On a cold, cozy winter morning with lots of fluffy white snow, Lucky Bernie’s in Huntley hosted their Winter Artisan Market.
There were 15 vendors, each with unique products varying from homemade spice blends, delicious Belgium chocolates, cute crochet gifts and critters, pretty jewelry, candles, and personalized items. Chef Joanne Thomas sells homemade spice blends, butters, and has a monthly subscription selling culinary boxes. She is a marine veteran, caterer and a personal chef.
“I worked at NIU as a culinary worker, but when Covid hit I lost my job, which led me to start my business,” Thomas said.
Thomas puts “A Little Love in Every Bite” into her products.
She sells her products at www.ChefJoanneThomas.com.Vendor next to chef Joanne Thomas is Angie Birkley, chef and owner of Bokeh Chocolate. She sells handmade Belgium chocolates. Many were in theme to Valentine’s Day, her chocolates painted with red, pink, and cute hearts.
Birkley originally made the chocolates at home, but then saw a spark in the potential of selling her chocolates.
“I quit my job and I started selling full time,” Birkley said.
She has a booth at America’s Antique Mall in Algonquin, and a website at www.BokehChocolate .com.
The vendor in the center, Nina, owner of Not Your Mother’s Yarn, crochets beautiful gifts, flowers, and adorable critters.Nina has lots of experience with crochet and intermediate projects.
She started it “when I saw my grandma getting into crochet,” Nina said.
Nina showcases her cool crochet projects on her Instagram, notyour.mothersyarn.In addition to the vendors, Lucky Bernie’s was selling food and drinks.With lots of quality artisan products, all affordably priced, the Winter Artisan Market at Lucky Bernie’s in Huntley found itself to be well-attended.Attending the pop-up artisan markets are a great way to support small and local businesses.
