The first week of May was a good one for Alex Janeczek of The Brick Shirt House. He became a new father and he found out that one of his t-shirt designs was featured in both an Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association publication and Indianapolis Monthly’s City Guide. These tees are flying but Alex is hustling to keep us in stock. Come pick one up – his family could use the extra cash right now!

We – and you, most likely – know all about the awesome things local makers are doing, especially with food. But it’s nice to see the rest of the country take notice, too! Homespun vendors 240sweet and Hoosier Momma were recently featured by national media outlets – O, The Oprah Magazine and Time.com. Read more in Jolene Ketzenberger’s Indy Star piece here. Congrats, ladies!

Maker: Alexa Lemley and Samantha Aulick
Based in: Columbus, Ind.
Price range: $5 and higher
Website: 240sweet.com

“We started making gourmet marshmallows to give away with our catering menus,” said Samantha Aulick. “They were a way to thank customers and introduce people to our favorite flavors. Soon, people were asking to buy the marshmallows.”

240sweet’s large, fluffy marshmallows feature gourmet flavors like Sweet Corn, Cherry Limeade, and Roasted Coconut. They’ve gotten national media buzz in the form of coverage in the Wall Street Journal and Oprah’s O Magazine and are a hit at farmer’s markets, where Sam and Alexa roast marshmallow samples over small burners.

Stop in, try a sample, and pick up a bag of three huge, delicious marshmallows. They’re perfect for spring s’mores!

240sweet Fun Facts: 1. We love to go on road trips in the car. We always start out with an end destination but not always an itinerary. Not too long ago, we enjoyed riding a vintage carousel that we found meandering back home through Ohio. It was in this little town that we never expected. 2. We were best friends in our teens, became life-partners as adults and can’t wait for gay marriage to be legal in Indiana. 3. We enjoy reading and have stacks of books next to the bed. Sometimes, it feels like the books will take over the house.

Maker: Jen Gubicza
Based in: Beverly, MA
Price range: $15 to $90
Website: Zooguu.com

What medium do you work in primarily?
To hear her tell it, Jen Gubicza has the best. Job. Ever. “I spend my days transforming fabric into friends,” she says.

Gubicza’s company, Zooguu, sells round plush animals and monsters in all different sizes. “Before I made stuffed animals full-time I was a graphic designer for ten-plus years at a company that focused on design for kids and families,” she says. “I created logos, web sites and toy packaging, and now I use those skills for Zooguu. My husband Brian is an illustrator, and many years ago I made a plush version of one of his sketches. After making the first one, I was hooked and needed to make more. People also wanted to buy them, so luckily that worked out in my favor.”

Gubicza works side by side with her husband, Brian, who works as an illustrator and cuts all of the fabric for Zooguu.

Fun Facts: We live near the ocean, so we like to go on relaxing walks. We also enjoy watching movies and playing LEGO video games.

“When I couldn’t find jewelry and accessories that fit my style, I decided to make my own,” Melissa Carter says. “I already loved working with wood, so the medium was a natural choice.”

Carter is a graphic designer by day but she makes jewelry and accessories for men and women. “I started selling pieces to sustain what I saw as a hobby,” she says. “The response from customers and the enjoyment I get from creating grew the hobby into a business.”

Fun Fact: I often ride a ’78 Honda Express moped around town. I make killer vegan cupcakes. I love growing vegetables.