Experts

With backgrounds in construction, custom furniture, product design, photography and art, Steve and Sandy Schoettle envisioned a business that combined their respective crafts and a passion for bringing people together. Today, the Schoettles and their team of talented artisans have built just that with a line of legacy pieces that perfect the fireside experience. Outdoor gatherings around a roaring fire and the simple, meaningful traditions they foster are the cornerstone of the Sea Island Forge lifestyle. Since the Schoettles' signature product, the Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle, made its successful debut at the Sea Island Farmer’s Market in 2014, the growing team of metalsmiths hasn’t looked back and introduces new designs regularly.  Along Steve’s journey from art major at Auburn University to professional contractor, he took an interest in the art of welding and enrolled in classes to learn the technical aspects of metalwork. Add that technical skill to his artistic and design talent, and Steve soon became well known for his custom metalwork in the construction industry. At Sea Island Forge Steve is constantly developing and creating new products and custom work. “My SIF creative philosophy is form follows function. Our products need to look good, but most importantly they need to work perfectly.” 

Rocket Ahuna is a young Kanaka Maoli fashion designer from Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi. Rocket is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and received the Critic Choice Award for his capstone project in 2022. Rocket strives to translate his experiences from FIT into creations that seamlessly blend contemporary fashion with the rich cultural tapestry of Hawaiʻi. With an interdisciplinary approach, Rocket encompasses the fusion of cultural studies, environmental awareness, and artistic expression. He is eager to delve deeper into his roots and craft designs that not only showcase his skills but also resonate with his culture. Rocket is consistently inspired by Hawaiʻi and mindfully researches to integrate elements of Hawaiian language, music, and history. Grounded in the cultural practice of hula, Rocket recalls spending countless hours in the forest collecting indigenous plants and materials to incorporate ʻāina, both physically and spiritually, in each of his designs. These meticulous practices create kaona, endless layers of meaning, and were his first introductions to the multi-faceted realm of fashion. Through storytelling in fabrics, symbols, silhouettes, and motifs, he strives to encapsulate the essence of Hawaiian mythology and history, fostering a deeper connection with ʻāina and its vibrant ecosystems. Rocket strives to push the boundaries of tradition while respecting his cultural roots, playing a pivotal role in innovation and ensuring the enduring relevance and evolution of Hawai‘i's artistic legacy. 

Missy’s passion lies in creating fun, easy and unique ways for others to package their personalized gifts and sweet treats! Creator of the first cookie advent calendar designed specifically with cookie business owners in mind, and designer behind all Miss Cookie Packaging products, her shop offers both specialty packaging and digital products. Missy, the creative brain behind the biz is an award winning packaging graphic designer who took one cookie decorating class and never looked back. After two years of making decorated sugar cookies, she realized no one was making specialty packaging specifically for cookiers and the lightbulb went off - “why don’t I do it”? And so she combined everything she learned during her many years of designing packaging with her new found knowledge of making and selling cookies, to create new and exciting cookie packaging for everyone. Fast forward four years and now Missy and her husband run this small business together and are so thankful for the love and support that the cookie community shows their products!

An integral part of the Umbra design team since 2001, Matt has contributed countless designs to their product line. His work has been featured multiple times in The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph, Surface Magazine, I.D Magazine, Met Home, Monocle, and Living Etc.Matt is compelled to create product that balances business and imagination. Subtle details, an appreciation for imperfection, and the reinvention of traditional objects are distinguishing features of his designs. As VP of Design, Matt oversees a global design department headquartered in Toronto.

Kim Alexis Newton is an executive turned independent board director, author, entrepreneur, and fine artist. Kim is passionate about leadership and innovation and has a unique right-brain-left-brain approach to helping people and companies meet their full potential.Kim’s credentials make her uniquely positioned to build creative and emotive brands at scale. During her two decades at Hallmark Cards, she ran a $1B business and led global corporate strategy and transformation across a $4B diversified portfolio of top brands across consumer packaged goods, retail and entertainment. She has been recognized multiple times as a top African American in Corporate America.  As a board director and advisor, Kim specializes in improving business performance through revenue growth prioritization, customer focus, digital capability development, and brand experience. She has more than 20 years of nonprofit board experience. Kim advises several female-led tech startups and is currently active on the board of Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) Inc. where she serves on the Audit and Nominating and Governance committees. Kim was named one of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors in 2021. Kim is an exceptional developer of people and teams and has passionately mentored hundreds of leaders–including a stint as a contract moderator for Netflix Leadership Programs. Her authentic leadership style which values intense partnership and visionary communication has inspired colleagues at all levels. She has a long-standing history of engaging employees through vision and their personal aspirations to drive measurable profitable results. Kim brings extensive experience in consumer marketing, corporate strategy, business development, omnichannel consumer experience, and digital transformation. Kim believes creative agility is an important skill to keep transformation leaders sharp. That is why for the last 20 years she has left space for creation of her own art, a modern approach to quilting. In 2019, after leaving corporate America, Kim sold her first piece that now hangs on the wall of Oprah Winfrey. Kim has sold over a dozen pieces since that time and has exhibited at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. As the founder of Alexis Enterprises, LLC, Kim brings to life all of her passions. The art studio focuses on her one-of-a-kind fine art quilts. The Intentional PauseTM Project is a platform that helps women embrace pausing as a powerful way to strategize and enable a transformative personal plan. Her five-step approach comes to life in her first book, The Intentional Pause Dream Workbook. And Alexis Gift Quilts , her produced line of handcrafted quilts positioned as extraordinary gifts for self or others. Kim was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area; she received her BA in accounting from Fisk University and her MBA from Vanderbilt University. She is a proud member of the National Association of Corporate Directors; Black Women on Boards The Executive Leadership Council; Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated; Jack and Jill of America; The Links, Incorporated; and the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute. Kim sits on several non-profit boards including the Kansas City Arts Institute and TEDxKC.  

President and Creative Director Katie Blanchard is the creative visionary mind behind rockflowerpaper, shaping the brand’s distinctive designs and captivating products since its launch in 2010. From the beginning, Katie has been the driving force, infusing creativity and originality into every aspect of the brand.Her creative journey began early when she won a statewide art competition, which earned her a scholarship to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Graduating with a BFA in 1994, Katie was set on a path of artistic excellence. She began her career as a textile designer at Mulberry, a leading neckwear manufacturer founded by rockflowerpaper Founder Katie Smith. With her exceptional design talent, Katie Blanchard quickly rose to become Vice President of Design, leading a team of 20+. When rockflowerpaper was born, Katie Smith knew she needed Katie Blanchard’s creative expertise to bring the brand’s vision to life, marking the start of an extraordinary journey.Katie Blanchard has spent her entire career working alongside Katie Smith, forming a unique and lasting professional partnership. The two Katies complement each other perfectly: Katie Blanchard is the creative heart of the brand, blending artistry with sharp business instincts, while Katie Smith is the strategic business mind with a flair for creativity. Together, their synergy has been key to rockflowerpaper’s success.A versatile and gifted designer, Katie Blanchard is renowned for her vibrant color schemes and dedication to crafting one-of-a-kind pieces. Under her leadership, rockflowerpaper has gained widespread recognition for its striking textiles, home décor, and fashion accessories. Beyond her design talent, Katie is deeply committed to sustainability, ensuring eco-friendly materials are integrated into the brand’s production processes and advocating for environmentally conscious consumer choices.Outside of her work, Katie is also a talented painter, textile artist, and passionate gardener. She constantly pushes creative boundaries, inspiring her team to explore innovative materials and techniques, ensuring that every product leaves a lasting impression.

I am the founder and CEO of KMO HAUS - a one-of-a-kind agency that combines affiliate PR management, consulting, and human design-led business guidance. My mission is to help individuals and businesses achieve their goals while feeling their best and honoring their uniqueness. I believe we’re all unique and brilliant humans, designed to operate and experience life differently. As a certified Human Design and energy reader, I use Human Design as a tool to blend, empower and support my clients in creating and executing effective strategies that align with their energy, purpose, and potential to create a more productive and highly autonomous work culture. This innovative approach has the ability to reduce turnover and hiring costs.I also leverage my extensive editorial network and always evolving industry knowledge of affiliate PR to generate exposure, revenue, and partnerships for KMO's category-defining DTC brand clients across various industries. Equally passionate about mentorship and community building, since launching KMO December 2020, I have delivered over 60+ hours of affiliate PR training to 300+ industry professionals.With a dedicated heart and focused mind, I set new standards for individuality in the workforce and expand perspectives for what’s possible.

The Man Behind the DogOwner Justin Comins has always had a knack for fixing things. During his 20-year career in television, commercial, and film production, he took on a side project to restore a classic 1970 Honda motorcycle from the ground up. The experience reignited his passion for crafting and sparked a realization: it was time to move on from television and follow his calling to create.The moment he first explored woodworking and leatherwork, he felt like he’d found his true purpose in life.With the unwavering support of his wife and two daughters, and the memory of his beloved dog Wylie close at heart, Justin began crafting products that tell the story of who he is as a person: down to earth, charismatic, and passionate.For Justin, Wylie’s Wood & Leather is not just about the products themselves (although there’s nothing more fun than getting on the lathe and turning a bowl); it’s about full-circle sustainability, building relationships, choosing self-reliance, and, most importantly, leaving a life-long impression.

Julia's expansive background began with studio art, and eventually transitioned to culinary pursuits. Most notably, cooking for some of New York Fashion Week's groundbreaking designer dinner presentations, and running an underground supper club in Brooklyn, which later inspired an unscripted cooking and traveling web series she hosted- The Dinner Bell - on VICE’s Munchies. Upon entering motherhood, Julia pushed pause on large-scale cooking and left Brooklyn for Los Angeles. In 2022, she decided to combine her sense of artistry and social justice and environmental roots to launch the artisan line of single-origin, date sweetened chocolate, MOIRÉ.

For two decades John Beck McConnico has developed award-winning creative strategies, campaigns, systems, and products for Fortune 50 companies such as Apple, Sony, and NBC—as well as early-stage and mid-growth startups. His areas of expertise include Visual Design, Art Direction, Creative Strategy, Brand & Product Development, and User Experience for web & broadcast media, applications, and consumer products.A strong believer in the power of collaboration and cross-pollination of creative ideas, he built Bespoke Watch Projects to offer equal parts Design, Product, and Service—with the customer being the paramount collaborator.

When Jess lost both of her parents, there was a heavy realization that tomorrow isn’t a guarantee and seemingly small moments are precious. The big dreams she was chasing no longer fit and didn’t allow time to enjoy the small things that made her happy..That's when she decided to participate in life in a totally different way. So she set out to create a smaller dream—one that would allow her to prioritize happiness and focus on the things she love. Her small dream came to life as she built a brand doing something she enjoyed, with people she loved, in a setting that inspired her.She now makes beautiful jewelry that delights her as much as the people she make it for. When she let go of her big dreams for a small one, she started to enjoy her life, together and truly happy.

Jane Clauss, a three-time Emmy Award-winning television host and radio personality, a brand spokesperson, ambassador, content creator, host, producer, maker and influencer. Jane is not just any host—she's a force of nature in the world of television and radio, with a reputation that lights up every screen and airwave she touches. Her zest for life and creative energy are contagious!Do you need a segment, article, blog or video on how to set the perfect table? Holiday DIY Craft Inspiration? Sustainable Fashion? How to Upcycle old Clothes? Mixing ready-made fashion with thrift store gems? Living Healthy in the New Year? How to cook a healthy meal for a family for under $20. Or do you want your brand or product to be featured on her podcast? Jane can create, produce and be the guest expert or host on those topics and more.Jane is currently the host of the popular podcast Creative Living and recently the morning show co-host of “The Steve Cochran Show” on Chicago’s WLS 890am. Her popular “Craft Room Craft” series can be seen on Made It Myself TV. Jane was the long-time host of Creative Living TV airing nationally on the COX Yurview network and Living Healthy Chicago on WGN-TV.Jane has contributed her whip smart crafting ideas as a guest expert on: NBC’s TODAY Show, HSN, Create & Craft TV, The List, PBSIt’s Sew Easy, House Smarts, NOLA Now, Houston LIfe, Indy Style, AZ Family Life Arizona, We are Austin, FOX Sacramento, Studio 40 LIVE, FOX Chicago Good Day LIVE, ABC 7 Windy City Live, Denver KDVR, FOX Grand Rapids Morning Mix, Local 5 Live Green Bay, Peachtree TV and streaming shows for SewingMachinesPlus.com, Prime Publishing and Brother Sews.Jane has been sewing since age 7, cooking since age 8, and pretend interviewing any family member that would sit long enough since age 10.Jane's credibility, whip-smart creativity, and contagious enthusiasm for the make-it-yourself movement will get viewers excited, inspired and motivated to live better creatively. As a livelong maker and career television & radio host, Jane understands the viewer and can connect with them to help find inspiration and show them how to improve their lives thru creativity.Testimonials: "Jane is one of the best hosts I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my long career. She brings professionalism, preparedness and curiosity to every story she does. Her ability to make guests feel at ease and therefore getting a thoughtful interview is a hallmark of her immense talent. Besides her incredible work ethic, Jane is the kindest and most genuine person you’ll ever meet. She is an asset to any project and elevates any job she takes on." Melissa Thompson, Executive Producer "What can you not say about Jane Clauss. Not only is she a ball of energy but she is one of the best TV hosts and influencers that I’ve ever worked with. We’ve been working together for about 5 years, and it never gets old. She is a true professional. She is always prepared and very quick onher feet. She has a great sense of humor and very quick witted. Jane has been instrumental in Sewing Machines Plus building a very loyal customer base." Blaine Austin, CEO www.sewingmachinesplus.com"One of Jane's greatest strengths is her ability to relate to a diverse audience, connecting across cultures, ethnicities, and genders to deliver the right message for advertisers." James Robinson, GSM CBS RadioFollow Jane on Instagram @JaneMonzuresClauss, FaceBook @JaneClauss, YouTube @DIYbyJane, TikTok @JaneClauss, Threads @JaneMonzuresClauss, Twitter @JaneClauss, Pinterest @DIYbyJane or get inspired and connect with Jane at www.janeclauss.com