In a world of overnight shipping and mass production, shopping small is a powerful act of intention.
At Kristen Mara, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in: connection, craftsmanship, and community.
Shopping small supports people, not big box retail or huge corporations. It means choosing integrity, artistry, and a slower, more meaningful way of living. It’s about cherishing the human touch behind every object, every story, and every pair of hands that brings something beautiful into the world.
Each piece of Kristen Mara jewelry is handmade here in New England with love, care, and attention to the smallest details. But we don’t walk this path alone. We’re part of a growing circle of creatives and small businesses who are doing things differently, sustainably, ethically, and with heart.
We’re proud to support and celebrate fellow artisans who share Kristen Mara values and create meaningful, heirloom-quality goods.
Here are just a few of the makers we admire and support:
Why a Spoon – Lebanon, CT
There’s something timeless and grounding about holding one of Ray Medeiros, Jr.’s hand-carved spoons. Each piece is shaped with deep intention, a reverence for wood, and decades of skill behind every curve. Ray began woodworking at just eight years old in his father’s cabinet shop, and over the years honed his craft under the guidance of traditional artisans and masters in Swedish and Japanese carving styles.
Today, Ray creates spoons and culinary tools that feel like heirlooms the moment you hold them. They’re loved by professional chefs, home cooks, and those who admire handmade beauty. His spoons are elegant in their simplicity, with a soulful, tactile quality that makes you want to reach for them every day.
Kristen’s take: I own many of Ray’s pieces - and have gifted many - and every single one feels special, warm, beautiful, and unique. They’re the kind of pieces you want to hold, to use, and to admire for their perfectly imperfect form. If you're curious about his work, Ray is always happy to send photos or help you find the right spoon, serving board, bowl or tool for your kitchen. You can message Ray if you are interested in a piece or would like to commission a special piece.
The Golden Trout – Hope Valley, RI
If you love style with soul and substance, you’ll fall for The Golden Trout. Artists Olga Bravo and Rebecca Wagner, former owners of the beloved Olga’s Cup + Saucer bakeries in Rhode Island, bring their artistic spirit to life through a line of stunning, one-of-a-kind market bags. Each piece is a work of art, handcrafted using vintage burlap sacks, textile remnants, suede, leather, repurposed bike inner tubes, and lined with waxed canvas for durability and ease.
With a background in mixed-media art, Olga and Rebecca design and fabricate every bag themselves, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but made to be used and loved for years to come. Each one carries its own story and distinct charm.
Kristen’s take: I’m completely in love with their bags. Each one is a gorgeous, functional piece of art. No two are alike and I love knowing how much heart and creativity go into every detail. If you’re interested in one, message them directly on Instagram. Olga and Rebecca are always happy to share what they have available.
Fiber and Mud – Pachaug, CT
Tucked away on a small farm in Pachaug, Connecticut, Fiber and Mud is where the magic of nature meets the artistry of slow craft. LoriA, the heart and hands behind the brand, has been farming fiber since 2004. In 2017, she began a beautiful new chapter, growing and extracting indigo right on her own land. With shibori wrapping techniques (both traditional and modern) and a deep respect for natural materials, LoriA creates wearable art that’s rooted in the earth and full of life.
Though her alpacas and fainting goats still roam the farm, LoriA now pours her energy into her hand-dyed indigo textiles, especially scarves that are as vibrant and grounded as the land they’re made on.
Kristen’s take: I own several of LoriA’s scarves and have gifted many of her pieces over the years. They're just that special. The shades of indigo are absolutely stunning, and her patterns feel so organic and earthy. They’re wearable, giftable, and always a conversation piece. If you're looking to find her work near you or want to explore her collection, send her a message on Instagram or visit her Etsy shop. She may even have a stockist in your area!
The Olive Rose – Connecticut
There’s something so heartfelt about giving (or receiving) a card or gift that feels like it was made just for you. That’s the quiet magic behind The Olive Rose, a Connecticut-based family endeavor offering keepsake items inspired by generations past. Founded in 2024, The Olive Rose is run by husband and wife team Kristin and Michael and features original watercolor artwork painted by Michael. Together, they bring a truly personal touch to every item.
From greeting cards to tea towels, totes, coasters, and more, each piece is infused with warmth, charm, and timeless beauty. Perfect for gifting or adding a gentle moment of beauty to your own day.
Kristen’s take: I’ve given their cards many times, always for those meaningful moments of thanks or connection. There’s such a serene, heartfelt quality in everything they create. It’s a joy to support a business that’s truly a family affair, full of intention and grace. You can explore more on Instagram and their brand new website.
Ahmee Ceramics – Stonington, CT
In the heart of coastal Stonington, Connecticut, Ahmee Ceramics brings together heritage, artistry, and functional design in the most beautiful way. A creative collaboration between Amee Hussey and Magaly Del Castillo, this studio produces handcrafted ceramic pieces for everyday living… think dinnerware, lighting, and tactile home objects that are as visually striking as they are practical.
Rooted in their diverse cultural backgrounds, Amee from South Korea and Magaly from Peru, their work reflects a shared commitment to simplicity, community, and intentional design. Amee forms every piece by hand or on the wheel, focusing on balance, usability, and clean, minimalist aesthetics. Magaly brings her passion for design, marketing, and community-building to grow Ahmee Ceramics with purpose and connection.
Kristen’s take: I’m always in awe of Amee’s work. Her pieces are the kind you want to live with: simple, stunning, and full of presence. From the clean forms to the rich glazes, there’s a quiet sophistication to every item. These are everyday essentials elevated to art, and they add a layer of beauty to even the simplest routines. Explore more on their website.
Terry Walters – Connecticut
Terry Walters is more than a clean-eating advocate; she’s a force of nature when it comes to living well, mindfully, and with deep-rooted intention. An award-winning author, Terry recently released her fourth cookbook, NOURISH: Plant-Based Recipes to Feed Body, Mind, and Soul. It’s a beautiful, seasonal guide to gluten-free, plant-based cooking with a special section on fermentation and a wealth of inspiration for home cooks looking to feel their best.
NOURISH is self-published and printed right here in New England by a veteran-owned press. Just one more reason it aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear at Kristen Mara: sustainability, local support, and doing things with heart.
Kristen’s take: Terry truly walks her talk. Every time I see her at the farmers’ market, she’s there smiling, connecting, and stocking up on locally grown produce. She’s inspiring to talk to and even more inspiring to learn from. Her books are a beautiful reflection of who she is—encouraging, real, and full of wisdom. You can learn more or order NOURISH directly through her website.
At Kristen Mara, I believe that how something is made matters just as much as what it looks like. That’s why we proudly align ourselves with other women makers, small farms, local shops, and eco-conscious artisans.
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product… you’re investing in a community.
You’re also…
⇢ supporting a dream
⇢ encouraging sustainability
⇢ choosing beauty with meaning and stories that last
So the next time you put on your favorite pair of earrings or gift someone a handwoven textile or ceramic bowl, remember: shopping small makes a big impact.
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.
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