If you can’t find it, make it. Such was the philosophy of friends Melissa Brower and Kacy Littlehale when they decided to launch their jewelry and home décor lines. The duo met at an Arlington-based group for new moms (today each has two girls, ages 3 and 6) and instantly formed a creative bond. “I was helping my daughter redecorate her room and looking for a mermaid print,” recalls Littlehale, a graphic designer by trade. “I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I designed one myself.”
Today, Littlehale designs everything from birth-announcement pillows and personalized wall art to note cards and house portraits. Her printed goods can be found at www.emandmayes.com.
Brower, a full-time consultant with a penchant for seaside living, decided to create gilded shell jewelry that would appeal to beach-going mamas as much as their mermaid-loving daughters. Her jewelry line, which has expanded to include bright, tasseled pieces and DIY necklace kits for kids, is available at www.etsy.com/shop/EmeryGreyDesign.
Both artists also sell select items at Pursuing Vintage and Lemon Lane Consignment in Falls Church.