🐾 Happy Cat Cat Toys – Claire Nelson
Claire Nelson, the creator behind Happy Cat Cat Toys, proves that some of the best businesses start with love—and in her case, love for cats.
Claire works full-time while also caring for her family, five cats (Sushi, Saké, Miso, Mochi, and Leo), and even neighborhood stray cats. Her passion for animals is at the heart of everything she creates.
Her business began less than a year ago, but her journey into crafting goes back much further. Claire learned to sew as a child from her mom and has always loved creating. When her cat Miso was dealing with health challenges early on, Claire discovered how calming catnip could be—and that sparked an idea.
Instead of simply giving catnip loose, Claire began experimenting with handmade toys, including catnip kickers. Miso loved them… and so did the rest of her cats. That moment turned into something bigger, and before long, Claire found herself creating toys for other cat owners who wanted the same enrichment for their pets.
Her creative process starts with sourcing fun, unique fabrics—especially ones featuring cats—and turning them into toys that are not only adorable but purposeful. Each piece is designed to encourage interactive play, reduce boredom, and enrich cats’ daily lives.
✨ “I love being able to foster enrichment and interactive play for cats.”
This will be Claire’s second Avant-Garde show, and she hopes to continue growing her Etsy shop and expanding her reach through more markets.
🛍️ Shop her work:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyCatbyClaire?dd_referrer=
🍯 Bittner Bees – A Family Legacy of Beekeeping
Bittner Bees is more than a business—it’s a multi-generational passion rooted in nature, resilience, and family.
Rick’s journey began in 1978 when he caught his very first swarm of bees. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong calling. Today, alongside Julie and their family, they’ve grown into one of the largest professional migratory beekeeping operations in Northeast Ohio.
Their story is deeply tied to community and connection. Rick and Julie even got married at a farmer’s market—an unforgettable moment that perfectly reflects their shared love of agriculture and local life.
What makes Bittner Bees truly special is their hands-on approach. They raise their own bees, manage every hive, extract their own honey, craft their products, and even build much of their own equipment. It’s a level of care and dedication you can truly taste.
Family remains at the center of everything they do, with Rick’s sisters often helping in the bee yards and at shows like this one.Over the years, they’ve earned multiple awards at county fairs and been featured in regional food guides—testament to the quality of their honey and products.
Each winter, they take their bees to Florida, where they produce sought-after varieties like Orange Blossom and Palmetto honey—ensuring their bees stay healthy and productive year-round.
🌼 Their mission is simple:
Make the world better—one bee at a time.
🌐 Learn more: BittnerBees.com
🎨 Crafty Cardinal LLC – Alexis Brandt
Alexis, the owner of Crafty Cardinal LLC, turned a creative outlet into a thriving small business—and her story is one so many can relate to.
As a stay-at-home mom, she was looking for something that was her own—something she could build, grow, and feel passionate about. What started as experimenting with custom magnets and buttons quickly turned into a business when she saw how much people loved personalized, meaningful items.
Her biggest inspiration? Her kids.
Her creative process blends digital design with hands-on production—testing prints, adjusting colors, and ensuring every piece is clean, vibrant, and high-quality.
✨ “I want people to have something small they can keep that reminds them of that moment.”
This will be her very first Avant-Garde show, and she’s excited to connect with new customers and fellow creatives.
Her long-term vision includes expanding into larger events, offering live on-site customization, and potentially opening a studio space—all while maintaining the personal touch that makes her brand special.
💫 Making Magnetic Memories.
🍰 Nothing Bundt Cakes – Avon, OH
For the team at Nothing Bundt Cakes in Avon, baking is about more than just dessert—it’s about creating joy and connection.
They’ve been serving Northeast Ohio for nearly nine years, bringing their signature cakes to celebrations both big and small. As part of a brand that’s been around for over two decades, they combine proven recipes with a strong local, community-focused approach.
One team member shared that their journey started when their grandmother brought a Nothing Bundt Cake to a family gathering—and they instantly fell in love. That moment led to a career with the company, growing from a froster to a key part of the team.
Their creative process centers on consistency, quality, and understanding the role their cakes play in people’s lives—from celebrations to everyday treats.
💛 Their guiding message:
“Bring the Joy.”
They strive to make every customer interaction feel personal, meaningful, and memorable—not just a transaction.
🍴 Stephanie Pallay & Tyler Scales – Elevated Culinary Creations
With a culinary degree and over 18 years of experience, Stephanie Pallay brings both expertise and passion to her business.
Originally from Tampa Bay and now based in Ohio, she launched her own culinary venture in 2025, balancing entrepreneurship with raising two young children.
Her journey into food began early—learning from her mother at just 13 years old and entering the industry by age 15. That lifelong dedication has shaped her into a skilled and thoughtful creator.
Her approach to cooking is both artistic and scientific. She describes her creative process as calculated and precise, with a focus on developing refined, exceptional flavors.
✨ Her inspiration comes from creating memorable dining experiences—those moments when food brings people together and creates lasting impressions.
Her goal is to expand her footprint in the industry while continuing to make high-quality, premium flavor experiences accessible and approachable.
👟 Organic Garments – Sustainable Style with Purpose- Janet Thiede
Organic Garments is redefining footwear through sustainability, innovation, and storytelling.
Founded in 2018, the brand was inspired by deeply rooted family values passed down from Josh’s grandfather, who taught him the importance of patience, resilience, and respect for the earth.
Those lessons shaped a bold vision: to create sneakers that are not only stylish and comfortable but also environmentally responsible.
Today, Organic Garments produces plant-based sneakers using materials like hemp and pineapple leaf fibers—pushing the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can be.
Josh’s journey to get there was anything but simple. From sketching early ideas on a napkin to taking courses in sneaker design and researching innovative materials, he dedicated years to perfecting his craft.
Now, the brand is evolving even further—introducing new styles like high-tops and denim low-tops while continuing to innovate with materials like mushrooms and other plant-based fabrics.
One of the most exciting aspects of their business is collaboration with local artists, who use the sneakers as a canvas to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
🌱 Their message is powerful:
Business can be a force for good. Sustainability and style can coexist. And the choices we make today shape the legacy we leave behind.
🛍️ Join Us This Weekend in Rocky River!
These are just a few of the incredible vendors you’ll meet at the Rocky River Spring Handmade Market.
From handmade pet products and personalized gifts to gourmet treats, sustainable fashion, and artisan goods—there’s something for everyone.
✨ Come shop small, support local, and connect with the stories behind the products.
We can’t wait to see you there! 💛
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