Online shopping is rarely optimized for building relationships with other artists and customers.
Solia Hermes and Juli Hudson are two local artists who have taken the initiative and opened their own boutique on Capitol Hill, a small start to building community and helping support local artists showcase their work.
Having customers experience E Aloha’s Spark and Thread in person has created a positive impact for the artists to see people appreciate their work and the creations of others featured in the small store.
“Online you’re searching for things versus in person you see all kinds of things that you didn’t expect.” Hudson said. “Meeting the artist changes the relationship people have with the art.”
Both owners have enjoyed seeing customers go on a journey of discovery — even in such a tiny shop.
“People come in and just talk,” Hudson said. “Sometimes people are there for half an hour and we’re just having conversations. I love it, it’s really nice to get to know people.”
Spark and Thread features both two dimensional and three dimensional work such as mixed media, jewelry, furniture, and more. The work is hand — and Seattle — made.
“What we’re combining is more of a crafts feel so we can represent more than just paintings,” Hermes said. “It’s a living art space. You can feel the space. You can live in it.”
By creating this balance between craft and art, Hermes and Hudson have been able to create functional art that serves a purpose in people’s homes.
They have also added to the activity around 19th Ave E’s slowly growing restaurant and retail scene. Things are picking up. This quieter side of Capitol Hill recently added Seatown Pottery, a 24-hour pottery studio. Meanwhile, art gallery AMcE Creative Arts joined the neighborhood in the summer of 2021.
As artists, business owners, and moms, Hermes and Hudson have had to juggle their roles since Spark and Thread opened just in time for the 2021 holiday season. Although it comes with its challenges, they both have really enjoyed doing all three.
“It creates more organization in my life because I have to be very organized with my time,” Hermes said. “It promotes me to create and I think that’s been very positive for me.”
“It’s not as inspiring to keep creating when you don’t have anywhere to put it or anything to do with it,” Hudson said. “We’re constantly needing to fill space in the shop so it’s really motivating.”
Initially, both Hermes and Hudson stayed home to raise their kids. Being moms has shown them the importance of doing something outside being a parent. They think it’s important for all moms to put themselves first because moms are often busy taking care of everyone else.
As a woman-owned small business, they hope Spark and Thread will thrive as it reaches its second Christmas season and serve as a good example for their kids and community while also connecting people with art and gifts.
December 8th, the shop will host an artists reception for its holiday show and sale which continues through December 24th — a great time to meet the artists and creators from Spark and Thread in person.
Spark and Thread is located at 1909 E Aloha. Learn more at sparkandthread.store.
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