Wander. Experience. Create
Bad Apple is a one-woman printed apparel and handmade accessory brand based on Martha’s Vineyard, the small island I grew up on and have returned to as many times as I’ve left it.
My creations are influenced by a life of independence, travel, adventure, creativity, music, humor, hard work, and continuous learning. Bad Apple’s got a snarky sense of humor, a loud eclectic soundtrack, and sand between its toes. It stays up late, chasing adventures, conversations, or ideas. It likes coffee, whiskey, adrenaline, and the ocean. It’s also a bit of a nerd. It won four spelling bees in the late 80s and early 90s. It had terrible hair in most of its school pictures.
The Bad Apple collection includes original screen printed apparel, one of a kind airbrushed hats (painted by MV artist Jonah Miller), unique handmade jewelry, accessories, fashionable handmade fabric face masks, and more. The collection is always evolving, incorporating new materials, styles and ideas, with seasonal features and signature products that are affordable for everyone.
I didn’t know I was starting an art business when I started this one, taking apart jewelry and making new jewelry out of it, ten years ago in Key West. Since then I’ve grown it gradually, as I could afford to without borrowing money, and while working full-time. My first run of T-shirts was purchased with money I’d made on my handmade crafts three years ago (I’d been waiting to be able to afford them for about four years). This conservative method— of growing the business only as it can afford to pay for itself— has made it a long road, but one that allowed experimentation, and didn’t result in regret. I believe in the power of taking small steps forward to avoid the big steps back.
I’m passionate about supporting local communities, independent artists and small businesses, and I aim to provide a spotlight for some of my community’s creative folks, and also share tips, life/art hacks, photos and stories, on the Night Owl blog, starting after the New Year!
