Clevelanders are creative people, evident in the vast and varied population of local artists and makers of jewelry, makeup and (oh yes) stuffed pop culture figures. Here are 20 of those people whose products, and glorious Instagram accounts, are worth checking out.
Clevelanders are creative people, evident in the vast and varied population of local artists and makers of jewelry, makeup and (oh yes) stuffed pop culture figures. Here are 20 of those people whose products, and glorious Instagram accounts, are worth checking out.
FOUNT
6706 Detroit Ave.
FOUNT has expanded to Columbus since the company was born in 2013, but its heart is in Cleveland. Take pride in knowing these in-demand leather goods and accessories are crafted by locals, and available at a storefront in the Detroit Shoreway area.
Photo via fountleathergoods /InstagramOcéanne Jewelry
216-269-9027
Originally from France, designer Anne Harrill moved to Cleveland in 2002 and later began designing jewelry, which “merges both the maker utility of the rustbelt and the enduring beauty of French design.” All Océanne jewelry is crafted in a studio downtown, and Harrill’s collections are made of sleek, minimalistic pieces.
Photo via oceannejewelry /InstagramVenus in Aquarius Apothecary
Whether or not you believe in astrology and the merit of zodiac signs, you could always use some essential oils and therapeutic bath salts.
Photo via venusinaquariusapothecary /InstagramC.M. Manfredi’s Emporium of Wonders
440-862-6824
Everything on this list is steeped in creativity, but C.M. Manfredi’s creations are truly unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. If run-of-the-mill stuffed animals and toys are just too dull for you, check out their spiders, unicorns and yetis.
Photo via c.m.manfredi /InstagramStudio KMR Photography
This studio doesn’t just offer photography; artist Kevin Richards also makes coasters, magnets and wood prints, so you can adorn your home with retro Cleveland-oriented designs.
Photo via studiokmrphotography /InstagramWild Foot Studio
216-272-2228
Founded by two Cleveland-area high school sweethearts with a “passion for metalworking,” Wild Foot offers up original and hand-crafted jewelry. They’ve got you covered if you’re looking for rings, stud earrings or even custom brass pet tags.
Photo via wildfootstudio /InstagramThe Cuddle Cult
Normal stuffed animals and Pillow Pets seem pretty boring compared to the Cuddle Cult’s products: stuffed pop culture figures. They’ve got everyone from the beloved Bill Nye, as pictured here, to Adventure Time and Twin Peaks characters.
Photo via thecuddlecult /InstagramFresh Brewed Teas
Nope, not Fresh Brewed Tees. This company, specializing in bubble tea, can be found at Night Market Cleveland, filling up empty lightbulbs and providing you with ample Instagram opportunities.
Photo via FreshBrewedTeas InstagramChris Deighan Art
While many of his designs feature Cleveland, Deighan’s art also features surrounding cities like Akron, Columbus and Pittsburgh. He also screen-prints his designs on T-shirts, so you can wear your favorite(s) around.
Photo via cdartist /InstagramBarr’s Bars, Ltd.
13005 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-309-2217
You can pick up some of Barr’s bars at a handful of shops around town, and it’s worth it — you probably won’t find scents like Mint French Clay or Egyptian Geranium Rose at your local drugstore.
Photo via barrsbarsltd /InstagramCoastline Bowls, LLC
216-308-7656
Inspired by similar dishes in California, Coastline’s Pitaya bowls use local fruits from the West Side Market and Pitaya from small family farms in Central America, which help employ single mothers in those areas. Not only can you feel accomplished for eating healthy when at Coastline’s mobile stand, but you know you’re lending support to those in need.
Photo via coastlinebowls /InstagramGlam & Grace
Not only do you support a local company when you try out Glam & Grace cosmetics, but their products are also non-toxic and cruelty-free. Plus, where else can you find makeup brushes shaped like mermaid tails?
Photo via glam_and_grace /InstagramKay-Em Apparel
16505 Clifton Blvd, Lakewood
This local shop offers up clever, pop culturally correct Cleveland-themed goods — everything from pins to postcards to laptop stickers — to help you show off your local pride.
Photo via kayemapparel /InstagramThe Tea Dude
330-239-4505
This dude knows tea. You can find his products on Etsy and at local markets around town, and treat yourself to some original and entirely natural blends. Follow him on Instagram for a special treat.
Photo via tea_dude /InstagramMaeve’s All Natural
2460 Overlook Rd, Suite 1, Cleveland Heights, 216-650-3424
Maeve’s plant-based skin and body care line came about when its founder learned how many unsafe chemicals her newborn baby could be exposed to in everyday products. Maeve’s inventory is, consequently, 100-percent natural, and you can pick up their cruelty-free products at a variety of local stores like BLUSH boutique.
Photo via maeves_all_natural /InstagramCleveland Street Glass
Cleveland Street Glass doesn’t let usable materials go to waste, and that means collecting shattered glass from car accidents on the streets. Aiming to “find the beauty in the broken,” this shop takes the shards and transforms them into not only wearable but truly stunning pieces.
Photo via clestreetglass /InstagramJENCI
JENCI, too, doesn’t like to let potential material go to waste, and therefore uses recycled fabric from old clothing and upholstery to craft their one-of-a-kind bags.
Photo via jencibags /InstagramTidal Cool
2406 Professor Ave
Tidal Cool has you covered if you’re looking for innovative clothing designs, ties and henna tattoos in one place.
Photo via tidalcool /InstagramTiny Erica Jewelry
Tiny Erica offers up expertly crafted jewelry featuring a rainbow of different-colored gems, and their geometric statement pieces will inevitably spark envy in your non-locally-shopping friends.
Photo via tinyerica /InstagramUpcycle Parts Shop
6419 St. Clair Ave., 216-361-9933
Like a few other Cleveland creators on this list, Upcycle recognizes the power of reusing and recycling. You can find low-cost craft and party supplies at their store, and know that they’ve been donated from members of the community.
Photo via upcyclepartsshop /Instagram
