December 12, 2017

Laurel Dagnillo Touches Hearts through her Artwork

December 12, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Laurel Dagnillo Touches Hearts through her Artwork

Many ask Laurel Dagnillo how long she has been an artist. The answer is simple: All her life.

Laurel was a quiet, shy kid growing up and spent many hours drawing alone. Art quickly became her best friend – a friendship she maintained through devotion (and practice). Her dedication began paying off even while she was still in high school as she sold her pieces as a way to make extra money.

As she got older, Laurel studied with some of the best local artists she could find and continually refined her skills. Her art education stems solely from teachings from her mentors, fellow artists and experience without any formal college training.

December 10, 2017

Find your Groove at Funkytown Fitness

December 10, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Find your Groove at Funkytown Fitness

The “Funkytown Fairytale” began more than seven years ago when Beth Morucci approached Heidi Pidcock, her friend and co-worker at the St. Augustine YMCA, and asked her if she’d be interested in opening an exclusive, group fitness studio.

Having owned and managed a comprehensive fitness facility for 17 years, Beth recognized her friend’s talent, skill set and amazing following and felt confident they could build an incredibly successful partnership.

After months of planning and ultimately settling on a location, Funkytown Fitness opened its door in the Riverside Plaza on 312 in November of 2013. However, in order to meet the growing demand of clients and classes, they were quickly forced to relocate to a space twice as large and moved into their current home, a 4,000-square-foot space on Southpark Blvd.

December 04, 2017

Jelly Press Depicts Memories through Hand-Drawn Paper Goods

December 04, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Jelly Press Depicts Memories through Hand-Drawn Paper Goods

A palm branch is a symbol of victory and triumph. So, it’s not too surprising that palm trees ultimately led Chelsea Preston to create Jelly Press, her successful business featuring hand-illustrated stationery and watercolor prints.

Growing up, Chelsea Preston drew everything. Her mom was artistic and encouraged a creative environment at home. (Her CPA father would have preferred she focus on becoming a doctor or something more practical.)

Chelsea excelled in all of her art classes and art became her primary focus in high school. Specifically, she drew endless doodles of palm trees - probably because she grew up in Kentucky and loved vacationing in Florida. The word “endless” is not used lightly… she really drew a LOT of palm trees. This obsession actually resulted in Chelsea being banned from drawing palm trees in her high school art class. To this day, there is a “no palm trees allowed” sign on the door in her high school’s art room.

December 03, 2017

JMC Boutique Handcrafts the Simple Things for Life

December 03, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

JMC Boutique Handcrafts the Simple Things for Life

The need to manage four girls’ hair will motivate a mother to do just about anything to make life easier.

While anyone who has daughters can attest to this daily struggle, this is an over-simplification of why Chamane Williams created JMC Boutique.

Chamane’s start to making natural care products was actually not personally motivated at all. A friend came to her needing help with a small soap-making business. Her friend taught her the basics and then Chamane took a few classes to advance her skills. But what Chamane ultimately learned was more than how to make soap – she discovered a love for creating with her hands like nothing she had ever experienced.

[Now enter Chamane’s daughters into the equation.] As Chamane was mastering her soap-making skills, she found herself always buying lotion for her girls. So, she thought to herself, if she can make soap, why not make lotion? [And now enter four daughters’ hair into the equation.] And if she can make lotion, why not make conditioner?

December 01, 2017

Anni Frohlich Makes Art to Wear

December 01, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Anni Frohlich Makes Art to Wear

Armed with a treasure chest of watches, baubles and repurposed found objects, Anni Frohlich gives castaways a new life through her original jewelry.

Anni uses her 29-year collection to create art to wear that falls into the steampunk genre. Her unique pieces do not always have a new finished appearance which is part of their charm and what characterizes them as vintage or upcycled.

Anni’s journey as an artist began more than two decades ago. It was a point in time when what is now considered “reuse and re-purposing” was commonly referred to as “recycling.” At that time, the trend was on the cusp of becoming more recognized and more importantly, appreciated.

November 30, 2017

Billy Bob Creations Handcrafts Smiles

November 30, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Billy Bob Creations Handcrafts Smiles

Bob Carberry’s love of putting a smile on the faces of his wife and children is how Billy Bob Creations got its start.

A native of St. Augustine, Bob moved back to his beloved hometown after graduating from Florida State University and started a family. Always the tinkerer, Bob would pick up sticks, leaves, acorns and other natural items and carve out or draw silly faces on them to amuse his wife and children.

It all began about three years ago with a palm frond. Bob was in the park watching his girls play when he picked-up a palm frond off the ground. With his trusty knife, he began carving a face. He showed it to his girls and they giggled with delight (Bob’s intended reaction), and exclaimed that it looked like a cartoon character they liked named Billy. Bob brought it home and his wife liked it so much she hung it on the wall. From that point on, anytime Bob created something with a face, they were known as “Billy”.

November 29, 2017

Enjoy Fantastic Food with a View at The Reef

November 29, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Enjoy Fantastic Food with a View at The Reef

Fresh food, fun atmosphere and fabulous flavor in one of the most spectacular oceanfront settings in Northeast Florida… The Reef has it all.

To complement this oceanfront vista, Chef Bob Henle has created a menu primarily of fish and seafood balanced with beef, poultry, pasta and creative specials that are always fresh and locally-sourced whenever possible. The Reef’s award-winning Sunday brunch features a carving station, fresh omelets and eggs benedict, made to order. And the restaurant’s oceanfront bar is renowned for its Happy Hour.

General Manager Jeremy Ticehurst says it has always been his vision since joining The Reef in 2003 to create an experience inside the restaurant to match the fabulous view outside. He adds this is no small feat when up against Mother Nature and her finest.

November 27, 2017

Bring Home the Saltwater’s Edge

November 27, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Bring Home the Saltwater’s Edge

Growing up at the saltwater’s edge has shaped Minnette Baker and Brandy Hollingsworth’s style in repurposing found items and creating one-of-a-kind home accents.

Minnette and Brandy are true locals with family roots dating back to St. Augustine’s first settlers. They are inspired by the beauty of the nation’s oldest city that surrounds them daily. They strive to make creations with an organic and relaxed feel, while still being a little funky and unique.

The mother-daughter duo humbly started repurposing, revitalizing and refreshing furniture and other objects years ago as a means to redecorate on a shoestring budget. It has since turned into a life practice as well as a flourishing endeavor known as Saltwaters Edge Studio.

November 22, 2017

Frog Song Organics Provides More than Amazing Produce

November 22, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Frog Song Organics Provides More than Amazing Produce

When John Bitter and Amy Van Scoik started Frog Song Organics in 2011 they had a vision to accomplish farming with the “triple bottom line”: respect for human, ecological and economic resources.

With the help from family, friends and neighbors, who worked in trade for food, Frog Song Organics has grown from two planted acres to managing more than 60 acres.

They grow more than 80 types of produce, herbs, fruits and flowers, mainly in the field and also in several greenhouses/hoophouses. Certified organic since 2012, Frog Song Organics grows everything in soil for full flavor and do not utilize hydroponics.

Beyond the foods they grow, John and Amy raise egg-laying hens and recently started a pasture pork program. Frog Song Organics also produces value-added goods such as jams and fermented foods like kimchi and pickles.

November 21, 2017

Yo Dog Designs Captures the Young Artist

November 21, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Yo Dog Designs Captures the Young Artist

Rebecca D’Elena is a local artist who is passionate about more than just creating her own work. She shares her love of art by inspiring children to find their inner artist.

As a mother, Rebecca has always encouraged her sons to draw, equipping them with a creative space and proper drawing materials. Over the years, she watched her sons’ pictures bloom and develop. Impressed by their imaginative line drawings - coupled with the difficulty of finding artistic T-shirts for kids – Rebecca decided to make her own shirts using her kids’ crazy illustrations. And so, Yo Dog Designs was born.

November 18, 2017

Sprout Kitchen Delivers Delicious Meals to Nourish the Mind, Body and Soul

November 18, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Sprout Kitchen Delivers Delicious Meals to Nourish the Mind, Body and Soul

Food that makes you feel good. That’s what Sprout Kitchen is providing St. Augustine’s residents and businesses through its plant-based meal, juice and smoothie delivery program.

The weekly delivery service to home or work makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle while consuming nutrient-dense and delicious meals. Sprout Kitchen’s products are 100% whole-food, plant-based, non-GMO, gluten free as well as organic and locally-sourced when possible.

“My passion has always been to educate people that healthy food can also be delicious and flavorful,” explains Forrest Masters, owner and chef of Sprout Kitchen. “I like to say we should all ‘Eat Pretty!’ Food should be bright, vibrant and beautiful. The wider array of colors you eat, the more nutrients you get.”

November 17, 2017

Cultivated with Love

November 17, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Cultivated with Love

What stemmed from a passion for nature and gardening combined with an interest in cooking and creating in the kitchen has grown into what we now know as Cultivate Tea & Spice Co.

When Jon Veniard began blending unique spices and tea leafs, it was purely as a hobby. But after continued positive reactions from everyone who sampled his creations, he became convinced he should be selling his loose leaf tea and culinary spice blends.

November 14, 2017

Forging the Future

November 14, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Forging the Future

Becoming a blacksmith started as something much simpler for Cameron Fisher.

Nearly 15 years ago, Cameron when to farrier school to further his knowledge on shoeing horses. While his job as a farrier was rewarding in its own right, what he developed over time was a true love for the craft of blacksmithing.

At an event, Cameron met a blacksmith who took the time to explain how and what he does and the two developed a relationship based on the exchange ideas and knowledge. His mentor allowed Cameron to make mistakes (and there were many!) and used them as teaching tools. Under his guidance, Cameron learned the skills needed to craft items in a style that has long been forgotten.

November 13, 2017

Your Search for the Perfect Tomato is Over

November 13, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Your Search for the Perfect Tomato is Over

Sheldon Morrison’s quest for a good old-fashioned great tasting tomato and his wife Wanda’s desire for a greenhouse led the Morrisons to a solution that not only satisfied them both – but is delighting St. Augustine’s chefs and residents.

Although Sheldon grew up on a farm, he didn’t start farming on his own until retirement. After his first crop of tomatoes, Sheldon toyed with the idea of selling to restaurants. He talked to local chefs and found out what they wanted. What he discovered was a solid demand for locally-grown tomatoes. Not long after, Sheldon founded Morrison Tomato Farm under the premise of providing the finest tomatoes for the finest chefs.

Without realizing it, you may have already tried the fruits of his labor while dining at local restaurants like Blackfly, Collage, Michael’s Tasting Room and Meehan’s.

November 12, 2017

See What the Buzz is about at Made in St. Augustine

November 12, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

See What the Buzz is about at Made in St. Augustine

Danielle Brooks loves drinking tea – especially with honey. One day, she had the thought of how awesome it would be to have her own hive from which to harvest.

Her interest piqued, Danielle set out to determine just what it would take to make her own honey. So, she checked out every book available from the library and learned all she could about bees and keeping them. She prepped her property including jumping through hoops to keep them in her deed-restricted community.

Once the stage was set, Danielle added her name to a list to get a beehive. And she waited. She likens the experience to an adoption. She says, “You can only prepare to a certain extent and then you just wait for the call that your beehive is in.”

November 09, 2017

Rype and Readi Fills Your Plate and Delights your Palate

November 09, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Rype and Readi Fills Your Plate and Delights your Palate

Located in St. Augustine’s historic Lincolnville, Rype & Readi Downtown Farm Market provides for area residents, local chefs – as well as those who aspire to be – and truly anyone who enjoys high quality, locally-sourced food.

Upon arrival at the Riberia Street location, visitors are immediately transported to a European village marketplace filled with an array of fresh, locally-grown and organic vegetables you might be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Each season brings its own specialties to the market: strawberries, cherries and asparagus in spring and early summer; blueberries and melons later in the summer; mushrooms, apples and pears in autumn; and oranges, nuts and root vegetables in the winter.

November 08, 2017

Experience Artful Global Dining at Collage of St. Augustine

November 08, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Experience Artful Global Dining at Collage of St. Augustine

When dining at Collage, be prepared for a first-class, award-winning experience.

The menu reflects the eclectic tastes of owners Mike Hyatt and Cindy Stangby and focuses on fresh local seafood, steaks, lamb, chicken, veal and pastas using international flavor profiles. Add to that an extensive wine list with bottles perfectly suited for Collage’s dishes and sure to please every palate.

The kitchen staff, under the watchful eye of Chef Matt Brown, prepares dishes from scratch daily using the finest and freshest ingredients available. As much as possible, Collage uses fish from local waters and produce from nearby farms. While Collage isn’t afraid to try something new, most of the restaurant’s dishes are original recipes that have been refined over the years.

November 07, 2017

Pockets of Sage: To Catch What Life Throws at Us

November 07, 2017/ Made in St Augustine/ Made In STA

Pockets of Sage: To Catch What Life Throws at Us

After graduating from Flagler College, Sarah Ponce’s life took a track familiar to many of us. She got married, worked from home and started a family.

Caught up in the day-to-day, Sarah realized she didn’t have a hobby. Her life consisted of caregiving in her home childcare business and some occasional gardening and house painting.

In a quest for a hobby, Sarah began taking sewing lessons at night and making clothes for her newborn baby. However, as that baby grew into a little person, her daughter soon preferred a wardrobe filled with the latest styles from Target.