Walking up to Rose Beerhorst’s booth at The Market on First Fridays in June, her bright, circular rugs with tasteful bold patterns immediately caught my eye. They have that cozy, handmade feel that would bring warmth and folky style to any room. Rose tells me that her goods are made almost exclusively from recycled fabrics, and she finds it exciting to turn something old and forgotten into something new and special.
Rose manages her own small business called Brave Hand Textiles where she sells he a variety of patchwork goods, like quilts, scarves, and bags, along with her beautiful rugs. Growing up in a family of artists, Rose has always been compelled to create and her entrepreneurial ambition began from a very young age. When asked what kinds of challenges she faces running her own business, Rose says that promotion takes a lot of time and effort. Taxes and book keeping are also challenges but she absolutely loves making a career through art. For people who are interested in starting their own small business, Rose advises, “Try to focus on becoming less dependent on money rather then make more of it.”
Check out her work on August 1st at The Market on First Fridays! Also, be sure to visit her website, blog, and facebook page!
More about Rose:
What is your favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids?
“I really love Harmony Brewing Company. It's really close to my house and there pizza with balsamic vinegar is incredible!”
What movie/documentary do you recommend?
"I just watched a beautiful documentary called "The Source Family" that chronicles the rise and fall of a late 60's early 70's hippie cult. I am fascinated by fringe religious movements."
Who is another vendor that inspires you?
"I am very inspired by Eliza Fernand who just recently left California to live in GR. She is an amazing textile artist, teacher, and my hero."
As we count down to The Market on First Fridays in August, look out for a new article every Wednesday! Learn about a participating vendor every week in July in the Vendor Spotlight Series.
The Avenue for the Arts is a neighborhood title for the South Division commercial corridor. We are residential, commercial and nonprofit groups working together in a creative community. We are residents in Heartside, and active participants in shaping change in our neighborhood. In 2005, we choose the Avenue for the Arts as a title to represent our commercial corridor and the projects and events that we create. Because the Avenue is powered by volunteers guest writers create our Rapidian content. Special thanks to Leah Burke, Avenue member and writer for her coverage of "The Market on First Fridays"
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.