Matthews Makers: David Johnson of Silent Images

If a picture speaks a thousand words, David Johnson, director of Matthews-based nonprofit Silent Images, has a lot to say.

As a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, David spent many years teaching and coaching tennis. Through travel he found his passion for capturing stories through photography. In 2006, on his first major assignment in Darfur, Sudan, David realized his ability to tell the stories of those who cannot speak for themselves: those impacted by genocide. As David explains, “It was out of this conviction that I founded Silent Images and wrote and published Voices of Sudan in 2007 and Voice of Beauty in 2009.” Silent Images is now a nonprofit with a full team of photographers and filmmakers who provide visual storytelling to other charities.

David not only lives in downtown Matthews but as director for Silent Images, he also works there. On any given day you’ll see him zipping around town on his bike or outside spending time with his wife and daughters. Work and family blend seamlessly through proximity.

Whether behind the camera or guiding his staff, David continues to empower stories to be told.

Photos courtesy of David Johnson

Matthews Makers: Vivian Brenner

Vivian Brenner is a woman of infinite patience, at least where yarn is concerned. As a textile artist, Vivian works primarily with cotton, linen, wool, and silk to weave and knit functional works of art. She explains, "I prefer natural fibers, as they are minimally polluting, and don't harm the environment. Natural fibers also feel better when worn!" By knitting and weaving, Vivian produces scarves, shawls, woven dog leashes, coasters, and hand towels.

Although she's no longer in the corporate world, it's rare that Vivian's not working. Vivian is often knitting, even when frequenting town council meetings, having coffee with friends, and volunteering with area nonprofits. While her studio is in her home, the looms, yarn, and tools are taking up lots of friendly space, a basket of homespun yarn, and a variety of knitting needles are always in tow.

As a Matthews resident for almost 20 years, Brenner feels very connected to the community. She loves the proximity and the convenience of necessities. Being able to do most of her shopping and errands in the downtown neighborhood makes "retired" life in Matthews enjoyable.

Find Vivian this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers' Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Vivian Brenner

Matthews Makers: Nectarri Honey Co.

Heidi Hanson and Gjergji Qarri are Matthews-based Nectarri Honey Company. The couple made Matthews their family home, fully embracing (and enhancing) the Town’s Bee City USA status.

Nectarri’s hives are never treated with chemicals, allowing the bees to work their magic. The result is naturally delicious honey, its flavors nuanced according to the seasons.

Beyond honey, Heidi and Qjergji have a full line of sustainability-minded wares, including beeswax candles and melts, beeswax food wraps, and honey-based soap. Nectarri honey-sweetened chocolate is the perfect hostess gift this holiday season.

FIND Nectarri Honey Company THIS SATURDAY AT THE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY MAKERS’ MARKET AT THE LOYALIST FROM 1 TO 4 PM.

Matthews Makers: Sweet Union Candles

Shannon Pearman is the talent behind Sweet Union Candles. As her business name indicates, Shannon lives in Union County, but frequents Matthews for shopping and restaurants. Her hand-poured soy candles can be found in locally-owned businesses all over the area. {She’d love to find a Matthews shop to carry Sweet Union Candles, too.}

Sustainability is at the heart of Sweet Union Candles. They are 100% soy and poured in recycled wine and beer bottles. Scented with essential oils, these candles are aromatic and will fill up any room.

Find Sweet Union Candles this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Peterson MADE

Barb Peterson is Peterson MADE, modern jewelry uniquely crafted with traditional techniques. Each series is a handcrafted, small-batch collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry for both women and men. Evident of her extensive training in time-tested gold-smithing skills, Barb uses techniques such as wax carving and lost-wax casting to create clean lines, unique textures, and bold statement pieces. In Peterson MADE jewelry, you’ll find diversity in the use of mixed-metals, highlighting gemstones and minerals.

Originally from Ohio, Barb, her husband, and two long-haired dachshunds live in Matthews. The couple moved to town over 20 years ago and raised their family here. The Petersons are in love with the small-town community of Matthews, with easy access to all that Charlotte offers.

Before mastering the art of metalsmithing, Barb worked in global financial services and technology. These days she takes those business skills {and understanding for customer service} and applies them to Peterson MADE. With attention to design and craftsmanship, each piece of Peterson MADE is handcrafted by Barb in her Matthews studio. What has, in the past, been offered through custom commissions, online, and through private trunk shows, Barb is now branching out to markets.

Have jewelry best forgotten in the backs of drawers? Barb takes custom commissions, lovingly updating family heirlooms, up-cycling diamonds and gemstones, and reusing the original metal to give a new life to sentimental pieces through modern design.

Find Peterson MADE this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Good Cup

Through Good Cup, the Chopas family, Joshua, Debbie, and their two kids are making a big difference, one cup at a time. Their approach is honest and straightforward—offering customers what they serve in their own home. The result isn’t just a coffee; it’s a thoughtfully crafted, intentional, drinkable experience in a casual atmosphere. Using a variety of herbs, and flavors, the Chopas have found the formula to partner with artists, farmers, botanists, and creators to infuse a work of art into a unique cup of coffee, chai, tea or tonic. Try the house specialty: a wildflower latte topped with edible flowers.

Good Cup started at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market and has grown into a brick and mortar coffee shop. Innovators in both beverages and business, the Chopas family found a solid partnership with the Loyalist by using their restaurant space during the Loyalist’s off hours. Need to caffeinate your next event? Good Cup can bring their mobile set up to you and will create a menu specific to the season and your needs.

Using coffee, teas, and other locally-sourced ingredients, each Good Cup is a drinkable work of art.

Find Good Cup this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm. {Check them out at the Matthews Farmers’ Market and weekday mornings at the Loyalist, too.}

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Lamplit Creations

Lamplit Creations is Gordon and Nina Clemmons, a husband and wife creative duo. Gordon, woodworker extraordinaire, handcrafts heirloom furniture, cutting boards, and keepsakes. Nina, the eye behind the camera, focuses on social media and makes her fair share of wares as well (she’s currently working on a line of holiday ornaments for Lamplit).

Lamplit Creations started several years ago when Gordon built a workshop in the country with his own two hands. Now, as a family of four and living in Matthews, the Clemmons are helping others make memories through handcrafted heirloom furniture and keepsakes. In a world of disposable and forgettable “stuff,” Lamplit creates heirlooms that will last for generations.

As a family, the Clemmons live, create, eat, and play in Matthews. Their work and their lifestyle is inspired by the small-business community that's currently blossoming here. They love supporting other small businesses and makers in Matthews and are working hard to become an established name in the community.

Find Lamplit Creations this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Lamplit Creations

Donna Sappington: An Artist's Heart

Artist and Matthews-resident Donna Sappington’s success as an artist is the result of talent, authenticity, and following her heart.

A military “brat” who has lived all over the world, adventure is the seed for Donna’s creativity. Her spirit is palpable and a large part of the charm imbued in her artwork.

Donna came into art mid-life. After a long career in department store retail, staying ahead of trends and behind the scenes as a fragrance buyer, Donna jumped ship to follow her heart and pursue her passion for creating and selling her own art.  Perhaps that buying stint instilled in her the optimistic directness that is necessary to navigate life as an artist.

That metaphorical jump paired well with her literally jumping ship: Donna is an avid diver. Her adventures underwater often inspire sea-themed paintings that guide the viewer through a different world, an underwater universe where the paint on her paintbrush is the tour guide.

Whether working out of her home studio or with her arts family at McDowell Arts Center, Donna is building a cohesive portfolio with seemingly disparate approaches. Be it an abstract poured-painting of water, a rhinestone mixed-media canvas that recalls the pattern of a sea urchin, or a fanciful fairy sitting on a toadstool, each piece has Donna’s signature style, her own authentic artistic fingerprint. Under the moniker Tangled Line Designs, Donna’s paintings are, in fact, made of tangled lines, but with a charming deliberateness that takes her work far beyond doodling.

With each piece, Donna grows more and more sure-footed. As an artist, she’s always pushing to do better and perfect her approach. While there’s always a note of those zentangles, the doodling style that brought her into art, it’s an eye for color and pizzazz (without becoming garish) that are evolving into something spectacularly Donna.  Often applying a hint of flair that hearkens back to her corporate days, glitter and rhinestones add a whimsical touch and bring Donna’s imaginative fairies and mermaids to life. 

Donna and her art are colorful proof that following your heart leads to adventure and inspiration. 

Artisen Gelato: Love by the Spoonful

“The first concept of gelato was developed by indigenous people during the Inca civilization in Ecuador. These people used to walk to the Imbabura volcano bringing packs of ice which were carefully placed between grassy vegetation (“paramo straw” or “frailejon”). They would also use rock salt to prevent the ice from melting. After they settled everything, they poured fruit juice, or sometimes milk, into a big, bronze pot (“paila”); the liquid was stirred quickly until frozen and in just a matter of minutes, they got a fresh, handmade gelato.”

— ArtisenGelato.com

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many local businesses are offering their own special touches. At Artisen Gelato (301 West John Street), patrons can choose from the new holiday flavors of Red Velvet, Lemon Crème and Pomegranate - all great additions to the 24 other possible flavors rotated throughout the year.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Owned by Ramon Riofrio and Marcia Monsalve, Artisen Gelato sorbet is vegan-certified and does not contain trans fats, gluten, nuts and derivatives, soy, eggs, artificial coloring, or artificial flavors. Seven of the rotating flavors are made from 100% natural fruit pulp; the remainder are made from coconut milk. The store is a natural outgrowth of Ramon’s early Ecuadorian childhood upbringing – creating gelato with his grandfather.

This Valentine’s Day, Marcia hopes to see more of what she’s witnessed in past years – “couples sharing gelato.” (Two years ago, a teenager came in with two cups – each decorated with his and hers photos, and asked to fill them for his sweetheart.) “It’s fun to watch people here,” she said, “engaging or falling in love!” Add-in witnessing the “happiness of the kids” with severe allergies who are being treated to something which they love. “We are blessed to be here,” she said,” and blessed to help people.”

An original family run business, the couple has just opened its first franchise in Boca Raton, Florida, and hopes to add another handful of stores in the next year or so.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Artisen Gelato
artisengelato.com
301 West John Street
704-804-8160

Mon-Sat: Noon – 9 p.m.
Sun: Noon – 8 p.m.

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 7, 2019

News About Town: In April 2018 the Town hosted an Our Town, Our Vision workshop with Matthews residents. Information gathered at that workshop has been compiled as a Vision Statement for the Town to reference moving forward. Something to keep in mind: the new document is to be read as if we are ten to fifteen years in the future and the goals have been achieved.

News Around Town: Friday (February 8) is time once again for Carmel Baptist’s Joy Prom - a full-scale prom for the special needs individuals in our community. Partnering with other nonprofits (For Charlotte, Joni & Friends, among others) will allow the event to host 400 guests with an additional 600 volunteers to make the evening go smoothly. This Friday expect traffic delays at Reverdy Lane and Highway 51 between the hours of 5:30 and 6:45 for the arrival of participants.

One Fun Thing: If you’ve somehow missed all the Valentine’s Day notices (ummm, go buy something amazing) but don’t want to be totally blindsided next week when the big day arrives (it’s Thursday if you don’t have a calendar handy) Good Cup Coffee and The Loyalist have partnered for another unique, artisan and local pop up in the pocket park of North End. Stop by Sunday, February 10 from 11-2, 435 N Trade St #102, Matthews. 

Mark Frye: Alchemist of Love

They had endured innumerable crises and experiences; their love was a story for the ages. Harry and Carla Workman turned to Matthews jeweler Mark Frye to capture their constant faith and love in wearable form.

Photo courtesy Mark Frye

When long-time jeweler, Mark Frye, manager of Trade Street Jewelers (100 West John Street), was asked to create a one-of-a-kind necklace for the Workman family, last fall, he knew little about the back story and the long journey which was about to unfold right before his eyes.

His clients, Harry and Carla Workman of Mint Hill, had previously lived a 15-year family journey – starting with Carla taking on Harry’s three children at marriage, to Carla’s subsequent diagnosis with cancer. Then, four years ago, her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer (and passed).

The original design created by Harry Workman’s daughter.

They had endured innumerable crises and experiences; this was a story for the ages, said Harry, who had all along imagined an infinity symbol with an anchor as an indelible image reflecting their constant faith and love.

And, so, he asked his daughter to create such an image; they also toyed with getting matching tattoos on their ring fingers. Then, one day, last year, he got a tattoo of such an anchor on his forearm and went home to show his wife.

She said, “I’m not going to get a tattoo like that!” But, she had a thought: to create a likeness of that same image using pieces of both her mother’s jewelry and her own. Who better to ask this of but her beloved jeweler, Mark.

By using the images provided, Mark would make a three-dimensional piece of what was two dimensional. Together with a designer from Texas, who cast the piece, the result would allow “the full design with the breaks and wraps” which you can’t see on the flat image.

At points, Mark says, he and the Workmans were in touch so often that their conversations eclipsed those he’d usually have with his family or children. One month later, the final creation was born.

Photo courtesy Mark Frye

“I love the symbol of all of it,” said Carla. “It’s beautiful,” she said, adding that she wears it all the time. To secure the free-dangling hooks, Mark eventually put the three-dimensional piece on a solid shape of white gold so that the fragile end pieces wouldn’t break or get caught on clothing.

“The tattoo has become a story of our love story,” Harry said. “The emblem has become a family crest. [Now] Carla wears precious metal from the precious family. [Our symbol] is memorialized from this medallion that Mark made so beautifully.”

Although Mark is often asked to make custom pieces, this experience has touched his heart and cemented his relationship with the Workmans. “This was a unique experience,” he said. “This was different because it had a story that had deep sentiment to them - that was the significance.” Add in the request “coming from an already great customer,” and the result meant a lot to Mark, too. It is work which gives his talents and skills even greater meaning.

In the future, Harry doesn’t think that any more anchors will be created for family members, but he and Carla have their own design, forever. “It’s something really special between us,” said Carla. “That we’re always going to be bound together…in infinity.”

Kind of like their relationship with Mark.

Photo courtesy Harry Workman

Trade Street Jewelers
100 W John St, Matthews
(704) 321-7944

M - F 10 a.m. til 5 p.m.
Sa 10 a.m. til 4 p.m.

J. Jones Jewelers, a Bittersweet Closure

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

After 30 years in the jewelry business, J. Jones Jewelry, at 11229 East Independence Boulevard, is closing its doors at the end of December.

According to owner and Matthews resident, Judy Jones, the closing will be bittersweet – a good time to retire for the 67-year-old and her husband Larry, 65, but a sad time to say goodbye to long-time clients.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

When the repair and custom fine-jewelry design store opened, in 1988, it was the only custom jewelry store in town and a dream for the couple to find something to do together and to make a living for their family of five. Judy serves as business manager and Larry is the jeweler.

“We wanted to stay close to home and thought Matthews would be a good place” to run a business, said Judy.

Along with the couple is their trusty dog, Brutus – always present and at their feet.

Over the years, the couple has seen changing trends in the field – affecting declining sales of jewelry purchases and the demise of small businesses.

Younger people buy less jewelry and are opting for a one-time bridal jewelry purchase. Judy has also noticed they “shop on the Internet or big boxed stores. Mom and pop stores are going out of style.”

Through the decades clients have formed close, personal connections with the family, including the Jones' 38-year-old son who worked at the store and is now grappling with a serious disease. “We’re going to miss our long-time customers. They’ve been through a lot with us,” Judy said.

Photo courtesy J Jones Jewelers

According to Signifyd, three of the most significant trends in 2018 include:

a 12.5% year-over-year increase in brick and mortar jewelry stores going out of business; online fine jewelry sales will have doubled between 2014 – 2020; and diamond purchases by single women will increase by 20% between 2013-2016.

Matthews Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread Contest

The Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread display comes down this Friday, and if you missed it you can get a taste of the designs here, but the photos don’t do the details justice. Make sure to check it out in person before 5 p.m. on Friday when the Chamber office in the Depot closes.

Read about one family’s annual tradition participating in the contest.

Matthews Chamber of Commerce | 210 Matthews Station St., Matthews (In the train depot building) | P: 704.847.3649 | Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm

One Matthews Family's Sweet Holiday Tradition

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

In 2012, when Matthews resident, Nathalie Friedlander, saw an ad for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gingerbread House Contest, she thought it would be a great experience for the three generations in her family.

Her mother, Rolande Sowers (“Nana”), also of Matthews, was known for her knitting, sewing, floral design, miniature-creations, interior decorating and cake making. Nathalie and her daughters, Maddie and Ella, baked and sewed together. A gingerbread house contest would be one more opportunity to create something, have fun, and, more importantly, be together as a family.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

That first year, as amateurs (as they called themselves), they decided to make a small village – each person created a house on a platform. They won 1st place in the Family category.

“This is creating something that is US,” said Rolande, “that we know, before Thanksgiving, that we need to get our stuff together.”

Since then, it’s been a trade-off in winning or placing in most of the annual contests. In past years, their works of art have included a log cabin, Mouse House, marble super-hero-headquarters, Lego creation, and the list goes on.

“In the past, we’d make the gingerbread, slap a few candies (on it) and bum, bum, bum – all done!” said Rolande. “I’m sure if we looked at the first one we made and now these, I can see improvement.”

With the precision of warriors and the knowledge of experienced students, they’ve perfected their techniques using online and magazine ideas, and always discussing and formulating their creations together, in advance. They guesstimate that they spend a few weeks in preparation and upwards of 15-24 man-hours creating the artwork.

Photo by Renee Garner

Each year, they painstakingly cook and flatten pans of gingerbread – often up to eight batches to get the right consistency and necessary pieces in order. Since everything must be edible, they use items such as beans, icing, pretzels, cereal and fondant, and leftover Halloween candy. Always, they design a cardboard or cardstock prototype to ensure the final product will actually stand the test of time (and transportation).

This year, (for reasons of expediency, timing, and lifestyle), they worked on their creations separately. By all accounts, it’s been a lonelier experience; the in-person contact has been replaced by texting and multiple phone conversations.

Rolande began formulating ideas for her creation several weeks ago - the “Pastel Cottage” (using fondant for the very first time) was born. “I wanted to focus and work out the detail until I was satisfied, and not be rushed,” she said. “It says something to me,” she added, bursting with pride. “I had a lot of fun doing it.”

Shutter, flowers, windows, doors – all of the details must be exact. This year, she worked on her separate pieces flat. “I wanted everything to be precise,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve done it (this way). In a way, it’s a lot easier, but it’s also a lot harder because you can do (even more) detail – you can spend just a few days (on this part, alone)!” she exclaimed.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Across town, Nathalie and daughters were also formulating and making this year’s creations – Maddie’s gazebo and closed umbrella from (the movie) “Frozen,” Ella’s teepee and campfire, and Nathalie’s replica of a house on Lazy Branch Road built using Starbursts, Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, Gum Balls, rock candy, popcorn, marshmallows, edible grass, gum and (ball) sprinkles as accessories.

In every discussion, each family member echoes the same sentiments that this experience has provided. “It’s something we get to do as a family,” said Ella. “It’s a fun family experience - making good memories, and something to share with our children.” To which, mother Nathalie replied, “Someone commented that, down the road, I’m going to be the ‘Nana,’ and we can show them the gingerbread houses.”

Photo by Renee Garner

Get Hyperlocal this holiday season

If you haven’t checked out the Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide, we went live this past Friday and it’s good. REALLY REALLY GOOD.

Our participants are truly small businesses working extra hard to earn your support. From financial coaching to custom jewelry, from sleds at Renfrow’s to delightful desserts, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastes (mmmm…ice cream cake). Treat your bestie to a reiki session then treat yourself to some luxurious handmade bath bombs.

Check out the gift guide then get to (hyperlocal) shopping!

Mac and Mamas Tassels

Wright Financial Coaching

Backyards Birds

Energetic Apothecary

KC's Dragon Maille

Good Cup Coffee

The Local Scoop

Clean Line Soap Co.

Knit Wits Accessories

Providence Florist

Music Makers Ukulele & Lessons

Vivian Brenner, Fiber Artist

Madison Woodworks

Music Makers

Matthews Community Farmers' Market

Renfrow Hardware