Do It: Vote For Local Makers in Martha Stewart's American Made Competition

Detroit has an abundance of talent when it comes to professionals that created a way of life through quality craftsmanship and unique goods. American Made is a competition that is looking to shine a spotlight on these local artists, entrepreneurs, and designers to promote local shopping and improving local communities. We are in a time where local businesses are starting to be sought out more so than a mini-mall and we couldn’t be more excited. This competition is a phenomenal way to bring light to the bustling, developing city of Detroit and all the talent within. 

Every year, Martha Stewart Living celebrates these small-business owners, designers, and entrepreneurs in the world of food, style, design, and handmade goods by featuring them in an American Made Awards. Local designers and makers such as Detroit Denim, Co., Alchemy Detroit, Owen & Abby, Joseph Wesley Black Tea, Bon Bon Bon, Smith Shop, Firebrand Candle Company, and Lazlo are nominated and go through a selection process. Public voting has started for the Audience Choice Award Winner, and voting continues until 12 a.m. on October 19, with the winner announced on October 23, 2015. Visit the website now to cast your vote for some of the best local designers and creators around, and help support local businesses!

Pashon Murray of Detroit Dirt was the 2014 Food Winner, and Murray wants to become an engine for the urban waste recovery movement by repurposing waste to rebuild Detroit and this competition helped her do that. Since winning this award Detroit Dirt has really built a name for itself. The publicity from this competition really jumpstarted the business and led it to grow over the past year. By going online and voting for local designers and creators we can spread awareness of the overflowing fountain of talent in metro Detroit. Visit the American Made website to cast your vote.

Local Designer is a 2015 Martha Stewart American Made Nominee

For a few years now, Martha Stewart has spotlighted, supported and celebrated handmade goods from around the country with the Martha Stewart American Made competition. This year, Detroit's very own Alchemy Detroit is a 2015 Martha Stewart American Made nominee, and the voting begins Monday, September 21!

Image from Alchemy Detroit

"From Detroit to Des Moines, Spokane to St. Louis, people are choosing Main Street over mini-malls—supporting the local and the handmade," says the people of Martha Stewart American Made, and we have to agree with them.

Alchemy Detroit is a menswear-inspired brand for women started in 2013, creating classic blazers, t shirts and scarves for women who have that kind of style, or want something chic to wear in the workplace. Shelley Van Riper of Alchemy Detroit currently works out of an at-home office and space in her husband's warehouse (lucky lady!).

Image from Alchemy Detroit

"Born in Detroit, Alchemy stands for personal originality and ingenuity," says Shelley, when asked about what American Made means to her. "Alchemy allows women to celebrate their unique individuality by striving to offer timeless garments made from the highest quality fabrics and an emphasis on detailed American craftsmanship."

Nominees of the 2015 Martha Stewart American Made competition will be reviewed and judged by the editors of Martha Stewart Living magazine, and an audience vote. The winners will be announced October 23, 2015, and will win a trip for two to New York to attend the American Made Event at Martha Stewart Living headquarters, $10,000 to help grow the business and a chance to be featured on the American Made Market.

Image from Alchemy Detroit

Past Audience Choice award winners include Chase Allen of The Iron Fish by Chase Allen in Daufuskie Island, S.C., in 2014, Mary Kowal & Leo Kowal of SVGCUTS in St. Charles, Ill., in 2013 and Brian Howell of The Bee Man Candle Company in Canastota, N.Y., in 2012.

For more information about Alchemy Detroit and Martha Stewart American Made Awards, go to Martha Stewart's website. Don't forget to mark your calendars to vote for our local designer!