Independent Makers for Gulf Coast Moms to Know!
Author: Alexa Harrison, Gather Gulf Coast
Alexa Harrison is the founder/owner of Gather Gulf Coast: a community for creative women on the MS Gulf Coast. She hosts a variety of creative experiences in collaboration with local woman-owned small businesses—from Crafts & Cocktails, to themed tea parties, mini styled photoshoots, and pop-up markets! Alexa believes in always having a reason to get dressed up and celebrate. Learn more at gathergulfcoast.com.
Join us in celebrating these mompreneurs who prove that the MS Gulf Coast is fertile ground for creativity, entrepreneurship, and the unwavering belief that, yes, you can indeed be both a devoted mom and a successful business owner.
These creative women have embraced the delicate art of balancing motherhood and business ownership. What sets these maker moms apart is not just their ability to create unique and helpful products, but the fact that they've chosen a path less traveled—a path uniquely designed for them. These moms are more than just artisans; they’re an inspiration
Many of these vendors primarily sell at local markets, so be sure to follow them on social media to see where they’ll be popping up next!
Let's dive into the stories behind these maker moms, their crafts, and the beautiful tapestry they’re weaving along the MS Gulf Coast from Bay St. Louis to Gautier and everywhere in between...
Little Tales Kit: A Collection for Creative Minds
Photo Credit: Little Tales
Maker: Mallory Ellis
What: Children’s creative play kits
Location: Bay St. Louis, MS
Shop: www.shoplittletales.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littletaleskits
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littletaleskits
With a mission inspired by reducing screen time and enhancing imaginative exploration, Little Tales provides a resource for quiet moments and creative engagement. Each of Little Tales’ carefully curated kits and pouches will bring new and exciting ways to encounter play and let your little one’s mind imagine, create, and explore.
“Let’s be honest, caregivers have enough on their plates. To whip together supplies for an engaging activity for our children often takes time and resources that we simply don't have. Research shows that a child learns best through play. This is one of the main reasons that I wanted to provide a product that was hands-on to allow our little ones to expand their imagination and creativity.” - Mallory Ellis
Magnolia Moon: Connecting You to Nature
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Sarah Gigli
What: Pressed flower art, jewelry, gifts; and custom preservation of wedding, memorial, and other special event/milestone florals.
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Shop: They set up and sell in person at a variety of markets throughout South Mississippi. Their website lists their Market schedule, and online ordering is available during the off season: www.magnoliamoonos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090292592346
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliamoon.os/
Inspired by natural beauty, Sarah and her husband Eric work together by pressing and preserving flowers in glass and in resin—creating art, jewelry, and keepsakes that further our connection to nature in a meaningful way. Each flower is intentionally arranged, placed in high quality UV resistant resin, and is truly one of a kind.
“My husband Eric and I started Magnolia Moon in March of 2023 first as a hobby we could do together. After quitting my job a few months prior, I was looking for a creative outlet and we had been wanting to work with resin for awhile. Now, creating art that brings someone joy or holds special significance is truly a blessing. I enjoy the work that I do and put so much love into each piece I create.” - Sarah Gigli
Leanna Garcia: Artwork For The Romantics
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Leanna Garcia
What: Fine floral art
Location: Biloxi, MS
Shop: https://www.withloveleanna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withloveleanna
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withloveleanna/
Inspired by the femininity, creativity, beauty, and symbolism of both flowers and women, Leanna tries to capture and preserve the moments of beauty and create something to last for generations to come through thick textures, palette knives, and oil paint. For brides who want to relive their wedding day, every day, she creates one-of-a-kind custom paintings of bridal bouquets, hand-painted bridal hats, and heirloom ornaments. She releases inspired bodies of work through collections and currently some of her work can be seen at Hillyer House in Ocean Springs. Leanna has been featured on the cover and within Where Women Create Magazine, In Her Studio Magazine, ZenArt Supplies, Trekell Artist Of The Month, WLOX - Good Morning Mississippi.
“As a child, I dreamed of growing up to be an artist and a mother. Now, I live my days in awe and gratitude that I am living the creative life of my childhood dreams, and doing it with my husband and children by my side. They are my biggest cheerleaders and with me as I ride the highs and lows of being an independent artist. Inviting my children into my creative world and raising them in my art studio has been a beautiful gift for all of us. One of the mantras in my studio and in motherhood that I always speak over myself and to my children is that, 'There is always beauty to be seen, sometimes it just takes more effort to find it.'” - Leanna Garcia
Southern Magnolia Studio: Jewelry That Evokes Joy
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Cynthia Brown
What: Handmade polymer clay jewelry
Location: Biloxi, MS
Shop: https://southernmagstudio.etsy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernmagnoliastudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088383433040
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@southernmagnoliastudio
Southern Magnolia Studio creates beautiful, lightweight, and hypoallergenic polymer clay jewelry. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, aiming not just for aesthetics but to evoke joy and smiles in those who wear them. Southern Magnolia Studio emerged from a personal journey with polymer clay, beginning around two years ago…
“Initially pursued as a creative escape, the passion for the medium grew alongside improving skills. Motivated by encouragement from friends and family, the business was established to share my creations with a broader audience.” - Cynthia Brown
Izzy Propagates: For Planty People
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Isabel Gray Wetterling
What: Potted plants, seasonal gifts, & propagation stations
Location: Gautier, MS
Shop: Izzy can be contacted on Facebook or Instagram for custom orders, and she sets up regularly at local farmers markets and festivals.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzypropagates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzypropagates?mibextid=LQQJ4d
A passionate plant enthusiast, Izzy transforms thrifted and unconventional items into unique pots for her assortment of plants and propagation stations. As a mobile, pop-up plant shop, she enjoys setting up boho displays in various locations, connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts, and sharing her love for generational plants. Inspired by her grandmother's deck full of plants and the tradition of passing down family plants, she turned her hobby into a business in 2023. Starting with impromptu booths at local markets and festivals, she quickly gained popularity for her distinctive pieces, especially the in-demand propagation stations filled with cuttings from her own beloved plants.
“I’ve always had a love for plants. My grandmother had a deck full of plants that we would go out and water together. She would give pieces of family plants to us, to make new plants from. I have a lot of succulents that were pieces from my great grandmother and my grandparents and my parents. I am a plant mom and a people person who loves creating and decorating. Getting to create plant art and hang out with planty people has been such a fun part of this year for me.” - Isabel Gray Wetterling
Jun Bug Designs: 100% Hand-Made With Love
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Sadie Rodriguez
What: Handmade clay jewelry
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Shop: https://jun-bug-designs.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094621313696
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junbugdesigns/
Due to the nature of the clay making process, all of Sadie’s items are one-of-a-kind, small batch, and 100% handcrafted with love!
“I love being a mom more than anything but I was struggling to find who I was after becoming a stay at home mom. I was inspired by a local weekly market and decided to buy some clay and see what would happen. I started selling my products a week later and have had so much fun creating new things. I love interacting with customers and getting out of the house to be around like minded people!” - Sadie Rodriguez
Riverbend Hat Co: Your Hat Can Tell Your Story
Photo Credit: Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Morgan Jones
What: Custom hat bar
Location: Gulfport, MS
Shop: You can order either online by messaging Morgan through one of her social media platforms, or by stopping by one of the pop up shops she does.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550286428939
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbendhatco/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riverbendhatco
At Riverbend Hat Co. each hat is made specifically for you, by you—or by the owner, Morgan, if you wish. This custom hat bar offers parties at your location, custom hats, and hand-painted clothes. Your hat can hold significant meaning to you, from including your child birth flower to having a special meaning in a quote. Morgan helps you tell this story with fun hat add-ons like burning, ribbon, feathers—and even matchbooks, cards, and patches.
“I always joke that my husband should get credit for my business. I had found a hat I wanted and sent it to my husband. He told me he knew I could make it. He was right. I have enjoyed watching how quickly this idea turned into a loving business for me.” - Morgan Jones
Love Lather Collective: For the Me-Time You Deserve
Photo Credit: Alexa Harrison, Love Lather, & Victoria Nguyen
Maker: Katie Hopper
What: Handmade bath & body products
Location: Biloxi, MS
Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lovelather
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelatherco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelatherco/
Made by a mother of three (including twins!), with other mothers in mind, Love Lather Collective is here to encourage you to prioritize your own self-care and well-being. Pamper yourself with luxurious yet simple bath time treats like soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, body butter, and bath bombs.
“Motherhood is a journey, and I believe that self-care is a critical part of that journey. Sometimes, a shower or bath is our only moment of solace. I want to help you make that alone time count. Pamper yourself with indulgent products, knowing that you are using only the highest quality ingredients.” - Katie Hopper