Who would’ve thought you could make a stunning dress out of bottle caps, roof shingles and soda pop cans. Chattanooga’s John Petrey did. The result is a sought-after collection of dress sculptures, all made from the most unexpected materials. The artist & background: Born in Southern California, Petrey earned degrees in graphic design and advertising…
Self-taught jeweler Julie Cohn describes her work as primitive modern, juxtaposing rough with refined. The company: Julie Cohn Design, based in Dallas, started in 2010. It is the name of Cohn’s jewelry collection but also encompasses collaborative projects with other artists, architects and designers. The artist: Cohn grew up in Tulsa and was educated as…
Atlanta’s Trecy Bleich never thought about making jewelry until she wandered into a craft store. Now the self-taught designer’s own architectural and sculptural pieces can be found in museum shops and chic boutiques around the country. The artist: Bleich grew up in Summertown, Ga., and graduated from Savannah State University with a marketing degree. In…
Ben Ross has always enjoyed the woods and waterways of the South. So for his wedding 13 years ago, the South Carolina native decided to create a gift that reflected his appreciation of the outdoors. Ross, who grew up using feathers to tie fishing flies, crafted turkey feather bow ties for his groomsmen. The handsome…
South Carolina’s Dorothy Shain creates contemporary artwork that reflects her love of travel and nature, but also color and pattern. The artist & background: Born in Greenville, SC, Shain graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she majored in studio art with a focus was painting. After college, she briefly worked as a wrangler…
Pilot turned designer Robert Porter can fashion a favorite baseball glove into a functional and stylish gift for your favorite MVP. The company: Vvego International started in 2008 in Birmingham, Ala. The founder: Robert Porter, a native of Birmingham, graduated from Birmingham Southern College and worked as a commercial pilot for 20 years. He started…
In college, Megan Clark had a passion for fashion. But after taking a metals class, she changed her mind. And her major. Now the North Carolina artist is well-known for her timeless and modern jewelry designs. The artist: Born in Guam, Clark spent most of her childhood in Durham, NC. After graduating from the Savannah…
As Army wives, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse know how difficult it is to pursue a career or find work, given the transient nature and uncertainty of military life. To help, they started R. Riveter, which produces stylish and sturdy handbags made by a team of military spouses and supporters throughout the country. The business:…
When Texas brothers Blake and Bryce Leggett graduated from college, the economy was in turmoil. Faced with the uncertain job market, the new grads and avid outdoorsmen, struck out on their own. The company: The White Wing Label started in 2010. Based in Eden, Texas, the small company makes rugged yet refined luggage and accessories…