Huntsville Local-Made

Huntsville is brimming with artisans and creators who make unique, original products. While covering them all would take up far too many pages; we’ve curated a list of six unique artists who sell practical and useful products. Below is a brief story about each business, what sets their product apart, and where those products can be found!

Kate’s Creations 

Kate started her business shortly after purchasing a Cricut machine at the end of 2022. Originally planning to make magnets for cruises, the endless options catapulted her into an unplanned yet successful business adventure! “I started making stickers, bookmarks, and suncatchers; then, at the beginning of 2024, I turned Kate’s Creations into a bonafide business. Just a few months in, and I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of growth!” 

In mere months, Kate Creations surpassed the hundred sales milestone on Etsy. The product range includes stickers, keychains, bookmarks, suncatchers, and car charms.

“My products combine a unique blend of retro vibes, humor, and unexpected pop-culture references inspired by my Taylor Swift obsession and my inner nerd.” Her products are found online at Etsy and at local markets and events in Huntsville.

Kate’s commitment to quality sets her business apart; “I’ve spent much time, effort, research, and testing to determine the best products. I also spend time quality-checking my final items to ensure they’re up to my standards before they ship.”

“I make things that make me happy. Anytime someone places an order, it resonates with me because it means someone else likes it, too! I personally assemble the items, pack the orders, and handwrite the notes for every order. It’s all worth it when I hear someone loves their purchase!”

Wafel-Bite

During the COVID shutdowns, Bailey, an Air Force veteran, wanted to teach her teenage daughter Alexis how to start a business. Alexis planned to go to the Air Force eventually, so Bailey wanted to show her the ins and outs of starting and running a business before she left. They had a unique idea: Belgian Liege waffles! Before moving to Madison, their family had been assigned to Europe, and the waffles there were their favorite.

“We played around with different recipes until the final product tasted like the ones we remembered eating in Belgium.” Bailey walked Alexis through obtaining a business license, then immediately began selling their waffles in local farmers’ markets as Wafel-Bite. The response was beyond what they could have hoped!

“Customers loved the waffles! We began getting requests for Wafel-Bite mix so people can make them at home.” Obtaining a food manufacturing license, they imported Belgian Pearl sugar to incorporate into their award-winning gourmet waffle mix. Bailey continued, “A gluten-free mix is also available, which is just as delicious as the original!” 

Today, Wafel-Bite can be found at https://shops.wafelbitte.com, Amazon, Harrison Bros Hardware, Alabama Goods, Star Market Huntsville, High Point Market Decatur, and Ashley Mercantile. But their vision extends far beyond these shelves. Bailey and Alexis aspire to see Wafel-Bitte gracing the aisles of gourmet food stores across the United States, a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and the love they pour into their products.

Furry Hippie Beard Company

Jason – the Furry Hippie of Furry Hippy Beard Company – has had facial hair since he was old enough to grow it. “My routine was like anyone else’s – grow it until the skin under the beard itches and then shave it off.” Then, he discovered there were products that could help relieve those symptoms, so Jason grew out his beard and entered a competition! “That’s where I found the Bearded Villains community, a local charity – the connections I made led me on a journey to make my own beard products while getting feedback from my new friends.” Before long, Jason was making beard oil, butter, balm, wash, conditioner, and shampoo. As things grew more official, he needed a name for this business.

Wanting to do more than mere business, he learned of a local children’s cancer charity called Isaiah 41:10. “My kid brother, Chase, passed from a brain tumor. He used to call me a Hippie whenever I visited. I named the company in honor of him. I love Isaiah 41:10’s mission, so every September, I make one special scented oil and butter to sell and donate to the cause.”

One of the things that makes Furry Hippy Beard Company’s products unique is that he’s careful to research his ingredients to avoid irritating men’s skin. The products contain healthy vitamins and nutrients for both hair and skin. “It’s not limited to your beard! You can use our products on your scalp or any place with dry, itchy skin. And everything is handcrafted and made in small batches right here in Alabama!“

The Furry Hippy Beard Company line can be found in area shops throughout Huntsville, Madison, Arab, and Athens, as well as multiple craft fairs and festivals. They’re set up at The Camp at Midcity every Sunday from March through November. Products can also be purchased at https://www.furryhippiebeardcompany.com/

I D’eclair Marshmallows

Erin Elliot has a unique hobby that turned into a business—7 years ago, she began making marshmallows. “I started out just making them to give as gifts and for our own hot cocoa or s’mores. Last May, I made S’mores gift boxes for teacher appreciation gifts for our son’s teachers. I posted one picture on social media, and friends started ordering. This business was born overnight from that one post!”

Having tried one (okay, more than one) myself, I can assure you they will raise your expectations about what to look for in a marshmallow! “Fresh marshmallows are very different from what you can find in the grocery store. Our marshmallows are pillowy soft, and I rotate specialty flavors out seasonally.” She regularly incorporates various Piper & Leaf tea flavors, coffee from Walling Mountain Roasters, Scott’s Orchard apple cider, and even local honey from Blossomwood Honey. “Supporting other small businesses is important to our family!” They offer a wide array of ever-changing, unique flavor options, including Bourbon Old Fashioned, Peanut Butter Swirl, Piper Mint Julep, Strawberry Shortcake, and S’mores Bar.

Today, you can conveniently find I D’eclare Marshmallows at the Greene Street Market and Piper & Leaf Makers’ Market. By following their social media, you’ll stay updated on other area pop-ups where you can buy their delicious marshmallows.

Huntsvillustrated

Hadley and Bethany met at a printmaking collective that met at Lowe Mill. They immediately fell in love with the community and the unique locale. When they met Jaime, a recent grad and printer, Huntsvillustrated was born! “We wanted to focus solely on Huntsville-related merch and be a resource for the other Lowe Mill tenants. Our business has thrived because of Huntsville’s incredible support!“

Offering local-themed t-shirt designs based on area landmarks, local inside jokes, and Huntsville’s unique history, between Hadley, Bethany, and Jaime, they have over 20 years of t-shirt design and printing experience. “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for high-quality t-shirts and design, featuring art you can’t find anywhere else.“

Stop by Huntsvillustrated, just inside door #4 at Lowe Mill, in studio #1019, or visit their website, https://huntsvillustrated.com/, to peruse some of their unique designs!

 

Luna Moth

‌Lyndsay Morgan started her candle-making journey while brainstorming creative Christmas gift ideas in 2018. “Making candles became a sort of therapy, so I kept up the hobby for friends and family until eventually I started doing markets in the summer of 2019.”

Luna Moth Candles are made from natural soy wax and essential oils, hand-poured into unique vintage tea cups and other antique vessels, and topped with dried flowers and herbs. They also offer beeswax candles in various shapes and sizes. “I’ve always loved thrifting and am passionate about repurposing, so I hand-select all our vessels. Every candle is one of a kind! Being passionate about all-natural products, I decided to use only essential oils – something that is not easily found in the candle world. I love educating people on the benefits of using natural alternatives.” 

Luna Moth Candles are sold in Huntsville at the Little Green Store, Harrison Brothers, A.M. Collective, University Pickers, Piper & Leaf, Botanica, Travel Patterns, and Pearly’s.

Remedy Herbs

 Jessica Rothstein, Remedy Herbs creator and owner, has always been enthralled by nature’s wonders. “Plants and wildflowers are fascinating, and natural health and wellness have always been important to me as a lifestyle. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in natural medicine and plant study.”

Studying under Phyllis Light, a fourth-generation Native American herbalist, Jessica learned to identify native Appalachian plants that help with sleep, digestion, hormonal imbalances, and more. “I started Remedy, an herbal and plant-based Apothecary, back in 2017, but now also have a brick-and-mortar space at Lowe Mill and offer items online.”

Sunshine Studios

Paige began looking for a fun new hobby during her last semester of college. Feeling drawn toward color and creativity, polymer clay earrings fit the bill, and Sunshine Studio was born! “I got my first laser cutter in 2022 and have loved creating with acrylic since then. I have always loved jewelry, so starting with earrings was exciting!”

As an all-women team, they love working on custom projects for customers and regularly offer new collections throughout the year. “You will not find our products anywhere else, and we can customize almost anything in our store for you! We love giving our customers something they can’t find anywhere else and yet still offer our wares at an affordable price.”

You can find them online or at one of two physical locations in Huntsville: 211 Seminole Dr. SW, Studio 2043 (35805), or 7914 Memorial Parkway SW #E15 (35802).

Back Porch Studio

Back Porch Studios—a family affair—offers handmade, 100% pure soy candles with pure cotton wicks, paper goods, and art-printed towels with original art by the owner. “All my life, my love for all things creative has woven itself into my other passions, from teaching to volunteering to loving my family. Seven years ago, with encouragement and hundreds of hours of help from my family, we embarked upon this adventure. I haven’t looked back!”

At Back Porch Studios, they are dedicated to crafting candles that burn as cleanly as possible. “We achieve this by using only the finest ingredients –  our unique selling point. Our commitment to quality extends beyond candles, as we now offer the original artwork used on our products, including prints, notecards, and gift tags.”

Back Porch Candles and goods can be purchased at Preservation Company, Alabama Goods, Harrison Brothers, Josie Gifts at Burritt on the Mountain, or via their website, backporchstudioshsv.com 

 

 

Mojana Soaps 

 “I have terrible eczema, and during COVID lockdown, I couldn’t get out for my steroid shot,” explained Jel Mojana, telling the unique origin story for her soap company. “Maurice suggested making my soap, so I ordered the ingredients that would help my skin, and we chased the crazy idea of making our soaps look like cupcakes – I do love baking!” That’s the beginning of Mojana Soaps.

After some testing and a little trial and error, they started giving away the soaps to nurses and geriatric patients to see their response. “They encouraged us to start selling! We began with a few craft shows and farmers’ markets, and we were surprised by the response – people loved it!” Last year, they opened a storefront in downtown Huntsville, and due to demand, they are also in the process of opening stores in Atlanta and Nashville.

“We now offer a wide variety of handmade bath and body products, such as handmade hemp soap bars, bakery-inspired soaps like cupcakes, donuts, ice cream, cake slices, dye-free bath bomb, bubble scoops, fairy dusts, vegan candles, whipped body butter, hemp body lotions, lip balms, car diffusers, wax melts, organic solid shampoo bars, pet shampoo, handmade greeting cards, and whipped body scrubs.”

Mojana Soaps can be purchased at their storefront at Clinton Row Shops, 101 Clinton Ave Suite 103, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, or via their website.