In the month of Thanksgiving, we are encouraged to reflect on our lives and be grateful. Gratitude is not as easy as it seems. Being grateful requires awareness and understanding, which takes time. It takes the time to look back at all the little moments of a swirling life and within these moments, see when a pain was alleviated or a burden lightened, however little or however briefly, and seeing the thing, the system or person responsible.
In this spirit, we asked our makers and the New York Makers staff to take some time and think about what they are grateful for. This is what they had to say:
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“I am thankful for my family! They support and encourage my endeavors as a maker. My mom is my cheerleader, always promoting my work to anyone who will listen. My husband helps finish my wood pieces in the studio, and has a hand in everything I make. And my twin sister has been my partner every step of the way ― selling and marketing, to cutting out wood in the shop.”
Jessica Giovachino ― GioGio Design
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“I am grateful for the people who come to work every day with a smile to help create my company’s beautiful candles, soaps, natural perfumes and body care items.”
Sandy Maine ― Adirondack Fragrance and Flavor Farm
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“I'm thankful for all the little things that let me focus on the big things: Auto-payments. A short work commute (about 50 feet). Take-out diner food. The ‘Do Not Disturb’ iPhone setting. Pandora shuffle lists that intuitively know if I want to hear Puddles or Motörhead. Amazon Prime pantry boxes. GPS alternate routes. And jack-boots so worn, I don’t even have to lace them up anymore!”
Stephanie Reppas ― October Design Co.
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“We are thankful for our fellow makers, suppliers, artisans, and patrons that are the foundation of the community we continue to build stronger everyday.”
David Armstrong ― Armstrong’s All Natural
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“I am thankful for all the people in my life who have supported us, my family and wine!”
Shir Michaels ― Jook and Nona
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“This year, like every year, I'm thankful for all the people in my life who encourage and support me in doing what I love. It's taken me a very long time to get myself and my business off the ground, and I couldn't have done the hundreds of all-nighters, all-weekenders, and all-hours without my family and friends who have stepped in when I've needed them. I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of so many encouraging retailers and customers who find value in my work and help me keep going, including all of you. Ever so grateful.”
Meera Lee Patel ― Meera Lee Patel
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“I am thankful to be working at something that I love to do and feel grateful that I am able to do it where I call home in the Adirondacks.”
Judy Brown ― Garnet Studio
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“Thankful that I have the opportunity to work at a trade that is historic and yet allows me to be pushing the envelope of my trade. Thankful that I work with a staff that supports our efforts to weave incredible fabric of the highest quality we can. Thankful that we have the ability to create and work with clients who appreciate our work.”
Rabbit Goody ― Thistle Hill Weavers
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“I am thankful for my customers! I am so appreciative of each and every one of them because without them ― there is no It’s a…Yummy!!”
Jessica Meyrowitz ― It’s a Yummy
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“I'm thankful for the friends and family that have helped make Chicory Farm Soap possible. For helping me schlep soap to craft shows, for wrangling goats when they get out at 9pm on an August night, for giving input into new product and packaging design, and for being there to bring me back to reality when I've been spending too many hours alone in the studio! Things would be a lot harder without their support!”
Sara Turnbull ― Chicory Farm Soap
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“I am grateful for my wonderful staff, who work alongside me.”
Madeline Lanciani ― Duane Park Patisserie
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“We’re thankful for all the support we’ve received from customers, family, and friends over the years as well as the businesses (yeah, that’s you among others!) that believed in us. Every compliment, critique, and purchase has made a difference! We’re also blessed to be able to work from home, having a home workshop-studio has enabled us to optimize time keep costs down. Finally, let’s not forget the maker community. We’re proud members of the New York Handmade Collective, a vibrant group of local makers from whom we’re received continued support, exchanged information and resources, and generous help.”
Elena & Sanver Kanidinc ― SimplyNu
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“We have many things to be thankful for at Crown Maple. We’re thankful for the thousands of trees that produce our sap, the sprawling acres of land that surround our facility, and the many individuals who enjoy our products and visit our Estate. Most importantly, we’re thankful for the many hardworking men and women that produce our syrup and operate our business.”
Maddie Turner ― Crown Maple
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“I am grateful for the time and effort that each maker puts into their wares. Infusing each object with a story that only something made by hand has.”
Audra Herman ― New York Makers
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“I am thankful for my family, friends, and partner, my dog Ila and all animals for that matter, nature, music, art, laughter, my New York Makers' family and the hundreds of small business entrepreneurs I've had the opportunity to work alongside for many years ― they make me believe each and every one of us can live our dreams.”
Amanda DiRobella ― New York Makers
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“I am thankful for all the New York Makers customers and readers, the exceptional duo that runs us with the wind beneath their wings ― Amanda DiRobella and Audra Herman ― along with our Makers and contributors Bertram Proctor, Kathleen Wilcox and Missy Graff Ballone. Thanks also Katherine Grayson! We grow bigger and better every day because of their dedication, creativity and talent. Beyond that, I am ever grateful for my cherished loved ones, family and friends ― and the opportunity to live with joy every day.”
Silda Wall Spitzer ― New York Makers
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