Brick and Mortar Store

Indie design house LOFT 1513 offers a well-curated collection of sustainable apparel and one-of-a-kind fashion. Recently relocated to a new, larger home, the store emphasizes reuse and creativity in everything from its displays to its unique custom garments.

Thinking about opening up a store for your indie business? Lyn and Jeremy Hooley of Replica Chicago shared some tips with IndieMade about how to know whether you're ready for a brick and mortar shop, and how they made it happen.

Blakely Bass, owner of Resident Apparel Gallery (RAG), has been supporting local indie businesses since 2002. Boasting designs from more than 120 San Francisco artists each month, RAG is keeping art and design alive.

The Urban Folk Circuit is spotlighting handmade wares made in Chicago at its first ever popup shop. Running through Sunday, April 22, the shop is loaded with handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, and artwork all created by Chicago craft business owners.

Looking for art and crafts that are made in San Francisco? Banana Republic and SFMade, the non-profit dedicated to supporting local manufacturing and a sustainable economy, have teamed up for the second time to showcase San Francisco crafts.

IndieMade was invited to present mini-sessions at the WBEZ event "Making Your Own Job." The event was well-attended by plenty of artist entrepreneurs and indie business owners. Welcome to the new economy, one that is driven by micro- and small businesses. These "indies" are either filling in the gaps with their niche businesses or freelancing, often replacing jobs once held by full-time employees.

When customers walk into Sacred Art (http://www.sacredartstore.com), they immediately know that they're in Chicago. Sarah Chazin, the proprietor, does support local artists throughout Chicago - they are the suppliers of her store's merchandise.

Years ago, Lisa Whiting was teaching a Japanese-speaking friend to knit in exchange for language lessons. When Whiting moved away to Chicago, her friend asked her, "What am I going to do without my knitting sifu?"

Here is our first post from Melissa Williams Netherton of ZD Studio. She is our San Diego Craft Correspondent.