Meet Katie Wilson from Self Infuse...
My name is Katie, and I have been an entrepreneur for most of my life. I have a pet monkey and a dog, and I’m passionate about everything I do.
I’ve been officially doing this for five years, and this will be my first Avant-Garde show. I enjoy what I do and the happy faces it brings people when they buy my products.
I’ve always been the person to want to make something. I kept trying different things until I found the niche that makes me thrive. I discovered my talent by seeing things advertised or watching someone else do it and saying, “Hey, I’m sure there’s something on YouTube that I can learn from and do it myself.” I believe that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything your heart desires.
My creative process is like baking and making a science experiment at the same time. There’s a lot of mixing, temp control, strategy, and a little bit of math.
In five years, I see myself in my own brick & mortar, teaching my craft to others.
At Self Infuse, our products are handmade with all natural ingredients. Our goal is to make you feel happy, feel relief, and benefit from what we have to offer—whether it’s CBD, candles, or bath and body. We have something for everyone!
I’ve been doing this for about a year and a half, and this will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!
As Emily Dickinson would say, “I dwell in possibility.” I see possibility in everything, plus I am committed to helping save usable fabrics from the landfill. For years, I’ve had kids ask me at school visits what I would be if I weren’t a poet, and I always answered that I would sew. And here I am.
Truthfully, I got back into sewing seriously during the pandemic when I deconstructed a Vietnamese pollution mask and used it as a pattern to make over 1,000 masks.
As in any craft—writing or sewing—you have to put the time in to perfect your skills. Part of it is an eye for color and a certain amount of risk-taking. I also have a granddaughter and a daughter-in-law who let me know what is cool.
In five years, I see myself happily sewing and listening to music in my office/sewing room and sharing my creations with happy customers.
The message behind my work is simple but powerful. My clothing tag reads: Wrapped in Love — love the planet, love yourself. I truly believe when we act to preserve our environment, we are loving ourselves.
I’ve been baking dog treats and thinking about turning it into a business for about a year. I finally decided to go for it and officially create the business about a month ago. I had planned to launch online first, but when I saw this show, I really wanted to be a part of it.
This is my very first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show and I’m so excited! I already have my eyes on a few more I would like to attend this year.
What inspires me to create is ensuring my pups (and your pups) truly live their best lives—and that starts with making sure their food and treats are as high-quality as possible.
My Bernese Mountain Dog, Teddy, really struggled with stomach issues when he was a puppy. We tried everything and eventually learned he had trouble digesting protein like a normal dog could. After countless ER visits and a prescription diet, I realized how important it was to know exactly what was in his treats. So, I started making them myself. My dogs absolutely loved them, and I knew I wanted to share that joy with other pups.
Giving back is also a huge part of my mission. I want to help less fortunate dogs enjoy life a little more, which is why a portion of every sale goes to shelters and service dog organizations.
I've always had a creative side, but I don't really get to use it much in my daily work as an accountant. Once I had the idea for this business, that creative energy started flowing—and it’s been so much fun. From designing treat decorations to planning out the presentation, it's brought me real joy.
My creative process usually starts by figuring out a theme or shape for the treats. Once I have that, I brainstorm ways to bring it to life through decoration and just let the creativity take over. I’m still fairly new to all of this, so I’m learning something new every time I bake.
In five years, I hope we’ve grown into a thriving business with many happy customers—both two- and four-legged. Most importantly, I hope we’ve made a real impact by supporting shelters and service dog organizations through our contributions.
A portion of every purchase goes toward supporting shelters, rescues, charities, and service animal foundations. Whether through donations or by sending supplies, we are here to help as many dogs as we can receive the love and life they truly deserve.
I launched Agate & Rose Co. on Etsy back in 2021, and while it was a great experience, I closed the shop in 2024 due to some ethical concerns with the platform. From there, I pivoted toward participating in vendor shows—and honestly, I found something I didn’t know I was missing. The personal, face-to-face moments with customers who fall in love with a piece in real time? That’s what it’s all about.
This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I’m really looking forward to connecting with attendees and fellow local artists!
My pieces are inspired by the vibrant landscapes of the Southwest and the deep-rooted traditions of folk art. I strive to capture the beauty of the natural world while creating designs that evoke a strong sense of heritage and identity.
Art has always been my language. It’s how I process the world and express myself when words fall short. From my earliest days as a kid sketching and creating, to experimenting with fiber and beadwork as an adult, it’s always brought me a sense of joy and fulfillment. I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system—especially my mom and my best friend Emily—cheering me on every step of the way.
Inspiration usually strikes through color, shapes, or a gemstone that I can’t stop thinking about. For more complex patterns, I map things out on graph paper—there’s a lot of trial and error involved! I’ll often create multiple versions before I land on something that feels just right. A true sign that I’ve nailed the design? I want to keep it for myself.
Over the next five years, I plan to continue doing vendor shows to keep that strong connection with the community. I’m also hoping to get my work into local shops and boutiques, and I’m currently exploring the idea of launching my own website to grow my online presence.
At the heart of my brand is empowerment through self-expression. I create pieces to help women feel bold and confident—whether that’s by embracing their personal style or stepping out of their comfort zones. When someone tells me they love a pair of earrings but think they’re “too [this] or [that]” to wear them, I always challenge that. Life’s too short not to wear the things that make you feel good.
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