Welcome to another edition of the Small Business Shout Out Series! I love having the chance to sit and chat with small business owners to learn about them, their businesses, and the impact they have on our communities. My guest this month is Jen Holsten, the extremely talented, craftswoman and creative genius behind Bear Isle Board Company. I recently had the pleasure of photographing their collection of handcrafted serving, cutting boards and other pieces that Jen creates. They are amazingly unique and beautiful, and each has a different story to tell.
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What’s your business and the story behind it?
I am the sole owner, artist, and craftswoman for the Bear Isle Board Company. We make cutting boards, serving boards and other small kitchenware items from New England sourced wood.
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What’s your favorite product you sell/make/offer and why?
The heart-shaped dishes are my favorite. I was in my shop in January, sketched out an organic heart shape on a scrap piece of wood and came up with the design over the course of a snowy afternoon. I posted a photo on Instagram and it created a bit of a buzz around the area. They are labor-intensive but so satisfying once they get their final coat of oil and beeswax.
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What is your advice for moms who want to start a business of their own?
There is no substitute for passion. If you are planning on starting a business make sure you absolutely love it, you will never tire of it and you can convey your passion to your clients every single moment.
What are 2 of your go-to small local businesses and what do you love about them?
Humankind is one of them, they made the shirts for my company. I love the quality of materials and care taken in the design process. Jessie Hearn Photography because the owner is a rock star. Seriously, she is! And 19Squared Marketing and Communications, because my bestie owns it and is the backbone/cheerleader behind getting my company off the ground.
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Exclusive offer for Jessie Hearn Photography readers!
Use code JHP20 and receive 20% OFF your Bear Isle Board Company order. Although the deadline for holiday orders has passed, the promo code is good through the end of January 2020.
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If you are interested in participating in the monthly small business shout out, or you know someone who might be, please feel free to fill out this form and I will be in touch! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
