Local Businesses sell their crafts at SLO Public Market's Fall Fest

On Saturday, September 14, San Luis Obispo’s Public Market hosted a spirited Makers at the Market Fall Fest, where more than 25 small business owners gathered to showcase all their handcrafted and digital products. The market featured a plethora of creative artists, including children, who presented an array of handcrafted items such as clay jewelry, beaded bracelets, glitter cups, and digital collages. Vendors set up their tents at 10:30 a.m. to start the show at 11 a.m. Enthusiastic Central Coast locals explored the market, reveled in live music, and shopped until 4 p.m.

Many local artists have attended and sold at public markets for years, while others are relatively new to the scene. Film photographer and collage artist Parson Haskins, who previously specialized in wedding photography, transitioned to creating collage art during the pandemic and began selling prints earlier this April. The Nipomo native, now a resident of San Luis Obispo, reveals that they have always aspired to market their art at public events, but the timing had never aligned—until now. Haskins claims, “I’ve always created in one way or another and, as of right now, this (collage art) is what I’m making, so I’m putting it out there.” 

Parson Haskins IG: @moonflowerartmarket

Their “dream-like, whimsical, collage-scapes” aren’t always fully thought out. Haskins explains that the people, scenery, and quotes they took photos of and wrote down guide them in their creative process. “I might be like, ‘Oh, I like this person that I have in a photo,’ and find what the story is in each one along the way,” they elaborate. “Sometimes, I’ll have words already written, and they kind of find their own themes.” There is a lot of winging it behind Haskins's process, yet it leads to moving artwork. A lot of Haskins' collage prints can be found online but will soon be displayed in a few local shops. 

A small business that has been around since the pandemic is Woven Handmade Jewelry owner, Tamara Shibata. She makes clay jewelry and has been selling at public events for years. What started as a way to keep busy during the lockdown, Shibata created clay earrings for friends and family that later turned into a popular business on the Central Coast. “I started in 2020 because I needed a new hobby and I had seen that it was really easy to make clay earrings, even though I realized it wasn’t, “ she claims. “I started getting way more creative with it and fell in love with it.” 

Tamara Shibata IG: @wovenhandmadecrafts

Shibata takes most of her inspiration from nature, abstract designs, and seasonal funky styles to create authentic designs that come from her own ideas. While she doesn’t have plans to open a physical storefront anytime soon, her handmade clay earrings are featured in numerous local establishments, such as Greenhouse Coffee Company and The Mayan Collective. “I want to keep my jewelry going as long as it’s a great creative outlet and other people enjoy my art,” Shibata says. “I think that’s what’s fun about jewelry; it can boost your mood just by being cute.”

Megan Leathers IG: @glitteredbymegan

Similar to Shibata, who solely sells her handmade jewelry at market pop-ups, local business owner Megan Leathers started her glittering cup business in April 2022. “I love glitter and sparkle. I’m a crafty girl at heart,” states Leathers. Her lineup includes an assortment of items—from wine glasses to water bottles to pens to pouches, she adds glitter to everything and anything. Aside from selling at markets, Leathers takes custom orders on her Instagram. While making glittering cups is her side hustle, she aspires to expand her reach. “I hope to create glitter cups for local sports programs,” Leathers expresses. “Team spirit always brings people together.” 

These small businesses put all their time and energy into creating their art. It’s vital to support them as a community. You can explore their offerings online or visit them in person at forthcoming public markets. Check out their socials to keep up to date on where they’ll be setting up their stands. We’ll also keep you updated on future events.