting home goods. She is a maker and photographer who embraces creativity. Her feed is soothing and peaceful just like the fantastic handmade candles that are one of their many quality products. Join Tiffany and her husband as they travel around the South welcoming all of us into their experience as being Southern artisan makers.

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Coffee with Melody Joy

Join us for a coffee focused conversation with Melody Joy, photographer & coffee connoisseur... 

What is your favorite Coffee Shop?

I have a favorite coffee shop in every city. One shop that instantly comes to mind is @cairngormcoffeeco. It is located in beautiful West End of Edinburgh, Scotland. I spent the majority of my days sitting and working in their beautifully lit space when I visited this past trip. 

What is your favorite coffee shop drink?

I always like to try a latte in every shop I go to. When I work from home I just drink espresso or straight black coffee, so when I am visiting shops, I love trying espresso milk based drinks, and a latte or flat white(depending on what country i'm in), is always my go-to. The latte art when visiting shops doesn't hurt my images as well.

What makes a good coffee shop?

A combination of the lighting, the baristas personalities and of course the quality of coffee(a must) really are the determining factors for a shop to become a favorite of mine. 

Why do you love coffee/coffee culture?

I love the friendly atmosphere that coffee shops cultivate. I always enjoy meeting new people and coffee shops tend to provide a perfect atmosphere to connect with other entrepreneurs in the creative industry as well. I hold meetings in coffee shops, I work from my laptop in coffee shops, and I also hang out with friends and chat about life in coffee shops. It's a culture that breeds conversation, I feel, and I am all about that. 

My favorite coffee culture photo tip:

Make sure that you have plenty of natural lighting by a window, as that provides more true colors of the coffee and table scape. And don't worry about setting up a perfectly styled shot, if all you have is your coffee cup and the table, try to find a few new angles to shoot it from, instead of trying to add more props to the image. Sometimes backing up and getting the texture of the table or the background scene provide a lovely balance to your simple cup of coffee sitting there, in all of its glory. I always am an advocate for minimalism. 

Website: www.melodyjoy.co

Instagram: @melodyjoyco

WATER IS LIFE

This past weekend was spent in North Dakota standing in solidarity
with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to fight for indigenous self
determination and sovereignty in the protest against the North Dakota
Access Pipeline. On the action that took place Saturday, 300 people
walked to support and stand with those water protectors who took
direct action earlier to halt the pipeline at the site of
construction. At least 127 people were arrested. Peaceful protest was
met with militarized riot police. Children's tears and elders prayers
were met with teargas, batons, and brutality. Indigenous activists
were targeted.

Photo by Thanh Mai

Many people who messaged me have asked me how I am/how much they
support me. Please stop, I myself don't need support. As the pipeline
is 90% completed and indigenous resistance is going to face their
largest battles to come in the next weeks, we as humans as a
collective, as allies, need to act. We need to concentrate our support
to the indigenous people, whose lives and health have been oppressed
and taken by the capitalistic power structure imposed on them under
regulation of the U.S. Department of the Interior, The Department of
the Army, and the Department of Justice- who have either been
complicit or chosen corporate profits and contracts over indigenous
lives, sovereignty, and health

Here are some things you can do:
SEND CASH.
SEND PROPANE.
SHOW UP. SOON.
TAKE DIRECT ACTION TRAINING.
TAKE ACTION.
HELP PREPARE FOR WINTER.
SHOW YOUR ALLY-SHIP.

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Here are some of the things you should not do:
-send non winterized clothes and materials, they're sending them back
because they have too many
-show up in a similar state of awareness as the white folx with dreadlocks
-take up space and not be down to sacrifice your ego for indigenous
action, needs, and dialogue

Photo by Thanh Mai

If you consider yourself one who fights to protect our environment and
mitigate climate change, this conflict involves you. If you need water
to survive, this conflict involves you. If you consider yourself an
indigenous ally, this conflict involves you.

Please, act.

Today, on the road home to Berkeley, we were advised by my mother to
stop briefly among the dramatic landscape of the Grant Tetons. In
anxiousness and apprehensiveness for the weeks to come, we stand here
in solidarity, reminded once again that

water

is

life.

Story by Evan Yoshimoto. Instagram: @evanyosh

Victor of Valencia

My name is Luke Gottlieb and I'm a portrait and travel photographer. I grew up in the mountains of Colorado where I spent most of my time running around the woods and peaks. As i've grown older my love for capturing the beauty of the natural world has also translated into capturing human form. Both bring me tremendous passion, which is why I couldn't have imagined pursuing anything else as a profession other than photography. 

Instagram: @victorofvalencia

Website: www.victorofvalencia.com 

The Nashville Originals: Keeping it Local

As technology brought worldwide commerce to the average household, an interesting thing happened: people remembered the importance of supporting their neighbors, and the Buy Local movement was born.

 Now, it's supporting entire economies, where within a geographical area a homegrown supply chain feeds area businesses that are supported by local residents and visitors. Chances are, you've seen these forces at work in your hometown. 

In Nashville, Tenn.—where I live—one organization is making sure the culinary identity of our booming city is preserved. 

“We started the Nashville Originals initially for the sole purpose of sustaining each other,” says Rick Bolsom, an Originals Board member who’s owned the popular restaurant Tin Angel on West End in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood for 20 years. “As the city grew, we knew we had to focus on making sure the places that made Nashville unique were able to survive and thrive. What we eat defines who we are… it’s a big part of our culture, and the Originals are dedicated to sustaining the independent restaurant as a fixture of our community.”

More than 50 restaurants, ranging from fine dining and ethnic offerings to pubs, wine bars and burger joints, all have one thing in common – they’ve joined the non-profit organization to support the mission of working together to help ensure each others’ viability. It’s an example of the “American Made” movement at it’s finest: traditionally competitive eateries—many of whom source and serve locally grown products—rallying to spread the good news of one another.

The standard to be considered as an Original is simple: the restaurant must be locally owned, have less than four locations and have been in business for more than a year. Bolsom says that last criterion carries a lot of importance.

“Nashville is one of the hottest markets in the country right now. We’ve seen more than 100 restaurants open in the last year here,” he says. “The sad thing is that most of them won’t make it. The majority of our member restaurants have been in business for more than 10 years. These are the institutions, the landmarks, the places where locals will tell you to go eat to get a taste of Nashville. That authenticity is important to us.”

Once per quarter, each restaurant offers a limited number of discount gift certificates, sold at 30 percent off. The members cover the food cost when the certificates are redeemed, and the revenues from the sale go to support the Originals’ efforts. 

Nashville Originals President Tom Loventhal, a partner in the two Noshville Delicatessen locations, says the group marketing approach has taken hold in the city, establishing a brand that carries credibility. 

“We’ve utilized the tagline ‘United We Dine’ through print, online, outdoor, radio and other advertising, encouraging people to visit our website, to buy gift certificates and patronize our member restaurants. It’s worked very well,” Loventhal says. “People want to eat like a local, they want to support the community and understand what makes a place special. We’re a resource for the dining public, and the response to the Nashville Originals concept has been very rewarding.”

And twice each year, in January and August, the Originals host Nashville Restaurant Week, where members offer special prix fixe meals at discount prices. The event has become hugely popular, with chefs going off-menu to try new dishes or offer something that may be too expensive or labor intensive for everyday service, but represents a nice limited-edition reward for loyal diners over the course of one week. 

When you consider the downstream implications, the impact of a group like Nashville Originals is significant. Member restaurants are encouraged to utilize local suppliers, and the organization offers group buying power on essential services. 

“We engaged with a waste management broker recently who’s saved members thousands of dollars,” Loventhal says. “Restaurant owners are so busy, and they are being approached by vendors on a nearly daily basis. If we can validate these things on their behalf, then it’s a real benefit.” 

The spirit of collaboration extends to other Nashville staples, as well, through special partnerships. It’s what locally owned is all about—supporting the folks who are in the same boat as you.   

Earlier this year, the Originals joined forces with the Christie Cookie company, who is celebrating their 30th anniversary as a local supplier of fresh-baked cookies and dough made of the finest ingredients. 

“Christie is another Nashville staple, and they approached us with the idea of offering special dessert options for a limited time through our members,” Loventhal says. “Christie supplied the product and the chefs at 15 member restaurants came up with these incredible dessert options. It got a lot of media attention, and some of the desserts became permanent menu items. In the end, it drove sales for the restaurants and for Christie, celebrated their anniversary and raised the profile of the Originals as an organization.”

The Originals extend a helping hand in other directions, too. This spring, the group is working with Metro Nashville Public Schools to host a contest for Originals chefs to design a winning menu that the kids love, but that also meets health standards and works within the budgetary constraints. 

Chef Roderick Bailey, who owns the East Nashville-based restaurant Silly Goose, is one of the newest members of the Nashville Originals. 

Having lived all over the country, he says Nashville—and particularly East Nashville—has been an incredible place to start a business. And while the city may still be a little weak on things like ethnic food, Bailey says we’ve grown by leaps and bounds in the last five years. 

“It’s good to be able to support the cause, and things like Restaurant Week can bring a lot of business,” he says. “I’ve never spent any money on advertising, so this just feels better to me – emphasizing relationships and the sustainability of the local economy. Farmers and suppliers and restaurants and customers, all working together. Of my 16 employees, 15 can walk to work.”

All of that fits where we are, as a city. As the Chef puts it, “it feels like home.”

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Photo by Amy Whidby

Puckett’s Boat House Shrimp & Grits Hushpuppies Recipe

This is a Puckett’s Boat House recipe, created in the Marshall family’s kitchen to serve in your own. Puckett’s Boat House is a Nashville Originals member.

Shrimp & Grits Hushpuppies Ingredients:

• Four cups of water
• Two cups heavy cream
• Three cup grits
• One-half pound butter
• One tbl. salt
• One tbl. white pepper
• One chipotle purée
• One-half pound uncooked shrimp, peeled, veined and chopped
• One and one-half pound of Velveeta
• One tbl. green onion, chopped
• One and one-half cup whole corn
• One cup red bell pepper, diced
• One tbl. parsley, chopped
• Puckett’s Boat House pepper sauce (optional) 

Batter

• One cup of flour
• Four large eggs, beaten
• Two cups of yellow cornmeal

Shrimp & Grits Hushpuppies Directions:

Combine water, heavy cream, chipotle purée, salt, and white pepper in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Stir in grits and let simmer for 8 minutes. Slowly stir in the cheese and raw shrimp. Once the shrimp turns pink, add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture onto a cookie sheet to cool. 

Once mixture is cooled, prepare to fry: using a small spoon or scoop, roll the mixture into small hushpuppy-size balls. Dip the balls into the flour, the egg wash and then the yellow cornmeal.

At this time, you can place them into a 365-degree fryer or skillet, with oil. The hushpuppies will fry for about two minutes and thirty seconds, or until golden brown.

If you like a little kick to your dishes, sprinkle PBH Pepper Sauce on the puppies. To purchase, go to www.puckettsboathouse.com.

About Puckett’s Boat House

Puckett’s Boat House in downtown Franklin, Tenn. aims to stay true to local flavor while delivering an atmosphere that makes you nostalgic for family vacations and good times. The grill and oyster bar menu offers by-the-shore dishes reminiscent of the Gulf coast and the Big Easy, plus Southern staples that draw from the Marshall family’s Mississippi Delta and Memphis roots. Enjoy Puckett’s trademark Southern fare and reputation for a live music venue—both with a Boat House twist. www.puckettsboathouse.com

Ernest Alexander

After going to grad school and studying business for 3 years, Ernest Sabine found himself in the middle of the recession and the fashion district in New York City. The stock market had just recently crashed and for Ernie it seemed like the perfect time to build something from nothing. Having worked in fashion advertising for several years, Ernie learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry and with a childhood dream he set out to create the perfect men's messenger bag. "I always dreamed of having my own clothing line as a kid," he says, "I always wanted to have my own business."  

When Ernie began Ernest Alexander he explored the fashion district for a workshop that was able to produce canvas messenger bags. He often carried one for business each day and always wished he could have one that perfectly matched his body in motion and at rest. After finding a workshop only two blocks from his office he started sourcing materials for his first collection of messengers. "I started with one style and three colors when I made my first messenger bag," he laughs.  

With the help of twelve very talented seamstresses, Ernie went to work perfecting his first design. "I would design prototypes and test them out for the day. I want my bags to look as fashionable and feel as comfortable and natural while walking and running through the city." With his first design perfected and with three colors available he sold his first 20 bag order, though the power of social media and e-commerce quickly changed that. 

When Ernie first started his brand he wanted it to be something could feel proud of. He was tired of foreign manufacturing and unfair wages and living conditions for the foreign laborers. Finding
the small garment district in New York City to manufacture his bags and accessories was his way of remedying that problem. With his growing popularity and demand for more products, Ernie has not only been able to support the twelve seamstresses who first helped in creating Ernest Alexander, but has also expanded that workshop and created jobs for new workers.

"I wanted to create a brand with heart and meaning, I wanted to know the people who were making products for me. I wanted to stay close to them and be able to visit any time so that I could stay involved in every step of the process." Today he works, manufactures, and sells his bags within a five mile radius, with his flagship store in Soho on Thompson Street only 20 blocks from his workshop. "Opening the store allowed me to not only get into a shopping area that I'd helping grow my brand, but also allowed me to meet my customers face-to-face." With a growing collection of items to offer including men's shirts, bags, accessories, and a small capsule of women's clothing Ernie is slowly growing his brand which started with one messenger bag into a full outfitter. "I want to be able to offer more to my customers and I think the next step will be denim, knits and sweaters, and tailored clothing and suiting," says Ernie. 

Ernie says that the city has played the biggest role in inspiring him to create his clothing brand. "When I need inspiration I go straight to the streets of New York City," he explains. "With so many colors, textures, and personalities the people of New York have their own style, and it inspires me to find new and interesting fabrics and patterns when I source my materials." He also finds inspiration in antiques and often shops at a local antique store called Olde Good things for decor for his store and inspiration for his brand. "My brand focuses on a return to basics with a
modern look at vintage fashion, so visiting antique stores helps me focus on those ideas of classic silhouettes and references to the past." 

When asked what we could expect to see from Ernest Alexander for the holiday season, Ernie listed a few giftable items that will be out just in time for the holidays. Starting this winter he will offer an apron designed for cooks and blacksmiths alike. Inspired by the aprons of craftsmen, it will feature pockets for tools and is constructed of the same high-quality canvas he uses for his bags. Plaid will be a major focus for the brand this year with a line of weekenders, messengers, and other bags made of classic British woolen plaids and Ernie will also offer plaid neckwear to match. 

With workman inspired clothing, a line of utilitarian bags that focus on functionality and style, and classic accessories Ernest Alexander is reviving the American fashion industry. Keeping his focus on the importance of domestic manufacturing and a respect for the history of fashion, Ernie has created a brand that is as classic as it is fresh and modern. "A respect for history and the past has always been important to me, I think it is what fuels this industry and I want to make sure that the people who have worked to keep manufacturing alive here in New York City are recognized."

Website: http://ernestalexander.com/

Instagram: @ernestalexander

Great North Collective

Throughout this Winter Issue there is a collection of astounding images of the beautiful natural landscape of our Northern neighbor, Canada. All of these images have been collected and created by a group of traveling creatives and photographers called Great North Collective. We asked two of the chief members of the group to share with us a little about the history of the group and their effort.

David Guenther of Rowan Jane Photography was one of the founding members of Great North Collective, the group of photographers and other creative individuals who are capturing the landscapes of wild and natural Canada and creating a portfolio of it online and through Instagram. David says he first had the idea a couple years before he started his adventures, but it was something that had to start at the right time with the right people.

He found the Collective in a group of old friends, wedding clients, and new friends and began his adventures after discovering their amazing work on Instagram. “Ryan is a good friend is always up for a bit of adventure,” Guenther says, “so that just made sense. Chris was a wedding client of mine, and Mike was his groomsman, so after that I kept up with them online and connected with their landscapes.” Using their existing adventures, and combining it with his own idea, Great North Collective was born. 

Dave started Instagramming landscapes and documenting the Canadian terrain about a year and a half ago. “I travel around a lot for my work as a photographer,” he says, “so Instagram was just a good way to keep creative and document these beautiful places I was going.” The typical photo trip for the Collective is usually a random drive in a certain direction, the group has a region in mind and they drive there documenting their adventures and resting moment to moment. “While we'd like to be roughing it a bit,”David jokes, “it's tough to camp in the Canadian Rockies in winter with camera gear. So in that case it's hotels or B&Bs.” Aside from taking photos of each other, the Collective just enjoys their time together exploring, driving, walking or hiking. “It's nothing too extreme, but we just try to see as much as we can while we're out there,” he says. 

David’s favorite adventure with Great North Collective so far has been a wedding on Vancouver Island last year and he shot with his family joining him. “We spent a week just exploring and relaxing,” he says. “I get to shoot a lot in the Rockies, but it felt different on the Island with my wife and girls with me.” The group's goal is to shoot every part of Canada, but David says he would most like to go to the Yukon and the Maritimes. “This country is so massive and beautiful,” he laughs, “I just want to see it all.” For now, Great North Collective is taking every opportunity they can to document the landscape of Canada and bring together a solid group of photographers, and an inspiring collection of images. “Beyond that, we've got a few other plans in the works, but we'll see where this wild journey takes us all.”

Website: Great North Collective

Instagram:  @davidguenther

Chocolate

Wonderfuel

Every great adventure takes energy, and we like to nourish our bodies when we are on the road and traveling. For our trip to Banff we partnered up with Wonderfuel, an organic coconut based energy drink brand, to nourish and energize ourselves. Below are some of the shots wecaptured in the Canadian Rockies and a question and answer interview we did with Wonderfuel.

Who taught you how to create your products or were you self-taught?

 I was self-taught. I worked with a group of friends and fellow research buddies to formulate a product that everyone said couldn't be done. It was a lot of trial and error, but in the end we were so happy that it worked out and we created several great products that we now love. 

How did you start your company?

 When I traveled to India after college, to study Ayurvedic medicine, I learned of the magic of coconut oil. A few years later, after earning my MBA, I decided to launch Wonderfuel, basing its ingredients on my research in the amazing properties of coconut oil MCTs.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Delays in manufacturing, it's something you can't always predict, especially in the food or drink industry. So, it can be challenging when a customer or wholesaler needs it quickly.

Did you know you would start your own brand, if not what spurred it?

I did, I really wanted to come up with a healthful brand. I wanted to create a brand that encapsulated the essence of organic and natural fuel for the body, not a fuel based on stimulants but on real, healthy fats.

How do your hobbies influence what you make?  

I have always loved to travel, and I love nature photography. That's a large part of what influenced me to make a natural, organic product to fuel my adventures and those of other like myself.

What are your inspirations?

A natural well-being, ancient tradition, a back-to-basics lifestyle, and beauty.

What's your favorite thing about sharing Wonderfuel with others?

Seeing how much joy it brings my customers. I am happy with the product that Wonderfuel turned out to be, and seeing other people enjoy the thing I was so passionate about creating brings me joy as well. 

What's been your best advice you've been given?  

Sell your idea before you make it. Make sure that what you are passionate about creating is something that people are going to buy. It seems strange to say, but it's a great way to know how successful it will be. 

Q & A with Comma Workshop

Our friend at Comma Workshop gives us a glance at the art of quilting and the beauty of being a maker...

Who are you:

I’m Kerry Larkin— I’m a quilter, architect, and a maker. I started Comma Workshop to celebrate experiences and stories while reinvigorating the traditional craft of quilting and through this, create thoughtful, modern-inspired quilts. 

Where are you:

Beautiful Boulder, Colorado, and easily draw inspiration from here. But I also draw inspiration from western Colorado, rural Alabama, rural Pennsylvania. And, anywhere there are lots of trees.

What do you make:

At Comma Workshop, we bring a fresh perspective to the time-honored traditions of quilting and storytelling. We create timeless, sophisticated quilts, with a hint of playfulness that are functional heirlooms for your home. We currently have two collections:

Each of our quilts in our Signature Collection has as an original story or poem quilted directly into it. Stories of nature and adventure, travel and place-making, are thoughtfully stitched into every quilt by a collection of Colorado quilters. The 800+ words in every quilt are a functional part of the quilt holding three layers of fabric together. Wrapping the quilt around oneself, the user is invited to read snippets of the narratives.  

Our new collection, Far & Wide, integrates vintage quilt tops and fabrics that I’ve collected on my travels. These new quilts celebrate stories, place, and experience in fresh, modern way. Historically, quilts carry their own stories with them. The material, the pattern, and the quilt technique chronicle the quilters’ lives and experiences. Thoughtfully integrating these into modern quilts allows me to introduce a new audience to the world of quilts.

Why are you a maker:

I grew up in western Pennsylvania and some of my earliest memories are of me and my sister playing under a large quilt stretched out on a frame where my great-grandma and her sisters sat and hand-quilted (and spoke Pennsylvania Dutch). My great-grandfather was a carpenter and built our cribs and toy boxes. For a while, he traveled the country building farm silos. My grandma was a seamstress and master upholsterer. Making is definitely in my genes. I was lucky enough to have all three of them in my life up until just a few years ago, so I feel like I’m honoring them by carrying on the making tradition.  

Why support makers:

By supporting makers, you are allowing them to cultivate their passion, joy and curiosity. You’re contributing to the local economy and you become part of their story. 

Instagram: commaworkshop

Forrest Mankins: A Life Alive

To me, to live A Life Alive is to pursue your greatest dream. Pursing a dream has nothing to do with age or time, though it is often blamed. Many of us read the inspirational stickers stuck on the back of car windows, we watch the inspirational films projected on the big screens and we have listened to the inspiring speeches given by the greatest leaders of our world, but how many have acted? Few. I want to live A Life Alive by doing what I started months ago. I am sixteen, and a published writer. I go to school. I deal with the common difficulties all teens face. Some of my days consist of school, and school alone, but I make time to do what I love. I have been told that my writing is good, and with that I will use it to make a difference. The difference now is sharing the inspiring stories of people like Forrest Mankins, all who decided life is not something of the future, but life is now. Do with it something you want.

“There is great freedom that comes with a full tank of gas,
an open road, and an open mind, and I chose that
freedom.”
-Forrest Mankins

After five months on the road, traveling from Oklahoma to the Artic Circle of Alaska, Forrest Mankins and travel companion Garrett Danz will release their trip documentary: A Life Alive.

"A Life Alive is a 'call to action,' says Forest, “Everyone has a dream; you have a dream, and I think it’s worth pursuing. It’s easy to postpone our dreams until ‘Someday,’ but the reality is that we aren’t guaranteed any time in this life, and we deserve to pursue happiness. This is about overcoming and realizing the power that we all hold to take control of our lives. We can accomplish anything if we put our mind and our hands together.”

It started with Forrest asking Garrett, "Hey man, what's up? I just sent you a photo of a weird looking vehicle. Want to go live in it with me for a couple weeks? Oh yeah.. I'm leaving in four days, do you have a passport?" Four days later, after a restless night, and a morning spent with his father, Forrest picked up Garett, and the two were off. They would spend their days and nights in Forrest’s blue 84’ Toyota Land Cruiser. One that Forrest spent weeks on preparing it for the five month journey.

Forrest and Garrett are both from Oklahoma. Garrett is a creative producer and director, he has created and directed many music videos that have appeared on CMT, MTV and Billboard. But after years of doing this, Garrett wanted something new. A phone call from Forrest later, and he was on the road creating the new that he had been searching for. The two spent the five months in twelve places. It started in Oklahoma and continued to Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon Territory and finally Alaska. It was Alaska that Forrest experienced his favorite memory of the trip, and took his favorite photograph still to this day.

Forrest's father had dreamt of seeing Alaska for 55 years. He had wanted to see his own father, Forrest’s grandpa, who was a guide there. He wanted to see what is considered the Last Frontier. But as a father himself, he dedicated his days to his children and family. ”As children we can never repay our parents for what they do for us, but this was one thing that the ALA project was able to,” Forrest says on subject of his father. While in Alaska, Forrest was able to fly his father there. Upon his father's arrival Forrest snapped what is now his favorite photo.“I see the wild eyes of a child in this photo, the happiness and excitement, and the lifetime of waiting mixed with memories of his father.”

Another memorable moment on the trip was the night of the blizzard. Forrest, Garrett and two other friends Dewey and Mikey loaded Dewey’s $900 FWD Mazda Van, and headed for the Arctic Circle. It was hearing about Dewey and Mikey's past trips there that sparked Forrest’s desire to see it too. Two hours and sixty miles from the Arctic Ocean the sky developed a haze, and the temperatures plummeted. Forrest does not recall the exact temperature, but he claims it was cold enough to make you wish you had not already been wearing your heaviest coat. The road that they travelled was lined with delineators that allowed drivers to see when visibility was low, but even they were disappearing by the miles in. By this time the four had no choice but to keep north, for the only gas station was at their destination- and their gas was nearing empty. The four quickly progressed from phase 1 to phase 3, phase three being the worse conditions. These conditions brought two options, stop and risk the chance of being hit by the incoming semi-trucks, or continue into the storm.

They went forward. Twenty miles short of Prudhoe Bay, they hit a snow drift, turned sideways on the highway, but miraculously recovered. As they recovered a light generator was seen to their left. They sat there in hopes to wait out the storm. Dewey made the point that a Phase can last an hour, two hours, or even two weeks. This spurred the question, “We had plenty of food and warm gear, but in reality, how long could we 3 stay here until we became the bottom of a snow drift, or until a semi came by and sideswiped us?”

Help then came. Two snow plows came and notified the group that they were only a mile from a Disaster Area. The Sag River was washing away the entire road north. Forest and the group were then directed back to the workers camp. They spent the night freezing in the Mazda, and were awoken at 5:33 am by the wind shaking the van, and a man telling them to come inside. After breakfast, hours of waiting in the TV Room and lunch, they were told that the road south was “OK”. With a full tank of gas they headed South.

It was events like this and the people that they met that made this a once in a lifetime experience. One that allowed Forrest to meet new friends, find new places, and fill his camera. Forrest hopes that A Life Alive will go beyond the footage. He hopes to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and chase a dream. To live a life alive.

Written by : Lillian Green. 

To experience A Life Alive for yourself visit http://www.forrestmankins.com/alifealiveproject/

All photos belong to Forrest Mankins.

The Blue Uniform in Banff

Every great adventure needs the right gear, and the workhorse of every great outfit is the perfect pair of jeans. While in Banff we partnered up with Swedish brand The Blue Uniform to learn more about them and their modern but classic apparel. Below are some of the shots we captured in the Canadian Rockies and a Q & A interview we did with TBU.

How was TBU created?

The Blue Uniform emerged from a will to create fairly produced garments that fitted an active and easy going lifestyle. After working some time with Nudie, it's founder decided to rend his own take on how denim should feel, and took on a journey in manufacturing great jeans through rightful working conditions. 

What were TBU's first products?

It was a pair of jeans called Tapered 50's made of20oz denim. Really cool jeans but for the Swedish market this was a totally impossible product..NO ONE BOUGHT IT...! 

How do you get ideas for new products & photo shoots?

We actually only make products we want to wear ourselves. That is very important for us, and then we just have to cross our fingers that someone else also will like it! Then also through what is around us, observing our close friends who are perfect examples of the TBU lifestyle, and listening closely to what the people who work with TBU in life or in store say about our products.

What are your inspirations?

Our core inspiration comes from the former "Swedish big city worker" who was from Stockholm's working class, living and working in the districts and old town. The Scandinavian inspiration allows us to be a very clean brand, but still a bit more trend following than classic denim brands.

How do your hobbies influence what you make?

We consider that anyone should be able to wear our garments all through their day, and feel crazy comfortable in them (especially in our jeans). So we design everything considering it should help our movements all through the day, every day of the week; wither it is riding a bike, walking to work, going for a beer with some friends.

What has been your biggest challenge?

When we launched TBU it was at a moment in Sweden when a lot of new brands were trying to make a name for themselves. Many of these brands had famous names behind them. For us, as totally unknown, emerging as the brand in which retailers and customers should invest was quite a challenge and the first seasons almost no one was interested in our brand and it took a while for us to get stores to believe in the brand.  Thanks to this we grew very slow, which at that time was very struggling, but that we today actually see as the success story of the brand.

What is TBU's lifestyle?

TBU relates to people who work hard and are active but can also enjoy the everyday small pleasures of life, what is made with thoughtfulness, clean, interesting textures and materials. We're close to the "makers"; seekers of comfort, durability and value, unimpressed by luxuries, taking interest into how things are made, how society evolves and environmental issues.  

What's the best advice you've been given?

Allow growth to take time. Do not rush. 

Instagram: @theblueuniform

Thistle + Thread

How did you get started creating fiber art?

My grandmother was a quilter, and when I was little she would let me play in her sewing room and experiment with her fabrics and threads. She was patient with me as I learned how to thread a needle and form a straight backstitch, and always created different projects for me to work on while she was working on one of her masterpieces. As I continued to grow and make my way through school, I experimented with other mediums and tried to be a sculptor, sketch artist, and oil painter, but my attention kept going back to fibers. A few years ago I returned to embroidery and hand stitching and decided to treat it like painting on fabric. I moved away from pre-designed patterns and took the things that I had learned from my painting and sketching classes to begin to create my own designs and morph this love of fibers into a new art form for myself.

Who taught you how to create fiber pieces, or were you self-taught?

Much of my skills come from my grandmother and the stitches that she taught me and the rules of fiber that I learned from her, but I have expanded upon that knowledge and changed it a little to make my pieces look the way that I want them to look. Over the past two years I have heavily focused on embroidery, but I am slowly making the transition into introducing some naturally dyed products into my line. The knowledge I learned about the different kinds of fibers and how they react to dyes and their properties has helped me as I have experimented with different dye sources and perfected the products I will be releasing.  

Did you know you would start your own brand, if not what spurred it?

The birth of Thistle and Thread wasn't accidental, but the fact that it is now my full time job definitely is. My husband is from Uganda, and we both lived over there while we were dating. Once we decided that we wanted to get married I moved back to the States to work through his visa process to immigrate to America. We weren't sure how long it was going to take, but we knew that it wasn't going to be a short time, so I started spending more time creating fiber art and decided to sell it to fund travels back to Uganda. The plan was never for Paul and I to stay in the States for more than a few months after our wedding, so I never imagined that I would be creating a business out of my hobby, but plans change and here we are. After our wedding Paul really encouraged me to quit the other job that I was working and pursue this new venture. It has been such a gift to be able to spend each day creating and sharing my work with others.  

How do you get ideas for new products & photo shoots?

I have recently shifted to releasing my pieces in collections as opposed to one new piece at a time. Each collection is meant togo together and work to create a specific look. After the inspiration behind the collection is established I choose the color palette and shapes that will be incorporated. I am so very fortunate to have so many friends who are incredible photographers and have homes that serve as the perfect canvas for some fun styled shoots. So after the collection is complete I will get together with some friends and we plan out a great shoot that highlights the themes show in the pieces. 

What are your inspirations?

At the start of Thistle and Thread I was really unsure where I wanted to take my business stylistically, so I just created what I thought was popular at the time and what I believed would sell. It was really uninspiring and caused me to feel a little lost in my work. About a year ago I decided that I was going to make a shift and create pieces that excited me. It felt like a leap because I had found some success with the pieces that people knew my business for, but thankfully the new pieces came with their own success. I think my customers changed a little, but those who stayed with me and the new ones who joined truly understand the art that I am creating and share the emotions that I am conveying through my work. It has brought a new community to my business that has been really inspiring. My sources for inspiration change as I grow and experience new things, but I am currently loving the colors and shapes found in landscapes Paul and I see as we travel. My studio is above a floral studio, so that always finds a way to influence my pieces as well. 

What's your favorite thing about sharing your art with others?

There's something so great about knowing that people appreciate the things that I create and I can add something special to their homes.

How do your hobbies influence what you make?

Since starting Thistle and Thread I feel like I don't really have any hobbies in the classical sense, but Paul and I love to travel and because of our international background much of my methodology and techniques are drawn from how others are doing this same craft around the world.  

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge in business past a present, is definitely finding work/life balance. I love what I do so much that many times I don't want to stop. There are days where I will start at 8 am and keep going until 11 pm. It's such a great thing to love waking up each morning and diving into work, but my relationships around me were struggling. So, I have been making a strong effort to create office hours and have some structure to my day instead of just going and going without stopping. We are even taking a three week vacation soon that will consist of little to no work, which would have never happened six months ago!!

What's been your best advice you've been given?

"Quit your job and just go after this. You will only have regrets if you don't." —My Husband

A Moment with Evin McClusky

@evinmcclusky

I'm a 22 year old guy from Southern California with a love for photography, traveling, the ocean, listening to new music and a plethora of other things that I'd rather not take the time to list. My page doesn't have a color palette or style or anything like that. It's a direct reflection of where I am and what I'm doing in the moment. More often than not you'll see photos of the ocean but occasionally you'll get a glimpse of my face or some of the awesome people in my life. I'm always interested in deep conversations about anything with anyone, grabbing a drink or coffee, and shooting something fun.

Instagram: @evinmcclusky

@teronbrianne

@ausbadmon

@ryanshogo

 @haysmartie

TEKKIMA LAUNCH

Tekkima has officially launched!

What is Tekkima? 

Tekkima is an outerwear maker that is committed to developing goods that are durable, practical, and relevant.

What does Tekkima mean?

Tekkima is Estonian, and simply means the act of arising, emerging, and coming into being. The essence of Tekkima is that while each of our journeys are unique, we journey better when we journey together. 

Why is Tekkima special? 

Tekkima's identity is centered around experiencing life to the fullest. Whether that means hustling in urban environments or testing your limits in extreme natural environments.  Tekkima is extraordinary because it is versatile. It makes sense for the fashionable living in the city as well as the adventurous explorer of the great outdoors. Tekkima is the bridge between weather-proof and minimal/tailored - a feat no other outerwear brand has successfully tackled. 

Tekkima is so confident in the culture they have built (adventurous lifestyle complimented by quality product) that they've made everything on their site free shipping and return. This way there is little to no risk with seeing if Tekkima fits your lifestyle. Subscribe by email on www.tekkima.com to receive an additional 10% off! 

Cheers!

Ol' Frank & Mary Kate

My name is Mary Kate Teske. I'm a twenty-two year old photographer from Billings, MT. I grew up in Terry, MT and was influenced early on in the realm of photography by the local wonder, Evelyn Cameron. Her work portrays the natural elements of everyday life, and with my work, I try to do the same.

That being said, a lot of perspective from my life can be found in the view behind the steering wheel of a classic car. When I was fifteen, I rebuilt a 1961 Dodge Lancer by the name of Ol' Frank with my family. The car actually came from my grandfathers farm in Terry, MT. My siblings and I growing up would spend summers on the farm working and one year my grandpa proposed the idea of restoring Ol' Frank. I jumped right in. Since then, he, and the rest of my family for that matter, has restored and given a classic car to each one of his grandchildren. 

  During the past seven years of driving it, I dreamt of taking it on a road trip and always thought of the places I would go. Recently, the season in my life allowed me to fulfill that dream. I spent June and half of July of 2016 driving along the west coast. In total, I think I averaged more than 7,000 miles. I left from Billings, MT and traveled through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and back and took photos along the way. While on the road, I slept in my car and stayed with friends. I met a ton of inspiring people and hope to take another trip sometime soon. Hopefully to the east coast!

On a side note, I do NOT recommend driving through the hottest parts of the country without any AC. Most of the trip I spent driving while holding a huge bag of gas station ice in my lap.

Mary Kate's Instagram : @marykateteske

Frank's Instagram : @olfrankteske 

#FOLLOWFRANK