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Gratitude in the New Year

As we celebrate a New Year, I wanted to take a moment to truly express my gratitude to the dozens and dozens of fabulously talented people that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the years. We owe the success of AAE to these hard-working local people that have a passion for what they do. AAE has become such a dynamic place. It isn’t just a great shop filled with treasures of all sorts. It has become a place to meet new friends, a place to relax, a place to inspire and a place to be accepted. I love my vendors and my customers, and I especially love the talented and dedicated women that work with me to make this shop run smoothly seven days a week.

To Anna, my fearless manager – THANK YOU! Thank you for putting up with my crazy life and for knowing what needs to be done even before I do. To Janice, I am blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for all you do for me and for the shop. To Maisie, “You should totally buy it!” Girl, you’re amazing and you always look fabulous. To Marisa, thanks for being there all these years. And to Courtney and Leslee – fearless, hard-working and ready to do whatever needs to be done. Thank you Ladies! You make me feel safe and supported. I couldn’t do this without you!

To Izzy and Jesse, consistently bringing quality clothing, shoes, and bags that make even the biggest clothes horse drool, thank you! You are two ladies that not only have style, but you’ve got grace. You are dedicated to taking care of others and I am inspired by you both.

To both ladies named Bobbi C – thank you for your positivity, endless joyful smiles, and dedication to consistently producing quality products.

Deanna, thank you for being such a kind, caring, and joyful addition to AAE. Your booths are inspiring and oh so pretty!

Lee and Holly, such a talented pair bringing pottery, jewelry, books, and handmade journals. Always friendly and dependable.

Jay and Sue, you’ve been there since the beginning. You are amazingly talented photographers and I appreciate your loyalty and the kindness you’ve displayed over the years.

Bonnie and Dolly, two funny ladies, two peas-in-a-pod. Always good for a healthy laugh and some affordable stuffed animals for Claire.

Heidi, also been there since the beginning and one of the hardest working women I know. Thank you for creating such beautiful handmade hemp clothing and for always keeping it positive.

This list could literally go on and on for days, but I am limited by space. I must mention Elinor, Lisa, Jerome, Lucinda and Roxanne, and Karen and Noel, Laura S and Cindy N! Amy G – another original vendor, always kind and so talented. So many wonderful people! I am so grateful that each of them has become a member of this special group. Forgive me for not being able to list everyone’s name.

Make a New Year’s resolution to come in and support these talented local people. THANK YOU!

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Ashland Artisan Emporium

The Ashland Artisan Emporium is owned by Michelle Christian, wife and mother of 3 daughters. Her husband, Travis, is the business manager for Adroit Construction in Ashland, Oregon. The Emporium was the vision of Michael Rydbom, Michelle's father. In April of 2010, Michael asked his daughter if she would be willing to help transform the old DJ's Video space into a crafter's marketplace. Michelle had always admired her dad's entrepreneurial spirit and was eager to make him proud, so even though she already had two kids, a real estate career and one more daughter on the way, she said yes. On November 1, 2010, the store opened it's doors to a welcome reception from the community. They were voted Best New Business of 2010 only months later by the Ashland Sneak Preview. Within weeks of opening, the store was at capacity and had quickly become the "go-to" store for all things unique and affordable.

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