October 2025

October 11, 2025

Behind the scenes of our small business(es)

 

Things have been busy around elSage & Valley Made. We closed out the 2025 Outdoor Season of Valley Made Market with a very PNW rainy day. The tunes were great and attendance was solid given the weather. From there we jumped right into holiday market coordination. We're so excited to be at a NEW LOCATION this year! Hillcrest Lodge inside Hillcrest Park is right in the heart of Mount Vernon & close to Downtown and our shop. You can make a day of our holiday markets with downtown eating before or after and a stroll through the park or shopping Mainstreet as well as the market. Hillcrest Lodge is ADA accessible, the rental fee supports Mount Vernon Parks & Rec, and it has ample parking and easy access to I-5. We cannot wait for all 3 holiday shows. Each one is a little different with varied vendor line ups and makers coming from just down the street and as far as Montana + Portland Oregon! 

 

Our shop is dancing between new creations from us (click here for the latest elSage) and custom projects for local farms, theatre groups, shops, unions, special gifts, workwear, and one ode to a lost pet. We are thrilled to be working with so many amazing people. If you have a custom design and/or printing project that you want to bring to life, click here start a conversation about working with us.

 

With the kids back in school, Jonathan and I have snuck in some date days and personal adventures. We've soaked up what feels like the last of the sun with bike rides and long walks. Our family recently went to Moana Jr. at The Lincoln Theatre -- I am constantly amazed by the talent and rich community of Skagit Valley. Bravo to TAG on another production well done. Next up for most of our family is opening night at Evil Dead. Our oldest is stage managing the production and we are so excited to see it! (Note: this is a 17+ production). If you're interested in tickets and information click here.

 

We've been leaning into joy, art, community, & connection. We're staying busy with things that excite us and hope you are too. The US news cycle is grim but I hold out hope that this is the death rattle/last power grab of the extreme right and that we're headed for a pendulum swing towards community care, logical governing, and far less drama. The next protest is a week from today on October 18th, you can find more information by clicking here. 

 

Upcoming dates:

Election Day November 4th (are you registered to vote?)

Valley Made Holiday Market #1 November 15-16

Small Business Saturday November 29th

Valley Made Holiday Market #2 December 6-7

Valley Made Holiday Market #3 December 20-21

 

That's all for now! Thanks for reading, and for being part of our community. We are ever-grateful for the opportunity to do the work that we do!

Joyfully,

Phoebe