We Are Makers Podcast

Welcome to Episode 42 of the We Are Makers Podcast! In this episode, we had the incredible opportunity to spend an entire day with Alisha Koppert, a talented ceramicist hailing from Waco, TX.

Alisha's journey with clay began in her early memories, as she and her brother would venture down to the river, finding sticky lumps of red earth to mold into cherished bowls. That first firing in a brick oven her brother built marked the beginning of Alisha's lifelong passion for pottery.

During our time together, Alisha generously shared her expertise with Kate, our host, teaching her how to create ceramic mugs on her beloved kick wheels. It was a hands-on experience that highlighted the tactile and unpredictable nature of the pottery process.

Alisha's style is ever-evolving, fueled by her desire to live simply and wholeheartedly. Her work speaks volumes, adding a sense of peace and rhythm to everyday life. Mixing her own glazes and firing her creations in a local community studio, Alisha embraces the artistry and the therapeutic aspect of working with clay.

In this episode, Alisha takes us on a journey into the world of ceramics, sharing insights into her creative process, her inspirations, and the profound connection she feels with the clay. Join us as we explore the beauty and intricacies of pottery, guided by Alisha's expertise and passion.

Thank you for joining us on the We Are Makers Podcast, and a special thank you to Alisha Koppert for opening her studio and sharing her craft with us. Be sure to visit Alisha's about page for more information on her journey and artistic philosophy.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Alisha Koppert Ceramics
Insta: @alishakoppertceramics
Website: https://www.koppertceramics.com/

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Welcome to Episode 41 of the We Are Makers Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of spending the entire day with Christopher Jones, a talented wood turner based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Christopher's journey in woodturning began in April 2021, and since then, he has developed an insatiable desire to create beautiful pieces using this method. His approach to woodturning goes beyond mere craftsmanship, as he seeks to engage in a conversation with the material and explore the use of natural phenomena in his creations.

Before recording the podcast, Christopher generously took the time to teach Jack, our host, how to turn a bowl of his own. It was an incredible learning experience, and Jack gained firsthand insights into Christopher's artistic process and dedication to honoring the trees from which the timber originated.

During the episode, Christopher shares his inspirations, techniques, and the philosophy behind his work. Join us as we delve into the world of woodturning and discover the unique perspective that Christopher brings to this ancient craft.

Thank you for tuning in to the We Are Makers Podcast, and a special thanks to Christopher Jones for sharing his time, knowledge, and passion with us. Don't forget to check out Christopher's about page for more information on his remarkable woodturning artistry.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Christopher Jones Wood Turning
Insta: @jonesworkshop 
Website: jonesworkshop.com

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Welcome to Episode 40 of the We Are Makers Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Odin Clack, the founder of Odin Leather Goods, a renowned brand in the world of handmade leather goods.

In 2012, Odin Clack began his journey by experimenting with making a simple laptop sleeve on his dining room table. What started as a curiosity soon transformed into a thriving business, ultimately becoming the beloved Odin Leather Goods brand. Driven by a commitment to simplicity and functionality, their handmade leather goods, including belts, wallets, bags, and pouches, embody a classic American style. Proudly made in the USA with locally sourced materials, their products are durable for travel and perfect for everyday use. Their success led to a move from a two-car garage workshop to a spacious 1500 sqft workshop in Coppell, TX, allowing them to further elevate the quality of their creations. Additionally, they defied the odds by opening a retail store in March 2020, solidifying their reputation as producers of some of the finest leather goods available.

Join us in this enlightening conversation as we delve into Odin's inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the world of handmade leather goods. Gain insights into the creative process behind their products and discover the secrets to their success as a brand. Whether you're a fellow maker, a fan of quality craftsmanship, or simply interested in the entrepreneurial spirit, this episode is a must-listen.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Odin Leather Goods
Insta: @OdinLeather
Youtube:  @OdinLeatherGoods  
Website: https: www.odinleathergoods.com

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Get ready for Episode 39 of We Are Makers podcast with the BBQ maestros, Mike and Matt from M&M BBQ Company!  Join them in their cutting-edge workshop in Tool, Texas for an inspiring journey into the world of barbeque and fabrication.

With over 30 years of revolutionizing the BBQ industry, M&M BBQ Company combines expertise and innovation to bring you the best barbeque equipment available.

Mike's upbringing around mouthwatering barbeque and his mastery of smoker mechanics, honed after graduating with a marketing degree, have propelled M&M BBQ to industry leadership.

Matt, with his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail honed through diverse experiences, including the custom car world, brings unparalleled expertise to M&M BBQ.

Tune in to this captivating episode as Mike and Matt share their passion for barbeque, their lifelong friendship, and how their love for fabrication led to groundbreaking equipment. 

🔔 Subscribe to We Are Makers podcast for more captivating stories from the world of craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity. Join the inspired maker community! 🙌✨

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

M&M BBQ Company
Insta: mmbbqcompany
Website: https:https://mmbbqcompany.com/

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Derek and Lauren are a husband and wife power couple who have turned their passion for creating into multiple successful businesses in Shreveport, Louisiana. In this episode of the We Are Makers podcast, we sit down with Derek and Lauren Simmons, owners and operators of Caddo Bros Hats, CC Mercantile, Lauren Does Art, and Artifact.

Derek and Lauren share their journey of how they started out creating hats for themselves and friends, which eventually turned into a business that has gained national recognition. They also discuss the challenges they faced when expanding their business to include a brick and mortar store and other ventures.

Lauren also shares her passion for art and how she balances her time between creating art, running businesses, and being a mom. They also talk about the importance of community and how they have been able to create a loyal following of customers who appreciate their unique style and commitment to quality.

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Derek and Lauren Simmons as they share their story of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of pursuing your passions.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Caddo Bros Hats
Insta: caddo_bros_hats
Website: https:https://www.facebook.com/caddobros/

C&C Mercantile
Insta: ccmercantile
Website: https:https://www.facebook.com/caddobros/

Lauren Does Art
Insta: artbylaurenross
Website: https://art-by-lauren-ross.myshopify.com/
 
Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Shreveport, Louisiana, We Are Makers podcast, Derek Simmons, Lauren Simmons, Caddo Bros Hats, CC Mercantile, Lauren Does Art, Artifact, passion, creating, successful businesses, journey, national recognition, challenges, expansion, brick and mortar store, ventures, art, balance, time management, mompreneur, community, loyal following, unique style, commitment to quality, creativity, entrepreneurship, pursuing passions.

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

In this episode of the We Are Makers Podcast we sit down with Derek Melton, a talented blacksmith and bladesmith from Clinton, Mississippi. Derek has been working with metal since 1999, and his passion for crafting beautiful and functional items is evident in everything he makes. He has won the title of "Forged in Fire Champion" on the hit History Channel show, and currently serves as the webmaster and secretary on the board of the Mississippi Forge Council. In this episode, Derek shares his journey as a Mississippi craftsman, his love for the forged blade, and the inspiration behind his unique makers mark. Tune in to hear more about Derek's work and his passion for the art of blacksmithing.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

 Forge Works
Insta: @derekmelton
Website: https://www.derekmelton.com

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

In this episode of the We Are Makers podcast, we sit down with Ben Geisler, owner of Trail's End Saddle Shop. Ben grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, surrounded by cowboy culture and spent much of his childhood making horn wraps, saddle pads, rawhide burners, and lariat ropes. Despite sustaining life-changing injuries in a motorcycle accident, Ben went on to serve in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer. In this podcast, we delve into Ben's journey as a craftsman, his transition from the military to civilian life, and the founding of his saddle-making business. Join us as we explore the world of Western craftsmanship with Ben Geisler. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on our latest podcasts.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Ben Geisler
Insta: @bmgeisler
Website: https://trailsendsaddleshop.com/

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Welcome to our latest podcast featuring Brad Henderson and Sarah Humphries, the Owner Operator and Education Director, respectively, of Old School Farm Pottery. In this episode, we delve into the world of ceramics and learn about the unique services that Old School Farm Pottery provides.

Old School Farm Pottery is a community-based organization that offers a space for artists and makers to explore ceramics in various forms. With rental space, state-of-the-art equipment, and a shopfront, Old School Farm Pottery is the perfect place for new start-ups, as well as established makers, to hone their craft and bring their creative vision to life.

In our conversation with Brad and Sarah, we discuss the company's mission, how they support aspiring artists and makers, and the various courses and classes they offer. We also learn about their upcoming exhibitions planned for the coming year and their newly remodeled space.

Join us as we explore the world of Old School Farm Pottery and discover how they are empowering artists to pursue their passion for ceramics. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on our latest podcasts.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Old school farm pottery
Insta: @oldschoolfarmpottery
Website: https://www.oldschoolfarmpottery.com/

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

Welcome to our latest podcast featuring Yellowhammer Creative, a design and print studio based in Birmingham, Alabama. In this episode, we sit down with founders Brett Forsyth and Brandon Watkins to discuss their journey from making concert posters to building a successful business with a wide range of services.

From their early days of designing and printing posters, Brett and Brandon have built Yellowhammer Creative into a multifaceted design and print studio that offers full-service design, consulting, and top-notch screen-printing.

Join us as we chat about the challenges they faced along the way and how they overcame them to create a thriving business. We also take a look at their retail shop, Yellowhammer Print Shop, located at Pepper Place in Birmingham, where you can find hand-printed posters, shirts, and other items from the area's best makers.

Whether you're a fan of design, printing, or entrepreneurship, this episode has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our conversation with Yellowhammer Creative. Don't forget to visit them in person at 2821 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham, AL.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

Yellow Hammer Creative
Insta: @yellowhammer_creative
Website: https://www.yellowhammer.org/

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)

We got to meet the lovely Ben white in Columbia TN at his workshop. White Wood Co designs and builds custom pieces for residential and commercial spaces in and around Nashville, TN. Ben's work specializes in tables, built-ins, closet/laundry room organization, accent walls, CNC customizations and other creative carpentry. He also runs another businesses alongside his wife 'Willow and Pine' making handmade Montessori toys for children.

We Are Makers
Insta: @weare_makers
Website: https://wearemakers.shop

White Wood Company
Willow and Pine
Insta: @whitewoodcompany / @willowandpinetn
Website: https://www.whitewoodcompany.net/
YouTube:  @whitewoodcompany  

Nomono
Insta: @nomonosound
Website: https://nomono.co/
Youtube: @NomonoSound

Like this podcast and want to watch it? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Or, Like to read? Discover our biannual publication that includes stories of makers worldwide! (We ship worldwide too!)