THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO
An Exploration of the Flowers, Art + Business Local to Essex, New York
There is a long list of perks that coincide with owning this shop. I am constantly meeting local talent as well as wonderful members of our community, and I am enveloped in sensory bliss the moment I step into “work.” Discovering products that earn my loyalty as a shopper has become my favorite sales strategy. Selling a product is extremely easy when you can vouch for it heartily and based on personal experience. Thankful Sage Farm School has earned standing as one such product line. If you visit my home you will find each soap dish balancing a bar of Thankful Sage soap. When you visit Kit+Syl Studio you will find me enjoying the aroma of one of their beeswax or soy-based candles, and for some odd reason you find yourself at my mom’s house you will see that her cast iron pans are perfectly seasoned with Thankful Sage’s Cast Iron seasoning.
What I love most about proprietress, Nichole Gerding’s products is that they are each a feast for the senses. To be honest, I used to think that a candle or a bar of soap was a thoughtless gift, reserved for those times that you have no idea what else to get the person. After learning this line, I now see things completely differently.
Nicky’s soaps are each unique in scent and style. My favorite bar to give as a gift is “Wildflowers.” This bar mirrors its floral scent with a generous dressing of dried buds and petals. I feel like I am receiving the most beautiful gift when it’s time to restock, and I unwrap my order. I peel back the paper, and there they are, 10 bars neatly stacked back-to-back, a secret garden. “Wildflowers” mesmerize me with their lacey beauty, but I have to say Nicky’s “Dirt” soap brings me the most joy. It actually smells like fresh soil! Much of our community has a deep understanding of the value of good soil, so this bar fits like a glove.
I invited Thankful Sage Farm School to be a part of this year’s Valentine’s Pop-Up series for a number of reasons. Primarily, because the product line bursts with love. When I look at Nicky’s goods I see her love for her work, her devotion to the traditions her art stems from, and her adoration for details. I remember the joy and surprise I felt when I first opened her clove beeswax candle. There were actual cloves decorating the top of the wax! Thoughtful touches like this make a product truly special and gift-worthy. When I use these products I feel like I am showing adoration to myself by treating my senses to a holistic experience. When I gift these goods I feel confident that they communicate care and thought. Next time you pick up a Thankful Sage bar of soap check out the ingredient list. Beneath a brief scroll of topnotch components, you will see that the final addition is “good intentions.” I promise you will feel the accuracy of this label each time you use a Thankful Sage Farm School product.
Nichole Gerding will be at Kit+Syl Studio on Saturday, 2/13 showcasing her Heritage collection of beeswax candles and handmade soaps. Please read my interview with Nicky here.
***NEXT UP AT KIT+SYL STUDIO…
Saturday, 2/13 I am hosting Nichole Gerding, owner of Thankful Sage Farm School. Nichole is new to the area and will be showcasing her Heritage collection of beeswax candles and handmade soaps. Come meet your new neighbor and learn about her beautiful line of goods, knowledge, and talents.
For Valentine’s Day Sunday, 2/14 Reagan Monarch, founder of True Path Oracle will be in the studio. Reagan will be offering mini-sessions for aura cleansing and card readings for $14 per session. Your session will include a complimentary take-home gift. Book your session today by emailing hello@kitandsylstudio.com. Spots are going quickly!
All pop-ups will run from noon to 3 PM. Social distancing and masks are mandatory for attendance. In addition to these exciting pop-ups, Kit+Syl Studio will be open usual hours Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM-5 PM. The shop will be stocked with fresh, locally grown flowers for purchase by stem, bouquet, or arrangement, new work from my handmade jewelry line, truffle boxes made by Essex Eats, and of course gifts by our talented local artisans. I’d like to take the days leading up to this week of love by introducing you to each of the local entrepreneurs who will be featured at Kit+Syl Studio on the day of their pop up. First up is Angie Cook, LMT. Please see my interview with Angie on the Kit+Syl Studio Blog.
STAY IN TOUCH
Thank you for reading! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any jewelry, floral, Essex-related, or personal questions, or just to introduce yourself! I love to meet members of my community, and I welcome feedback about how I can reciprocate value to this place that has made my own life so rich.
Also, each week I publish a new blog post where I share my writings about building the next evolution of Kit+Syl Studio. These posts center on interesting information about the floral, jewelry, and small business world. Additionally, I will conduct regular interviews featuring the talented local makers that I am stocking in my shop. You can check out my complete posts here.
Leave a Reply