Our Story
Hi! I'm Adrianne, the face behind Izzy and Grace. The little old lady sitting next to me is my late grandma, who is the inspiration behind this business and it's name. Let me tell you a little about how Izzy and Grace came to be, and what to expect while you're here.
It Started at Grandma's Kitchen Table
I've always been a creative person. Ever since I can remember, going to Grandma's meant doing crafts at her kitchen table. She had an entire room filled to the brim with craft supplies! I was lucky enough to live less than a mile away from my grandparents, so growing up their home was my second home. I spent a good chunk of my childhood at their house crafting and baking with Grandma. She taught me all kinds of arts and crafts, which instilled a creative spark in me.
My Grandma passed away in 2015, but her spirit still lives in my creativity. When I thought about what I wanted Izzy and Grace to be, I knew she had to be a part of it somehow. "Izzy" is a nod to my Grandma's middle name, Isabelle. Blue is my favorite color, and pink hers. Grace is the middle name of the baby girl we lost in 2012. I imagine Izzy and Grace are in heaven in a giant craft room, decorating heaven with all their creations and giving handmade gifts to everyone.
What You Can Expect Here
I value personal connection. When you visit Izzy and Grace, whether online, on social media, or in-person, I want you to feel like you just walked into a good friend's house and sat down at their kitchen table. I treat all my customers like family, ensuring they feel welcome and are happy with their purchases. Some of my customers have truly become good friends!
You can also expect high quality products made with the highest quality materials I can find. I take great care to meticulously create each piece and ensure every product that leaves my studio meets my high expectations. There is no mass production here! Because my products are handmade from natural materials, imperfections do happen. However, I use those imperfections in a way that they become a feature instead of looking like a mistake - just like our own human imperfections are a part of us!
Where Do Your Materials Come From?
I pride myself on ethically sourcing the materials that go into making my products. When possible, I source my materials from other small businesses. All of the leather, wood, and acrylic you see in my store is purchased from small business suppliers, and some of the wire and charm components as well. It is important to me that I build a sustainable business that supports other small business owners as well. We are all building our dreams, and my philosophy is community over competition.
Fun Facts About Me:
- I love dogs and would have more if my husband let me! We have two rescue dogs - one is a German Shepherd/Mutt mix, and the other is a German Shepherd/Husky mix and yes she is absolutely insane LOL.
- I'm an avid football fan, as is the rest of my family. We are all huge Penn State fans and most of my family went to Penn State. I'm also a big Steelers fan.
- I have a degree in music education and taught elementary and preschool music and chorus for 13 years!
- One my biggest loves is music theater! I used to play professionally in pit orchestras, and would love to again someday. My favorite musical of all time is Phantom of the Opera.
- I grew up in Hershey, PA - yes where they make the chocolate! I also spent 11 summers working at Hersheypark which was the best summer job ever.
- I'm an extreme extrovert who loves meeting new people. I am very passionate and will be your biggest cheerleader. I want everyone to succeed!
- I'm also very passionate about mental health, which has led me to pursue a career in social work. I volunteer in mental health ministry at my church.
- I speak fluent sarcasm and never miss an opportunity for a good dose of snark!
- Coffee is my love language. Give me a good latte at a local coffee shop with a friend any day.