14 KCAD Alumni-Owned Businesses to Shop and Support This Holiday Season

Posted December 17, 2021 in Alumni

Tis' the season! There is no shortage of creatives, makers, and artists to shop and support this year. Explore this gift guide featuring 14 Kendall College of Art and Design alumni-owned small businesses for creative gift ideas sure to please anyone on your list.  

HOME GOODS 

 
Embroidered products from k studio
 
K Studio

K studio, founded by artist/designer Shelly Klein ('94, BFA Painting) and her mother, Mary Klein, offers contemporary, sustainable, hand-crafted products for the home. Since 2004, k studio's collection of graphic patterns and family of evocative characters has expanded its way onto pillows, ceramics, pouches, and wall art. Every item from k studio takes inspiration from Shelly's paintings, reflecting themes of family, chance, and loneliness. 
Shop Online: kstudiohome.com

Terrazzo products on display at Speckl Goods

Speckl Goods 

Discover handmade terrazzo goods like planters, candles, vases, and more from Speckl Goods, founded by KCAD alums Erika Townsley and Matthew Provoast (‘16, BFA Photography). Made here in Grand Rapids, Speckl offers a variety of fun and functional products for the home. 
Shop Online: specklgoods.com


CLOTHING AND APPAREL
 

Art prints on display at Woosah Outfitters

Woosah Outfitters  

Woosah Outfitters, a naturally inspired art and apparel brand, features the artwork of founder and owner Erica Lang ('14, BFA Printmaking). The designs behind Woosah revolve primarily around woodcuts, an artistic medium that Lang learned during her time as a KCAD student. With a storefront in Uptown GR, Woosah has grown into a sought-after place to purchase limited edition art, apparel, travel gear, home accessories, and more. Lang, along with her partner, also co-owns Outside Coffee Co., a four-season outdoor coffee shop situated in the garden next to the shop. 
Shop Online: spreadingthewoosah.com
Location: 738 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Womens apparel and accessories at Lee and Birch in Grand Rapids.

Lee & Birch

For something fashionable, check out clothing boutique Lee & Birch to find classic closet staples, high-quality accessories, and on-trend styles they'll love. Founded by Nikki Gillette ('03, BFA Interior Design) in 2007, Lee & Birch takes pride in creating a personalized shopping experience for every customer. 
Shop Online:
leeandbirch.com
Locations: Grand Rapids, Rockford, Grand Haven, and Kalamazoo 

A ring from Golden Rule Jewelry.

Golden Rule Jewelry 

Golden Rule Jewelry, founded by Sidnee Bancroft (‘19, BFA Metals and Jewelry Design), designs intricate pieces that strike a balance between timeless and modern. Check out the collection of earrings, necklaces, and rings to find a unique gift for someone special. 
Shop Online: thegoldenrulejewelry.shop
Location: 24 N Whittaker Street New Buffalo, MI 

T-shirts with the words "BE YOURSELF ANYWAY" by Transfigure Print Co.

Transfigure Print Co.

Transfigure Print Co., founded by Bailey Sell ('20, BFA Printmaking), has been creating LGBTQ+ centered screen-printed apparel since 2017. All of Transfigure's one-of-a-kind products are screen-printed by Sell, who learned to leverage the craft as a medium for self-expression during his studies at KCAD. Thanks to Sell’s DIY mindset, Transfigure remains focused on local and grassroots resources for queer people and other small businesses. You can also find Transfigure Print Co. products for sale at shopUICA, located on the KCAD Campus at 17 Pearl Street NW, during regular open hours. 
Shop and Support Online:  transfigureprintco.com

 

ART, PRINTS, AND PAPER GOODS 

 

Merchandise on display at Nestology Shop and Studio.

Nestology Shop & Studio   

Nestology Shop & Studio in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood carries various eco-friendly and handmade gift options perfect for the nature lovers in your life, from woodworking and ceramics to body care and children's items. Founded by Stephanie Trompen ('07, BFA Art Education), Nestology serves as a hub for the creative community, providing a place for artists to sell their handcrafted wares and collaborate through events and classes.  Nestology also carries Trompen's popular line of jewelry, Sugar Vibe, which she's been creating and selling for over a decade. 
Shop Instagram: instagram.com/nestologyshopgr
Location: 141 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 

Prints and paper products from Lydia Writes Good.

Lydia Writes Good 

As a freelance copywriter with a love of hand lettering, Lydia VanHoven Cook ('11, BFA Graphic Design) offers colorful paper goods with colorful language through her online shop, Lydia Writes Good. With framed art and prints to greeting cards, gift tags, and more, you're sure to find something cheeky for any occasion.  In addition to her online shop, you can also find a selection of Lydia's work available for purchase on campus at shopUICA during regular open hours. 
Shop Online: etsy.com/shop/lydiawritesgood  

Pouches by Solstice Handmade

Solstice Handmade 

Solstice Handmade, developed by artist Dayna Walton (‘19, BFA Printmaking), offers plenty of nature-inspired gifts, including artwork, hand-printed goods, and apparel. Walton’s deep-rooted passion for the natural world shows throughout her collection of organic designs, available to shop online and select locations in Grand Rapids (including Nestology and shopUICA). 
Shop Online: solsticehandmade.com 

Stationery sample from Hattie Darling Paper and Design.

Hattie Darling Paper & Design

Founded by Heather Duffy ('12, MFA Painting), Hattie Darling Paper & Design offers monogram art prints and stationery sets—perfect for gift giving!  
Shop Online: hattiedarling.com

Nature walk print by Sofia Ramirez Hernandez

Sofía Draws Every Day 

Sofía Ramírez Hernández (’14, BFA Printmaking) started her daily drawing project, #SofiaDrawsEveryDay, in 2013. Know for her sharp wit, Sofía’s drawings show the complexity of life as a queer immigrant living in West Michigan. Nearly eight years later, Sofía has continued her non-negotiable drawing practice, sharing her process on Instagram under the handle @sofiadrawseveryday and selling a selection of these prints online.  
Shop Online: society6.com/sofiaramirezhernandez  

Pet portrait of a cat by Katie Moore.

Pet Portraits by Katie Moore

For the animal lovers in your life, consider commissioning a pet portrait by artist Katie Moore ('15, MFA Painting)—a great gift for any time of year!  
Commission a Pet Portrait: katiemmoore.com

 

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Seasonal beverage from Sovengard Restaurant.

The Sovengard Restaurant and Biergarten

For a break from all the holiday cooking, visit The Sovengard on Grand Rapids’ West Side and experience the farms, seasons, and flavors of Michigan. Connecting a love of quality food and hospitality with artistic creativity, alum Rick Muschiana ('06, BFA Illustration) founded The Sovengard in 2016 with a farm-to-table approach that encourages environmental sustainability. Serving Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, The Sovengard sources local, seasonal food from farmers and uses a constantly shifting menu to create traditional food in new ways. 
Purchase a gift card, reserve a table, or order takeout: sovengard.com 

 

Joules Molly House brand image with text "THE BAR WITH NO BOOZE"

Joules Molly House 

Founded by Bux Dhyne (‘21, MFA Painting), Joule’s Molly House is a dry venue committed to providing a safe, fun venue for LGBTQIA+ youth to meet, practice the performing arts, and create healthy habits around social gatherings. Check out the Thrift Hauls and Disco Balls event happening this Sunday, Dec. 19, to do some last-minute shopping!  
Learn More and Support: joulesmollyhouse.com 

 

Are you a KCAD alumni-owned business interested in being included in future Gift Guides? Please contact [email protected] to submit your information.