What’s VOYAGE SAN ANTONIO?
“We started in Los Angeles, with our flagship publication VoyageLA. After generating our first million page views in LA we knew our content was resonating with the community.
We’ve since grown to a handful of other amazing cities with the help of an amazing network of friends, associates, local insiders and influencers, PR firms, local bloggers, artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and other professionals.
OUR MISSION & EDITORIAL ETHOS
Our small team has been working hard to create a new type of media for our community. As you browse through our stories you’ll notice that many of our interviews aren’t as polished as you’ll find elsewhere in the media. That’s intentional – we believe that far too many in the media filter, edit, and polish away the personality of interviewees and as a result so much of what we see in the media feels like it’s coming from the same person, the same voice, etc. We think it’s important for media to more authentically represent the communities they serve and so we try to ensure that voices of those we feature jump off the page.
We also think artists rock. We love small businesses, mom-n-pops, and hole-in-the-walls. We’re not snobs, but we aren’t fond of most chains. We think independent entrepreneurs, freelancers and other risk takers make our cities exciting to live in. We cherish the rebel spirit, we don’t think just a handful of large corporations should control all of our commerce and we think smores with vegan marshmallows are better than normal marshmallows. We respect people and organizations that take the path less traveled. We root for the underdogs and we almost never say no to pizza.
Accordingly our mission is to build a platform that fosters collaboration and support for small businesses, independent artists and entrepreneurs, local institutions and those that make our city interesting. We want to change the way people spend their money – rather than spending it with the big, cookie-cutter corporations we want them to spend their money with the independent, creative, local entrepreneurs, small businesses and artists.
And finally, we want the stories we share to help give our big city a little bit of that small town community charm, where people know each other and their stories at a deeper, more personal level.”
How did the interview go?
“Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bierstedt.
Amy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This journey began over eight years ago, when I decided to change my family’s health, to ditch the toxins. And in me creating a handful of wonderful and natural handmade home, bath, and body products, I founded my small business. From Scratch Farm. Being involved in the mompreneur community and practicing community over competition, I was quickly surrounded by other like-minded makers. Supportive, talented, knowledgeable, rock star makers. So when Doubleside Toffee Company asked about moving her toffee and a fridge into my Boerne Main Street space, it was natural for me to invite all my friends to join in. And Handmade on Main was founded.
It started with four of us (From Scratch Farm, Doubleside Toffee Company, Bear & Roo Candle Company, and Craft Tree by Terry). And we’ve grown to *at most* 21 makers at one time. And it’s a cute, colorful, fun, warm, welcoming, and happy space.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been an easy road!!! Handmade on Main officially got its start in November of 2019. While we did have a great Christmas season, and we were thrilled to be adding new makers…. we were suddenly hit with the pandemic. And everything was brought to a halt! Our store was closed from mid-March until May 1st. After, it was an uphill battle to make people feel safe and welcomed into our space, or to reach them in their homes.
While we were shut down, we had to work hard, had to pivot. I immediately made sure that every product was on our website. That customers could shop our entire store from the safety of their home. I started offering entryway pick-up and local delivery. Whether or not they could come to us, I wanted to make sure our goods could get to them. And some of our makers even focused on keeping kids busy, while they were stuck at home. My favorite was Crazy Plant Lovee offering fairy garden kits, complete with two succulents and everything else you needed to create a garden that the kids could also play with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make natural home, bath, and body products. Goods that are moisturizing, cleansing, pampering, hydrating, sudsy, luxurious. The ultimate in non-toxic self-care! And our other makers provide: yummy almonds, chocolate toffee, and toffee popcorn; soy candles and wax melts; darling crocheted and sewn stuffed animals; fun houseplants, succulents, and cacti; funny tea towels, wine bags, badge reels; cute play dough sensory boxes; beautiful wood signs; gorgeous clay earrings; lovely postpartum care products; cool kitchen and housewares you didn’t know you needed; gorgeous wood floral arrangements; delicious craft cocktail starters; unique leather shoes and sandals; yummy flavor-infused olive oils and vinegars.
THIS is what we’re known for! Bringing the best of local handmade goods together under one roof!
What are you most proud of?
Everyone loves accomplishments and pats on the back. I’m no different.
I love that I can say that I founded National Handmade Day! For myself. For every maker friend. For all the makers yet to come. A day to celebrate us, do some crafting, and spread the word about the importance and uniqueness of handmade. (It’s celebrated on the first Saturday of April every year)
I love that I’ve been involved with the Boerne Retailers’ Style Show & Shopping Event. For the past three years, I’ve been in charge of the social media and marketing. I help get the word out about this wonderful evening. With glitz, glam, pop-up shops, and a runway event… we celebrate the local retail shops and boutiques… and we raise money for a local organization.
I’m also so proud of:
Us winning a San Antonio Magazine Best of the City award. In 2021, we were named Best Maker Co-Op, and were commended for our sense of community and the maker community we built during such a difficult time.
Us being nominated for a national Retail Excellence Award. Also in 2021, we were one of three retail shops highlighted for our unique Special Events.
I’m currently nominated for Businesswoman of the Year and Small Business of the Year in our Boerne Chamber’s yearly awards that will be happening at their gala this Saturday!”
What are the links?
Voyage San Antonio’s website- https://voyagesanantonio.com/
My highlight on their site- https://voyagesanantonio.com/interview/check-out-amy-bierstedts-story/
