A couple of months ago, I put together a list of some favorite Michigan-made and Michigan-themed gift ideas (see it here!). Among several awesome products and local brands, one particular Grand Haven-based Etsy shop caught my attention. Carrying a beautiful line of Michigan-made jewelry, men’s accessories, and stationery, sprouts. | .roots. captures the spirit of lake life with pieces that are not only great for gift-giving, but also for special keepsakes you’ll want to treat yourself to. Intrigued by this Michigan shop, I chatted with artist and shop owner, Rose Kren, about her artistic background, creative process, business story, and favorite things to do around Michigan.
About Rose: In Her Own Words
The Beginning Of “.sprouts. | .roots.”
“Once we started incorporating mens’ accessories . . . my husband suggested ‘.roots.’ I really liked the manly sound of it . . . the earthy quality it contained, and so it was. ”
Falling In Love With Bead Making And Metalsmithing
“One day, walking downtown with my husband, I walked into a bead store. The walls were filled with colors of beads from stones to glass. It was breath taking as a color savant! They offered to help me create something and I talked with the [employees] for a long while. . . I was hired the day after my interview with no knowledge of beading, but a sincere background in art and design. They taught me the basics of what I know and have built off of now. I learned lamp working there (glass bead making) and began instructing a class on it after a couple of years. The same is true of metalsmithing.”
Pursuing Dreams
“I began instructing him, much like I had my students at the bead shop. He was one of the quickest learners I’ve ever had, and very proficient. I couldn’t have been more lucky! After that winter he dabbled the next year in part time work and working with me. Once fall of 2014 came around, we were full time .sprouts. | .roots. employees.”
On Success And Work/Life Balance
Favorite Products
“We have numerous wholesalers in the U.S.: Oregon, Martha’s Vineyard, the UP, and 10 others scattered across Michigan. We do make sure none of our stores are within a 45 minute drive of one another so [they’re] exclusive. One of our biggest Michigan wholesalers is Frederik Meijer Gardens.”
“I’d like to see us grow in our brick and mortar shops and taking on a few other artists to sell their designs under our shop as well. To really collaborate with other artists and see their artwork flourish. I’d love to have a storefront at some point. I’ve done customer service my whole life, and really miss the literal face to face interaction with customers.”
Other Favorite Places + Her Michigan Bucket List
