Spotlight Archives – Page 6 of 6

Business Spotlight: Uneena’s

Posted on 10/16/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: Uneena's

When Uneena wraps up her workday as an administrative assistant at U of L’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, she makes her way to Mellwood to start her fun job: making and selling jewelry. For Uneena, coming into her shop is a way for her to engage her creativity and forget about the stresses of the day.

Uneena's: Necklaces, rings, bracelets, and stones

While she’s always had a creative streak, Uneena discovered her passion after taking a jewelry making class here at Mellwood 10 years ago. After speaking with the teacher about what she wanted to do with her creations, Uneena opened her studio/shop with her sister, Kay, and began selling their work.

When entering her shop, you’ll find an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. While some of her glass bead work is still available, Uneena has been transitioning to natural stones and crystals. The gems she works with all carry special meanings and dictate the shape each piece ultimately takes. If you have an idea for a piece or would like to have an existing piece of jewelry further customized, Uneena does take special custom orders. To see more of her work, or to have something custom made, be sure to visit her shop, Uneena’s, here at the Mellwood Art Center.

Business Spotlight: Betty Blu Pottery

Posted on 10/09/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: Betty Blu Pottery

The desire to pursue art can develop at any point in life. For some, it’s a lifelong passion. For others, like Betty of Betty Blu Pottery, it’s a more recent calling. For her, it started with a class 12 years ago. While she wasn’t certain it was something she would like, Betty invested in a pottery wheel after the first class so she could practice what she learned between sessions. As a lifelong learner, Betty didn’t stop with pottery. When the pandemic hit, Betty saw an opportunity to expand her skills into stonework, which she now sells alongside her pottery. Among her wares are cups, vases, salt shakers, and polished stones and crystals of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Be sure to stop by her studio in our courtyard to see more of her work. On nice days, you may even catch her outside, working at her wheel.

Betty Blu Pottery: Pottery and Salt Shakers

Betty Blu Pottery: Pottery on Shelf with Animal Figure

Betty Blu Pottery: Pottery on shelf with earrings

Business Spotlight: Designs by The Johnson’s

Posted on 10/02/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: Designs by The Johnson's

“If it’s something somebody wants custom made, we do it.” That’s the mantra Minniequa Johnson follows. What began with selling some custom work out of her mother-in-law’s boutique shop is slowing growing into something Minniequa sees becoming her full-time gig. She makes many custom items, including t-shirts, tutus, face masks, mugs, tumblers, and wine glasses.

Her passion for custom design work is something she shares with her three kids, who make their own t-shirts and tie-dyes. You can checkout more of Minniequa’s work at @designsbymae or stop by her studio here at Mellwood tomorrow during her grand opening event!

Business Spotlight: Dead Sled Leather Co.

Posted on 09/25/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: Dead Sled Leather Co.

Ever seen a hearse in the Mellwood Art Center parking lot? It likely belongs to Dead Sled Leather Co. owner, Jonathon Baker. A paramedic for Jeffersontown by day, he is no stranger to the macabre. In fact, his curiosity for the gruesome is the inspiration for his brand. But don’t let the headstone keychain scare you, Jonathan is a skilled artisan in leather goods.

Jonathan crafts a variety of products including belts, wallets, barbour bags, and even gear for firefighters and other paramedics. He wants his customers to know where their stuff comes from and that it’s going to last “‘till your last ride”.

Looking for something American made with high quality leather and craftsmanship? Check out the amazing pieces for sale at deadsledleather.com.

Business Spotlight: It’s a Stitch

Posted on 09/18/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: It's a Stitch

For Ruth from It’s a Stitch, it’s not about perfectionism, but her passion and a desire to see a job well done. She often goes above and beyond when altering clothes for her clients and will fix any mistakes she sees. With 75 years of experience and having worked in several clothing factories in and around Louisville, Ruth’s expertise can’t be beat! She regularly handles alteration work that others can’t or won’t. While It’s a Stitch specializes in alterations for evening and formal wear, she can make alterations to all types of clothes.

Business Spotlight: Ntaba Coffee Haus

Posted on 09/11/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Business Spotlight: Ntaba Coffee Haus

Stepping into the Ntaba Coffee Haus at Mellwood transports you to a cafe on another continent. Robin Mountain, owner and CEO of Ntaba, has summited Mount Kilimanjaro 3 times, speaks 6 languages, and owns the only African coffee cafe in Louisville. From the direct import coffee beans from East and South Africa, to the African produce available in the cafe’s, to the safari photographs and soccer jersery’s hanging on the wall, Robin has brought South African culture to his business and customers.

Make time to stop by and order a cup of coffee made with superior arabica beans roasted locally at the Brownsboro Road location. If you see Robin, ask him about one of his many African safari tours he guides himself!

Want to learn more about Ntaba or interested in getting coffee shipped straight to your door? Check out ntabacoffeehaus.com.

Artist Spotlight: Art Ferrier

Posted on 09/04/202009/07/2021 by nathaniel

Artist Spotlight: Art Ferrier

Inspired by painters like Hopper, Rothko, Mondrian, and Matisse, Art Ferrier uses photography to capture the serendipitous ways things fall together in urban environments to form eye-catching semi-abstract compositions. Not only is Art one of our resident photographers, he also has pieces from his show “As I See It” on display in our Pigment Gallery, showcasing 34 years of his work. Art has prints, notecards, and wood panels of his work for sale in his studio. You can also visit artferrierphotography.com to see more or to contact him if interested in purchasing some of his work.

Art Ferrier: Photos Inspired by Japanese Prints