30 Under 30 Makers + Shakers: Home and Food

Y’all ready for this? It’s time for the next installment of our Makers + Shakers series! We’ve teamed up with PayPal to introduce you to 30 makers under 30 who are shaking up their respective industries. We kicked things off with makers in the fashion, beauty and jewelry industry. Their stories about what inspires creativity were truly motivating. We also shared PayPal’s Voices video, in which they highlight what they’ve described as the new People Economy. Be sure to give it a watch, if you haven’t yet. Oh, and if you’re lightning-fast and hit pause at 0:23, you might just see me!

Now, on to our next batch of incredibly talented makers. This post is all about folks in the home and food industry. Read on for more!

Arian Blanco, 28

Arian is the founder of Sweet Lady Cook, a company that handcrafts seasonal, small batch jams in Southern California. All of the ingredients in her delicious concoctions are grown and sourced locally, which means her jams are not only fresh, but the flavors change with the seasons.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Making to me is happiness.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I can always find inspiration at one of our local farmers markets. Here in California we’re fortunate enough to have high quality, responsibly grown produce available year round.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

I think as a consumer many of us feel disconnected from the products we purchase. Being a part of a people economy has really changed that for me.

Sarah is the founder of SF-based Miss Jones Baking Co. She makes all-natural, ready-to-use frostings, baking mixes and baking kits. The ice cream sundae cupcakes kit is one of our faves. Sarah also happens to be a member of the B+C team so we can definitely vouch for the deliciousness. :)

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Sarah Jones, 29

Baking brings people joy!

Where do you get your inspiration?

BLOGS! I am so inspired by the many talented bloggers out there — they are producing an incredible amount of beautiful images and ideas that I draw inspiration from every day. I love how blogging and the maker movement empower people to embrace, pursue and share their passions and creativity with the world.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

I feel more connected to others and more passionate about my work and life. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to make and share something you love with others.

Adam is the co-founder of Austin-based Liber & Co. He makes artisanal cocktail syrups with co-founders Robert Higginbotham and Chris Harrison. We can’t get enough of their Texas Grapefruit Shrub. It’s next level.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Adam Higginbotham, 27

Living, learning and drinking better.

Where do you get your inspiration?

We’re fortunate to be in Austin and to have access to some really incredible cocktail bars. So many talented and creative bartenders around the country are ensuring that people today are drinking better than ever. The opportunity to make syrups with the same quality and attention to detail as those made in top cocktail bars excites us every day. We think people should be able to re-create the craft cocktails they love for family and friends in the comfort of their own home-bar.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

People are more connected today than ever before, and for companies like ours that means more opportunities to reach people directly and sustain a grassroots approach beyond our local market. We’ve literally built our business on the exchange of access between our authentic bar syrups and the consumers around the country who appreciate them — small, artisanal makers were previously much more limited in terms of market growth. Through the social media and technology channels available today, dedicated artisans enjoy much greater reach than we could have imagined a decade ago.

Anna is the founder of Your Nest Inspired. As an accomplished woodworker, she makes beautiful home goods and tech-cessories. Her iPad and iPhone stands are stylish and functional.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Anna Ritchie, 28

Creating thoughtful over mass produced.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am inspired by everyday life, creating items that I need, in a clean, simple, and functional way. My products are then taken to the next level when I introduce them to the world. I examine how they are used by customers in order to constantly develop new and improving ideas.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

Being a part of the people economy has allowed me to grow my business, doing what I love and sharing it with similar-minded people throughout the globe. Amongst a world of plastic and technology, I use my hands to bring customers back to earth with natural woods. In an otherwise fast-paced lifestyle, I am able to slow down for a minute, to connect with others, discuss, and understand their specific needs. This allows me to make one-of-a-kind products, inspired by the users themselves.

Francesca is a designer, illustrator and founder of Lemonwood Imprints. Her witty cards (like this one or this one) are guaranteed to make you LOL. We’re obsessed with everything that comes out of her SF studio!

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Francesca Greggs, 27

Connecting with others through creativity.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Lately I’ve been energized by vintage textiles, old movies and children’s books, architecture, and as always, nature and travel.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

My work is very personal by nature, both in that I am intimately involved in making each piece beautiful and also because my intention is to make customers feel excited about my products. I’m trying to create things I love and always hope that other people feel the same way. Being a part of the “people’s economy” and having the ability to share directly with customers and collaborate personally with other artists has not only changed my life but helped define it.

Britt Bass Turner is an abstract artist based in Atlanta. She’s the founder of design studio Britt Bass Turner. By stocking up on a few of her colorful prints, you’ll be one step closer to the salon wall of your dreams.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Britt Bass Turner, 25

Freeing, intuitive, infinite, challenging.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everyone and everything. I consume visual information in all forms in everyday routines and trend-watching. I’m constantly refining my eye to sort through it all and define my aesthetic. It’s as much about consumption of information as it is about the down time to recharge that inspires me to get back in the studio!

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

Being a part of the people economy has created and sustained my business and continues to prove integral as we move forward. We strive to be connected with our clients and fans, accessible and most of all authentic. Not only have these values made my craft viable, they have completely changed my experience as a consumer. I choose products and services as a result of my personal connection through a manifesto, customer service, loyalty, and transparency.

Julie is a blogger, greeting card designer and DIY lover. She’s the founder of Orange County-based Julie Ann Art. Her unique greeting cards always put a smile on our faces. This one might be the best.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Julie Astrauckas, 30

It encourages self-expression.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Since I focus on creating a relatable product, I draw most of my inspiration from actual relationships, conversations, and daily life.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

Far beyond the fact that I am able to pursue my own business full-time, being a part of the people economy has allowed me to create true relationships with customers, fellow business owners, and supporters across the world.

Evan is one half of the duo behind The Other Brother Company. Evan and his brother, Ben Loewy, make organic olive oil on their farm in the Bay Area. Get cookin’ with their extra-virgin blend.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Evan Loewy, 27

For the love and livelihood.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Our family, our community, nature and skateboarding

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

The people economy has helped us tremendously. We are always on the road, between our orchards and our office. It’s important for us to stay connected to our community when we are away. It’s empowering to use technology to be able to provide a safe, secure, simple and unique shopping experience. We’re able to make sales as well as market and manage our business through online platforms like Brit + Co, Instagram and PayPal. The climate of the people economy and the combination of these services has made it possible to operate without the overhead of a brick and mortar. With the savings from these platforms we have been able to invest more in the quality of our products and spend more time connecting to our customers, getting feedback and focusing on the “Good Goods.”

Caitlin is the founder of design company Bright July. She makes hand-appliqued throw pillows in her Denver studio. With fun sayings like “carpe diem” and “YOLO,” they’ll add a punch to any room in your home.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Caitlin Halberstadt, 29

Because making creates connection.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from celebrating life and love. I love the idea that a Carpe Diem (or Carpe Noctem) pillow is a little reminder to live the day well, or that a Te Amo or Je T’aime pillow can send a simple message of love from one person to another. Nothing makes me happier than imagining my little pillows taking on a new life, encouraging people I’ve never met and becoming a little part of their lives and stories.

How has being a part of the people economy changed your life?

I am regularly amazed by the notion that I can create and sustain a life for myself through connecting directly with my wonderful customers. I am privileged to be part of a new age of online commerce where this is possible. I spend my days dreaming up new designs, making things I adore, and sending them all over the world. The fact that these amazing communities and opportunities exist for makers like myself is a beautiful thing. Without the existence of this new economy of connection, my career as it is would not be possible — so my life is truly changed.

Michael is the founder of gourmet mustard company Green Mountain Mustard. Made in Vermont, his mustards range from classic to wacky flavors. We’re talking Sriracha mustard, everything bagel mustard and more.

In five words or less, tell us why you love to make.

Michael Adams, 26

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.