Photo by Darin Kamnetz
True style tells a story. We found no less when diving into the worlds of five Minnesota makers whose exquisite craftsmanship and unique vision captivate us. These artists seamlessly blend cultural tradition with modern aesthetics, each object a testament to their personal journey and a joy to behold. They don’t just create; they narrate, ensuring every piece tells a compelling tale—theirs, and eventually, yours. Discover the beauty of objects imbued with meaning and celebrate the artistry thriving right here at home.
Sai Chang, Misai
Sai Chang, the visionary behind jewelry and accessory brand Misai, is weaving a narrative steeped in heritage and heart. As the daughter of Hmong refugees, Chang crafts a heartfelt ode to the Hmong craftswomen and makers of the 1980s and ’90s—the mothers, aunties, and grandmas, including her own mother, who meticulously crafted ornaments to support their families. “My own mother would enlist my help in selling these to teachers by sending me to school with a few in my backpack,” Chang says.
Now, as Chang reflects on her lived experiences decades later, she truly has come to appreciate and love her culture. Her unique process involves transforming recycled paper into delicate gems or triangle beads, tightly wrapped with embroidery floss to create a signature herringbone pattern. This intricate, handmade approach revitalizes a decades-old craft, bringing it to the forefront as wearable art. For Chang, Misai is a bridge, introducing curious individuals to an untold story, adding color and joy to their lives while honoring her roots. Her vision extends to sharing this knowledge and facilitating workshops that continue to honor her mother’s legacy.
PHOTO BY DARIN KAMNETZ
Candace LaCrosse, Hemlocks Leatherworks
Candace LaCrosse, modern shoemaker and owner of Hemlocks Leatherworks, crafts more than just shoes; she creates enduring pieces born from a profound respect for process and material. Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, an ethos of resourcefulness was instilled in LaCrosse from a young age, sparking a lifelong fascination with making. For LaCrosse, it was simple: If an ideal design didn’t exist, she’d simply create it.
Today, her work—from intricate shoemaking to bags, accessories, and other leather pieces—emphasizes the “magic” in the unseen layers of handmade items. LaCrosse creates with the vision of bringing joy, crafting pieces that will transform with their wearers through years of adventures—becoming beloved, personalized extensions of their lives. “Ultimately, I hope that seeing a handmade item serves as a reminder of the skill and labor involved in creation, something we might often take for granted in our modern consumer culture,” LaCrosee explains.
After closing her Duluth brick-and-mortar in May, LaCrosse is now prioritizing her quiet making process, with hopes to leave a legacy of well-made, cherished items—a testament to her skill and mindful approach to consumption.
PHOTO BY DARIN KAMNETZ
Angie Hall Sandifer, Angie’s Hats
Angie Hall Sandifer, founder of Angie’s Hats, stumbled into millinery not by design, but by destiny. A childhood spent admiring her mother’s elegant, perfectly matched church ensembles—complete with a stunning hat—sparked an unspoken appreciation for sartorial artistry. When a corporate layoff in 2003 unexpectedly offered a fresh start, Sandifer, driven by a pure desire to create, found her true calling.
photo by Darin Kamnetz
She honed her skills under a master milliner, embracing the meticulous, handblocked process that sets her 90% one-of-a-kind hats apart from machine-made alternatives. For Sandifer, a beautifully designed and well-fitted hat is a “joy factor,” a powerful statement for the wearer. She envisions her creations gracing individuals with natural elegance and finds true connection with discerning hat lovers who appreciate bespoke craftsmanship and the unique narrative each piece tells. Angie understands her customer base: “There are some serious hat lovers out there, and there is nothing like them. Hat lovers know what they want, know what looks good on them, and they appreciate a well-made hat.” Looking ahead, Sandifer hopes to share her passion through hat-themed events and instruction, empowering others to discover the transformative power of a perfectly crafted hat.
Madison Rae Holler, Rubinski Works
Madison Holler of Rubinski Works crafts jewelry that’s more than adornment; it’s a conduit for cultural connection and well-being. With deep roots in both her Scandinavian and Anishinaabe heritage, Holler finds profound therapy in beadwork, viewing it as medicine. She hopes her creations offer a similar healing experience to all who wear them.
Her design voice is shaped by a commitment to mindful consumption and ethical production. Holler meticulously sources materials with environmental protection in mind, and prioritizes local businesses run by people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and women. Her unique pieces, a captivating marriage of metalsmith techniques and intricate beadwork, are intended for everyone. Holler champions education and support for Indigenous communities, urging wearers to understand the land they occupy. She aims to continue honoring her mixed ancestry and supporting social justice through art.
When asked who she creates for Madsion elaborates, “Any and all people willing to walk with us are welcome to wear my goods. All my items are intended to be worn by Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks alike. Appreciating Indigenous artwork comes with the opportunity and responsibility of educating yourself on the Native land you occupy and its people and their experiences, learning the challenges they may face and ways to support their communities.”
PHOTO BY DARIN KAMNETZ
Ger Xiong
Ger Xiong, the artist behind his namesake brand, weaves profound dialogues on cultural identity into the threads of his embroidery artwork. Through his Hmong American lens, Xiong’s work navigates themes of history, displacement, and reclamation, drawing deeply from Hmong textiles, patterns, and symbols.
Xiong sees his creations as a space for grief, contemplation, and the powerful act of reclaiming erased stories. His unique process blends traditional Hmong arts with contemporary expressions, reimagining Hmong craft through metalsmithing, textiles, and performance. Xiong believes that his work connects with the wearer by telling a shared story. “I hope that many folks can use and experience the works that I create, that Hmong and non-Hmong folks can connect to the themes of my work. I think that’s the power of jewelry and adornment works, that when you’re wearing it, you can share what the history is behind the creation of the work.”
PHOTO BY DARIN KAMNETZ
