It may not feel like fall yet—if the swampy weather is any indication—but with the kids back in school and the return of seemingly ceaseless traffic, the season is definitely descending on us.
If spring is when we sift through closets for ill-fitting trousers in need of donating and scour bathroom drawers for three-year-old Chapsticks in need of chucking, what is autumn known for? Why, it’s for purchasing new items to line those closets and drawers, or to add a lively accent to the living room, or to brighten a friend’s birthday, of course. We reached out to some local makers for inspiration.
Mira Jean Designs
Arlington-based Mira Jean Designs, which specializes in textiles, paintings and pillows, got off the ground about four years ago. In the process, owner Kate Hougen has fused her marketing background with her interest in design and the outdoors. With wallpaper currently riding the wave of a big comeback, Hougen says her custom wallpaper is one of the company’s most-requested items.
Bright Body
Though Bright Body founder Gabi Day is now based in Richmond, she has lived all over the D.C. area, from Silver Spring to Vienna. Just shy of one year old, Bright Body creates natural skincare products using elements that Day says are among the Environmental Working Group‘s “safest-rated ingredients.” The flaxseed-and-oat-protein curly hair gel, moisture-locking curl spray and natural deodorant are all in demand, and a facial exfoliant is in the works.
Persimmon Street
Ceramic artist Heather Lezla launched Persimmon Street in 2011, not long after she moved to Arlington. On walks around the neighborhood, Lezla says she would collect flowers, leaves and the like and bring them back to her studio. “Wanting to explore the industrial side of our streets, I ended up taking slabs of clay in our wagon with a rolling pin and rolling the wet clay over sewer caps and historic signage,” she says. The result is a collection of imprinted ceramic items for the garden, office desk or kitchen—from triangular pots to whiskey cups to spice spoons.
Tulusa
Nearly three years ago, artist Sue Henry founded Alexandria-based Tulusa, which specializes in hand-crafted textiles. The company’s pillows and table linens are popular giftables. Henry says Tulusa is also working on a bedding line and vintage denim jackets (hello, fall) embellished with print and embroidery.
Kamaria
In 2016, cousins Ellie Clougherty and Kristen Malinowski found themselves sitting around the kitchen table making jewelry “as a form of therapy to aid in the recovery process after personal experiences with sexual assault.” After some formal education in jewelry-making and trips to Thailand and beyond, the cousins now distribute their creations through Kamaria, based in Vienna and Arlington. The company donates a portion of proceeds to their nonprofit, Restore Dignity, which provides scholarships and other support to survivors of “power-inequality trauma.” Among their most popular products are their druzy wrap bracelets.
Oak Lane Soapworks
In late 2014, McLean-based Oak Lane Soapworks was spun off of the former Union Street Soapworks, a company that Oak Lane owner Melinda Miller first discovered years ago at the Falls Church Farmers Market. The company has 20 types of soap for sale at any given time, as well as a host of scented candles. On tap for fall are pumpkin and McIntosh scents. A perennial favorite is the healing bar; built to treat skin issues such as rosacea, it’s infused with emu oil, lavender, rosemary and tea tree.
Em + Mayes
Arlington-based Em + Mayes, which we featured in March, is new this year. Graphic designer and co-founder Kacy Littlehale drafts custom prints for a variety of products, from note cards to wall prints. Her college-inspired pillows are a fan favorite, and for those who aren’t in need of a Virginia Tech pillow, one that is emblazoned with “Arlington” is an excellent choice for hometown pride.