Chattanooga is ripe with creative talent. Whether you are perusing the Chattanooga Market or looking for a professional to elevate an event, there is no shortage of creatives with unique offerings. This month, we have the privilege of highlighting five local makers you should know.
Dannita Noble
Owner, Dannita Noble Fine Art
When you first lay eyes on Dannita, it’s obvious she’s an artist as her bright, cheery personality is reflected in her artwork. Acrylics and oils swirl around her canvases in vibrant, abstract strokes.
The confidence and definitive style of Dannita’s work would suggest she’d been a professional artist for years, but this journey is a new one for her. Like many others, she was encouraged to pursue her passion in 2020 during the pandemic. At the time, she worked in a medical office and used painting as a way to decompress during seasons of high stress. Her employer at the time was her first customer, buying one of her paintings to help create a relaxing atmosphere for her patients. Now, she’s creating art full-time.
You can find Dannita's work in hotels, medical offices, and murals around the city, including a new mural at Orchard Knob Middle School.
Instagram: @dannita_the_artista | photo: Christin Sofka Photography
Cassidy Davidson
Owner, That’s So Fringe
Want some color, depth, and texture for your next event? Then you need That’s So Fringe.
Cassidy Davidson has built a business around crafting unique designs to make events stand out. Her fringe backgrounds can be found at birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and even corporate events.
Fringe became a way of life for Cassidy as she prepped for her daughter’s first birthday. She was looking for a fun, festive way to make the day memorable and stumbled upon the idea of fringe on Pinterest. Shortly after, a friend posted her work on Facebook and the rest was history. Now, That's So Fringe offers custom backdrops on Etsy or directly through Instagram.
Cassidy loves collaborating with other vendors to make a vision come together, but her favorite part is seeing her clients’ reactions.
Instagram: @thatssofringe | photo: Wander Moore Photography
Chris Shaw
Owner, Final Flash Productions
What do Volkswagen, Bellanomi Skincare, Chattanooga Ballet, and Cocoa Asante all have in common? They’ve all asked Chris Shaw of Final Flash Productions to capture stunning images and videos for their businesses.
More than a photographer, Chris looks at his work as storytelling. When working with Chris, clients get a unique experience where the product tells the story. “We look to collaborate with our clients in order to truly create a unique product that tells your story and targets the audience needed to elevate your brand," Shaw comments.
Chris' work features playful use of focus, light, and color. The end results are impressive, eye-catching photos that demand attention. His work has been featured in the Hunter Museum and continues to be a testament to how storytelling is a cornerstone of meaningful photography.
Instagram: @finalflashphoto | photo: Final Flash Productions
Camila & Vanessa
Co-Owners, Vanessa Nicole Jewelry
Imagine being nine years old and pursuing your dream of crafting and selling on Etsy. That’s how Vanessa Nicole Jewelry got its start in 2019.
Now co-owners, the mother and daughter team of Camila and Vanessa sell their polymer clay jewelry on Etsy, in local shops such as Grit and Grace, and at local markets.
Their designs range from floral to rustic and can be worn as earrings or pendants. Camila explains their love of working with polymer grew in 2020 as they began experimenting with the medium. “We truly enjoy working with polymer clay because it allows us to create any design we can imagine with endless possibilities.”
Each design is handmade and unique, which is probably why their designs have been shipped to every state in the United States. Camila and Vanessa love selling their jewelry at markets as it gives them a chance to meet their customers face-to-face. But Camila is most interested in watching her daughter’s passion for hard work flourish. Not only is Vanessa growing her entrepreneurial spirit, but the small business has been fortunate enough to regularly donate part of their sales to various organizations dedicated to empowering girls worldwide.
Instagram: @vanessanicolejewelry | photo: Christin Sofka Photography
Kaitlyn Willow
Owner, Kait Makes
Kaitlyn Willow of Kait Makes offers a truly unique experience by providing chain-stitch embroidery on the spot. The centuries-old technique gets an update with Kait’s fun and fresh patterns, free-handed in front of customers’ eyes. Her favorite part about live chain stitching is the “embroidery magic,” as she calls it. “I’m able to take an ordinary bandana and transform it into a lifelong heirloom right before a customer's eyes.
In addition to live chain stitching, Kait also bolsters the Chattanooga art/creative scene. Her 2023 Galentine’s Social had over 400 attendees and provided several local vendors the opportunity to expand their customer reach. You can find Kait at events around Chattanooga and abroad.
Instagram: @whatkaitmakes | photo: Rachel Joy Barehl
