10 emerging makers compete for cash prizes; AltCap, Strawberry Swing team up for fall showcase

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve.

Faye Woods, founder of Red Hare Leather; Katie Mabry van Dieren, founder of the Strawberry Swing; and Clarissa Knighten, founder of Rissa’s Artistic Design; during the Emerging Makers Showcase Competition at Alexander Majors Barn; photo by Bobby Burch, AltCap

Amid the historic charm of Alexander Majors Barn, 10 Kansas City-area artisans stepped into the spotlight as AltCap and Strawberry Swing teamed up to host the Emerging Makers Showcase Competition, offering local creatives a platform to win cash prizes for their businesses.

AltCap’s ARTcap team and the Strawberry Swing partnered to host the showcase during the 10th Annual Fall Strawberry Swing on September 14 at the Alexander Majors Historic Barn & Grounds. The competition highlighted ten emerging makers — selected by a committee — to provide them an opportunity to showcase their unique talents and creative businesses.

The participants were evaluated by a panel of jurors, including Clarissa Knighten, founder of Rissa’s Artistic Design, Katie Mabry van Dieren, founder of the Strawberry Swing, and Faye Woods, founder of Red Hare Leather. The criteria included merchandising, customer interaction, marketing, business branding, and product quality.

Ten emerging makers were committee-selected to participate in the competition:

• Jessica Bell, The Mess Monster — children’s books.

• Lisa Cowan and Becky Wagner — garden art.

• Roger Figueroa Designs — fashion design.

• Komina Guevara, KOMGUE — beadwork using waxed thread and glass Czech seed beads purchased from Indigenous-owned businesses.

• Aaron Howell, Matchmaker Vintage Jewelry.

• Natalie La Rue, Moonbeam’s Magick — found natural objects covered in a conductive medium.

• Coti Meier, Quirky Goods — magnets, cards and mixed media.

• Kayla Moser, Dough Drop Cookies.

• Beth Noser, Adventure’s Calling — children’s books.

• Kate Offill Art — still life paintings.

Aaron Howell of Matchmaker Vintage Jewelry earned the top prize of $3,000, followed by Komina Guevara of KOMGUE, who received $1,500 for second place, and Kayla Moser of Dough Drop Cookies, who took home $500 for third place.

Jennifer Lapka, AltCap’s ARTcap administrator, highlighted the judges’ difficulty in narrowing down the participants due to the high level of talent.

“It was exciting to see all the emerging makers apply — honing them down to 10 competitors was a trick for the committee,” Lapka said. “The 10 who made it through are all extremely talented artists with bright futures ahead. I’m thrilled AltCap and Strawberry Swing brought our unique resources together to create this educational, supportive experience for them.”

A post shared by Komina Guevara (@popzits)

In addition to the competition, AltCap shared with artisans and attendees more information on its ARTcap microloan program for artists and creatives. The no-collateral loan of up to $10,000 aims to fuel artists in Kansas, Missouri and Texas who would like to expand their business.

Check out the gallery below to see the artists in action.

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