WESTFIELD-For business owner Jennifer Doser, she is grateful for the businesses that have supported her by showcasing her Relax. Rinse. Repeat. products over the past few years – especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic this year which has wreaked havoc with so many small businesses.
“All of our shows this year except for a partial season at the Westfield Farmers’ Market have been canceled so we have definitely felt that being a small business trying to support a family,” said Doser. “We have tried to focus on extending the stores that currently offer our products as well as focus on our online presence.”
Currently, Doser’s products are featured in the Greater Westfield area at Pilgrim Candle, Westfield Feed, Choice Health, Camp K-9, Four Elements Salon & Spa and Coward Farms.
Jennifer Doser of Westfield sells her Relax. Rinse. Repeat products throughout the region – including at several local businesses. (JENNIFER DOSER PHOTO)
“The heart behind my company is to handcraft quality products in small batches that you can trust to be safe, effective, and affordable for your entire family,” said Doser, adding, “We even have products for your furry friends.”
Her current “best sellers” include a Germ-Busting Hand Sanitizer Spray, Stress Away Rub, and Room and Linen Sprays.
“Our holiday scents include Gingerbread and Christmas Wreath,” she said.
Doser noted her products are “cruelty free” and made with the highest grade essential oils, clays, butters, and other organic ingredients.
“We believe natural products should be affordable but also have a heart behind them,” she said. “We are happy to donate over 10% of every purchase to Autism Speaks and other local charities.”
With 2021 now in sight, Doser is bullish on her plans for the future.
“We hope to expand our current product offerings in 2021 and offer our customers even more products to love,” she said.
For Bev Donnachie, she too has featured her work at the Westfield Farmers’ Market for years, and has since branched out to other locations.
Artisan Bev Donnachie of Westfield has her hobby horses featured at the Noble and Cooley Museum and Gift Shop in Granville. (BEV DONNACHIE PHOTO)
“Pilgrim Candle in Westfield has some of my pillows, towels, face masks and aprons, and I recently brought my hobby horses and dog bone wreaths to the Noble and Cooley Museum and Gift Shop in Granville,” said Donnachie, adding she also has a variety of handmade items at Outside The Box Gift Shop in Ludlow, and a variety of mitten sets at Coward Farms in Southwick.
Donnachie is best known in the area for her wool mittens which are made from old wool sweaters.
“I recycle wool sweaters, shrink them and cut them up,” she said, adding, “no two mittens are alike.”
Donnachie said she misses participating in the craft fairs this year.
Handmade mittens are a trademark of Bev Donnachie of Westfield, and she is currently selling them at Coward Farms in Southwick. (BEV DONNACHIE PHOTO)
“Participating in the Harvest Fair in Granville last year went so well,” she said. “I am also thankful that people are calling after taking my business card while at the Westfield Farmers’ Market this year.”
For Mark Lisowski of Mark’s Wooden Creations and the president of a local wood turning club, his craft work is currently available at the Pottery Cellar at The Mill at Crane Pond. He also enjoys working on special requests.
“I’ve been a hobby woodworker for almost my whole life, learning what I know from my father,” said Lisowski. “Since retiring from the corporate IT world, I decided to try the craft fair route. Right now the focus is on the upcoming holiday crafts.”
A sampling of wood creations by Mark Lisowski of Mark’s Wooden Creations are on sale at the Pottery Cellar at The Mill at Crane Pond. (MARK LISOWSKI PHOTO)
Joanne Bigelow of Jojo’s Rustic Remnants, whose work is also featured at the Pottery Cellar, enjoys making large outdoor decor including giant wreaths, life-size sleighs and toboggans at this time of year.
Joanne Bigelow has a wide variety of holiday creations for sale at the Pottery Cellar at The Mill at Crane Pond, including this colorful mailbox featuring a bear. (JOANNE BIGELOW PHOTO)
“I truly enjoy repurposing older items and making something new and unexpected with them,” said Bigelow. “The larger outdoor decor can be easily seen from the street and really makes a statement to your home.”
For small business owners seeking more exposure for their products and services, Lesley Weber Lambert, administrator of the We Love Westfield Community Forum Facebook page, welcomes postings on “Westfield Small Biz Saturday.” On occasion, she noted a “Tout Tuesday” posting can also be found on the Facebook page.
Joanne Bigelow enjoys making large decorations for the holidays – including this snowshoe creation. Her work can be found at the Pottery Cellar at The Mill at Crane Pond. (JOANNE BIGELOW PHOTO)
