The Artisans Behind Loop & Tie
From cosmetics to fresh produce, here are four small women-owned and -operated companies to keep on your radar.
You’ve seen what these ladies have to offer on the Loop & Tie website, but their products extend beyond what is showcased on Sara Rodell’s digital gifting website. These women offer everything from cosmetic products to doorstep-delivery produce, featuring unique, high-quality products perfect for gift giving or treating yourself.
Newton Supply Co.
A habitual crafter, Laura Davis Berryman decided to create a more focused brand for her canvas bags in October 2014. The name Newton Supply Co. was inspired by her grandparents, whose camper Berryman used to play in as a child. There, she would let her imagination run wild, pretending she was going on great adventures. She aims to capture that same adventurous spirit with Newton Supply Co. Her waxed canvas bags are fashionably versatile, transferring effortlessly from a night out on the town to a day spent exploring in the outdoors. Berryman and her team of three operate out of Austin and work with local retailers such as Parts & Labour, Mockingbird Domestics and Luxe Apothetique in The Domain.
Herb & Root
Julia Kahlig-Garuba started Herb & Root, an essential oils and cosmetics company, after a book on herbal remedies caught her attention during law school. Her interest sparked, she made her first cosmetic—cinnamon lip balm—which eventually turned into Herb & Root’s Cinnamon Plumper Lip Bomb. Adventure is nothing new to Kahlig-Garuba, who backpacked through Asia when she was 20 and the Middle East when she was 24. The many fragrance shops in Marrakech, Morocco, particularly captured her attention, and she felt herself drawn to the old and forgotten relationship between humans and plants. Herb & Root offers oils instead of lotions to eliminate the chemical emulsifiers and preservatives found in lotions and creams, leaving her products with nothing but plant-based skin care for all types of skin.
Hello George
etsy.com/shop/hellogeorge
What started as a hobby for Gretchen Simmerson turned out to be a new business venture in her life. Her love for the crafting and branding process behind her handmade soy candles led her to inquire about selling her wares at local stores. Since the beginning of 2015, she has sold her candles through pop-up shops, local stores and now her very own Etsy store. Her business’ name, Hello George, was inspired by her Austin Pets Alive! rescue dog, George, and a portion of each candle sale is donated to Austin Pets Alive! in honor of a specific dog chosen each month. Simmerson sees candles as products everyone can enjoy, especially when their proceeds are going to support dogs in need.
Farmhouse Delivery
Horticulture whiz Steph Scherzer originally purchased a piece of property called Rain Lily with the goal of becoming a berry farmer. After a failed attempt at berry farming, she turned to peppers, which proved more successful. She soon sold them to local restaurants. This success inspired Scherzer to begin farming full time. After a few months into this new venture, she noticed the need for a stronger connection between farmers and local families. In an attempt to bring farmers-market goods to peoples’ doors, she started Farmhouse Delivery in 2009. This weekly subscription service delivers local fruits and vegetables of the highest quality right to your doorstep, and now carries additional products like Easy Tiger bread, Confituras jam and Della Casa pasta.
Photos courtesy of respective locations.
Sara Rodell of Loop & Tie
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