Some of the best businesses are born at the intersection of necessity and love. For Maggie Lilly, Queen Bee and founder of Party of Hive Granola, that intersection was her kitchen table in Savannah, Georgia.

A Busy Hive

Party of Hive gets its name from exactly what it sounds like — the busy, energetic, always-hungry household of Maggie Lilly, her husband Jay, and their three children John, Julia, and Louisa. Their party of five is always on the go, and as Maggie puts it, seemingly always hungry.


Photo courtesy of @maggie_c_lilly on Instagram.

As a health-conscious parent and lifelong athlete who spent years coaching health and fitness, Maggie was constantly navigating the tension between convenience and nutrition. Post-game drive-thrus. Concession stand fare. Pre-packaged snacks. None of it sat well with someone who believed deeply that food should fuel, nourish, and bring joy.

So she turned to the one place she always found solace and creativity — the kitchen.

From Italy to Savannah

Maggie's culinary journey actually began long before Party of Hive. In 2006, while working toward a Health Science degree, she participated in a college field trip to Italy to study the fundamentals of Mediterranean nutrition and cuisine. That experience changed everything.

When she returned to Savannah, the memories of that trip inspired her to focus even more intentionally on cooking and baking. Over the years she built what she describes as "quite a library of fun and healthy recipes," constantly experimenting and refining at every opportunity — including large family gatherings with audiences that had the highest expectations.

It was at that delicate crossroads of healthy and delicious that the idea of baking granola was born.

The Granola That Started It All

Photo courtesy of Partyofhive.com

At first it was a hobby. Maggie began bringing her homemade granola to the staff and students at Blessed Sacrament School where her children attended. The reception was immediate and overwhelming. People couldn't get enough.

That enthusiastic response prompted Maggie to take the leap into cottage industry. She applied for and was granted a Cottage Food License with the Georgia Department of Agriculture — and Party of Hive was officially born.

What followed was truly a family affair. As Maggie focused on recipes and baking, her husband and children jumped in as tasters, package designers, and marketing and delivery experts. Extended family members rallied around the mission too. A party of five with the creativity and energy of fifty, as Maggie describes it.

From Cottage Kitchen to Commercial Kitchen

As demand grew beyond what a home kitchen could handle, Maggie made the next bold move — finding and securing a commercial-grade kitchen and obtaining a Commercial Food License. This allowed Party of Hive to meet market demands and expand into retail stores across Georgia and North Carolina.

In 2020 she officially launched Party of Hive to the broader public, earning community recognition along the way including a Cecilia Russo Marketing Grant — which she used to build a website and expand her wholesale distribution.

Today Party of Hive granola is available in multiple flavors including the original OG, Lemon Blueberry, Cherry Almond, Mint Chocolate, and Peanut Butter — each one made with local Georgia honey, certified gluten-free oats, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pure extracts. No artificial preservatives. No shortcuts. Just wholesome, handcrafted granola made in small batches with real ingredients.

What Makes Party of Hive Special

Beyond the ingredients, what truly sets Party of Hive apart is Maggie's unwavering commitment to her mission — bringing joy and nourishment to families everywhere, one bite at a time.

"I believe that food is more than just sustenance," Maggie says. "It's a source of joy, comfort, and deliciousness."

That philosophy shows up in every bag. The Lemon Blueberry granola — our personal favorite and part of the Georgia Crafted Lemon & Sunshine Collection — is a perfect example. Bright, sweet, tart, and perfectly crunchy, it's made with gluten-free oats, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, dried blueberries, local Georgia honey, and just the right touch of lemon. It's incredible on yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or straight out of the bag at any hour of the day.

You can find Party of Hive Lemon Blueberry Granola in several of our breakfast gift boxes — perfect for gifting to anyone who deserves a wholesome, Georgia-made morning. 

Some of the best businesses start by accident. Rinse Bath & Body Co. is proof.

Back in 2002, founder Heather was living life on the road, traveling the country as part of the Supercross dirt bike circuit. It was exciting work, but she was craving a creative outlet — something to do with her hands between events.

She decided to learn to knit. The problem? She could only knit squares and rectangles. A girl only needs so many scarves.

So she took a soapmaking class with her mom instead. They stood side by side, melting, mixing, and stirring. The next day when they uncovered their creations, Heather's soap was perfect. Her mom's didn't turn out quite right. Heather was immediately hooked.

From Hobby to Business

When you make soap, you make pounds of it at a time. To justify making more, Heather started giving it away to anyone who would take it. She experimented with ingredients, perfected her formulas, and refined her recipes. Slowly, the people she had once begged to take her soap off her hands started making requests — and insisting on paying for it.

That's when Heather and her husband looked at each other and realized they might just have something special.

Rinse Bath & Body Co. was officially founded in 2003. What started as a hobby has grown into a beloved brand featured in stores and spas across the country — all while staying true to its small-batch, handcrafted roots.


Photo courtesy of Erin Zwigart.

Still Family. Still Small Batch. Still Monroe.

Today, Rinse is based in Monroe, Georgia, and remains very much a family business.
Photo courtesy of Erin Zwigart.


All products are still produced in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. And as Heather puts it, they get it all done "with the help of moms, of course."


Photo courtesy of Erin Zwigart.

Their product line has grown far beyond soap — Rinse now offers body spreads, lip balms, bath bombs, shower steamers, essential oils, deodorants, skin sticks, and more, across 36 different scents. Everything is made with naturally derived ingredients and never tested on animals. Only, as their tagline goes, "dirty humans."


Photo courtesy of Erin Zwigart.

A Relationship Built Over a Decade

Georgia Crafted has been proud to partner with Heather and the Rinse team since 2015. Over a decade of collaboration, countless collections, and thousands of happy customers later — their products remain some of our most loved and most gifted.

But our relationship with Rinse goes beyond the products. Years ago, I brought my daughters to visit Heather and her team in Monroe. I have the cutest picture ever, but now that they are teenagers, I'm not allowed to share it (LOL).

I will never forget watching their eyes light up as they saw soaps being poured, and the joy they had playing in the loft. It's one of those memories that reminds you why supporting small, independent makers matters so much. These aren't just products on a shelf. They're made by real people in a real place — and that's exactly the kind of maker Georgia Crafted was built to champion.

That kind of staying power says everything about the quality and care that goes into every single bar, balm, and bottle that comes out of Monroe, Georgia.

What We Carry from Rinse

At Georgia Crafted, we are proud to carry a curated selection of Rinse Bath & Body Co. products — from their fan-favorite soaps and lip balms to their luxurious body spreads and bath soaks. Whether you're drawn to fresh peach, calming lavender, or one of their many other irresistible scents, there's something for everyone.

A few of our favorite scents/products:

• Peach Soap — Smells just like sweet Georgia peaches with a little tartness- just like if you plucked it off the tree!
• Lavender Lip Balm — Relaxing lavender for your lips.
• Peach Body Spread— shea butter blended with olive and apricot kernel oils, 93% naturally derived
• Lavender Salt Soak — mineral-rich soaks for a spa experience at home
• Lavender Shower Bombs — aromatherapy in the shower, no tub required

These products are available in the Build a Gift Box (or Bag) section of georgiacrafted.com OR in the Rinse Bath Collection.

Why We Love Rinse

Georgia Crafted has always been about championing independent makers — the people who pour their heart into what they make and build something real from nothing. Heather's story is exactly that. She didn't set out to build a brand. She just made soap that was too good to give away for free.

That's the kind of maker we love to support. And after one whiff of their Peach soap or one application of their Body Spread, we think you'll feel the same way.


Photo courtesy of Erin Zwigart.


Shop Rinse Products at Georgiacrafted.com and support an amazing small local maker!

Where 25 years in the kitchen, a worried trip to the grocery store, and a 100-year-old starter come together in one perfectly crunchy cracker.

Here at Georgia Crafted, we believe the best foods come with a story — and the people behind Georgia Sourdough Co. have one of our favorites. So grab a cracker (we won't tell), and let us introduce you to maker and baker Tracy Gribbon.

From the Restaurant Line to the Cracker Tray

Tracy didn't come to sourdough by accident. After spending 25 years in the restaurant world, she knew good food when she tasted it — and, just as importantly, she knew what went into it. That kind of behind-the-scenes experience gives a person a real appreciation for clean, honest ingredients, and it planted the seed for what would eventually become Georgia Sourdough Co.

But the real lightbulb moment? That came at the grocery store.

The Moment That Started It All

One summer, Tracy was shopping with her young niece and happened to glance at the ingredient list on a box of snack crackers. Tucked in among the recognizable items was a long string of fillers, added sugars, and words she could barely pronounce. She was floored.

When she tried to share her concern with her sister, she got the response so many busy parents would give: I just want to walk into a store, grab something, and trust that it's safe — I don't have time to analyze every label.

And that, right there, was the spark. Tracy realized people shouldn't need a chemistry degree (or four different apps) to feel good about what they're feeding their families. So she set out to make a modern, healthy snack using some of the oldest baking methods around. First stop: crackers.

What Makes Sourdough So Special

If you've never thought much about why sourdough is different, here's the short, delicious version.

It all begins with a starter — a living, bubbling little ecosystem of natural yeast and friendly bacteria that can be kept alive for decades (some starters live more than 100 years!). When that starter is given time to rest and ferment, a bit of kitchen magic happens: the gluten strands soften and partially break down, the natural sugars get used up, and you're left with that signature tangy sourdough flavor.

The payoff is a cracker that's not only full of rustic, old-fashioned taste, but is also gentler on the stomach than your average mass-produced snack. Pretty remarkable for something that started as a humble jar of starter.

Handmade, One Batch at a Time

This is not factory food. At Georgia Sourdough Co., the dough is mixed, rolled, sliced, and baked by hand — which is exactly why no two crackers come out looking quite the same. We happen to think that's part of the charm. Every irregular edge is proof a real person made it.

Tracy sources organic flour and other fresh, natural ingredients from local family farmers, evaluating each batch for quality. There are no unnecessary stabilizers or preservatives hiding in the mix — just simple, wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of care.

The Crackers We Carry

We're proud to feature Georgia Sourdough Co. crackers in our collection. A few favorites:

• Sea Salt — buttery, crisp, and endlessly snackable. The little black dress of crackers: goes with absolutely everything.
• Everything — poppy, sesame, onion, and garlic for that beloved everything-bagel flavor in crunchy form.
• Cheese — real cheddar, pecorino, and mozzarella baked right in, with a gentle warm spice that keeps you reaching for more.

They're the perfect partner for a cheese board — friendly enough for a sharp cheddar, fancy enough for a creamy gorgonzola — and honestly just as wonderful straight out of the bag.

A Taste Worth Sharing

When you choose Georgia Sourdough Co., you're getting so much more than a snack. You're supporting a Georgia maker who left a long career to do things the harder, better, more honest way — and who believes good food and good health can absolutely live on the same plate.

That's the kind of story we love telling. And it tastes even better than it sounds.

Ready to try them for yourself? Find Georgia Sourdough Co. crackers in our shop — perfect for your next gathering, gift box, or quiet afternoon with a really good cheese. 🍑

Some business stories are about ambition. Some are about opportunity.

And then there's Stephanie Stuckey's story — which is about something much harder to define. Call it love. Call it loyalty. Call it the pull of a family legacy too important to let disappear.

We've been proud partners with Stuckey's since 2022 — but Stephanie actually sought us out as far back as 2020, drawn by our shared belief that Georgia-made products deserve a bigger spotlight. That relationship has only deepened over the years and today Stuckey's products are featured across multiple Georgia Crafted gift boxes.

Here's the story behind the brand — and the remarkable woman who brought it back from the brink.

Some partnerships are transactional. You find a product, you list it, you sell it.

And then there are partnerships that feel like family.

Our relationship with Goodson Pecans of Leesburg, Georgia is the second kind. We've been working with David, Melody and Drew since we met in the Perimeter Mall Parking Lot, during a Georgia Grown event, in 2016 — long before most people had heard of them — and in the years since, we've watched them grow from a small family operation into one of Georgia's most beloved pecan brands.

This is their story. And in many ways, it's ours too.

It Started With Roy

In 1972, Roy Goodson began managing a small pecan grove in Barwick, Georgia while working full time as a UGA County Extension Director. Roy, his wife Ruth and their family spent their free time nurturing those groves and producing pecans that their community genuinely loved.

"For years people bought pecans from my dad literally out the back door," said his son David.

That's not a business. That's a legacy in the making.


Photo courtesy of the AJC.

David and Melody Build Something Beautiful

In 2010, Roy's youngest son David and his wife Melody launched Goodson Pecans — inspired by the community's love for his father's pecans and a simple belief that the rest of the world deserved to taste them too.

What started at South Georgia festivals grew into a full commercial operation — gourmet pecan flavors, all-natural pecan butters, national awards and a 2024 UGA Flavor of Georgia WIN for their Sweet Orange Pecans. 🏆

Three generations. Award-winning. Georgia Grown certified.

The Storm That Almost Took Everything

In 2018 — two years into our partnership — Hurricane Michael devastated Southwest Georgia's pecan groves. We visited the Goodson farm, documented their story and created a mini documentary about their recovery.

The response was extraordinary. The Weather Channel picked it up and shared it with a national audience.

Watch it here: The Goodson Pecans Hurricane Michael Story 🎬

If you want to understand why Georgia Crafted exists — watch that video. It says everything. 😭

My two young daughters (at the time), myself with Roy and David Goodson at the Goodson Pecans Farm.

Damage on the Goodson Pecans Farm.

What We Currently Carry

🍊 Goodson Gourmet Sweet Orange Pecans — 2024 Flavor of Georgia Winner. Bright, citrusy, perfectly balanced. Featured in our Southern Hospitality Gift Boxes and The Georgia Pecan Box.

🍬 Goodson Meme's Sugar Pecans — a classic Southern sweet pecan recipe made with all the love that name implies.

You can also find their products in a variety of our Themed Gift Boxes.

"From our family's orchard to your family's table." That's not just a tagline. It's a promise they've been keeping since 1972. 🍑

Some of the best Georgia stories begin on a farm.

Janna Tucker grew up in Twin City, Georgia — a small town in Emanuel County where the pace of life is measured in seasons, harvests and the satisfaction of hard work done well. From childhood, she knew the rhythm of the land. She sold sweet corn and watermelons to neighbors, learned the value of community, and developed a deep love for the pecans that grew on her family's farm.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Georgia, Janna pursued a corporate career in Atlanta. But no matter how far she went, Twin City called her home.

A Bold Decision

In 2007, Janna married Brett Tucker and they settled in the Atlanta suburbs, building careers and raising a family. But the pull of home — the warmth of small-town Georgia, the smell of roasted pecans, the memory of selling produce at the roadside — never left her.

So she made a decision that many dream about but few actually do: she left the corporate world behind and went back to her roots.

Armed with her family's pecans and a whole lot of courage, Janna transformed her kitchen into a culinary laboratory. She developed two signature recipes — Gussied Up Spiced Pecans and Good As All Get Out Roasted Salted Pecans — and started sharing them with friends and neighbors.

The response was immediate. The demand was undeniable.

Building Something Real

In 2018, Brett and Janna officially launched All The Fixin's. What started in a home kitchen quickly grew into a full-scale operation — two commercial kitchens, a warehouse, and a dedicated team of 15 to 20 employees. Five distinct pecan flavors. Best-selling turtles and pralines. A loyal and growing customer base that stretched far beyond Emanuel County.

The accolades followed. All The Fixin's was featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Food and Dining section. They became a two-time finalist in UGA's prestigious Flavor of Georgia Food Competition. They earned the honor of providing pecans for The Masters Tournament's beloved Caramel Pecan Popcorn — one of Augusta's most iconic traditions. And they partnered with the University of Texas to create custom gifts for the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl.

In 2024, they reached a milestone that most small businesses only dream of: their products had been shipped to all 50 states.

That year also brought a jaw-dropping 33% year-over-year growth — a testament to the quality of their products and the loyalty of their customers. Nearly 15,000 pounds of Georgia pecans roasted to perfection. Over 10,000 hand-crafted turtles. Almost 19,000 donuts lovingly boxed up. More than 30,000 pigs in a blanket.

And through it all, Brett and Janna remained exactly who they've always been — rooted in their community, committed to quality, and deeply proud of the Georgia land that started it all.

Why We're Proud to Partner with All The Fixin's

At Georgia Crafted, we search for makers who do things the right way. Who care about their craft, their community and the people they serve. Who have a story worth telling.

Janna Tucker and All The Fixin's check every single box.

Their Good As All Get Out Roasted Salted Pecans are grown on the Tucker family farm in Emanuel County, roasted in small batches for freshness and flavor that is — as the name suggests — good as all get out.

We're proud to feature them in The Georgia Pecan Box — our newest curated collection celebrating Georgia's most beloved nut in four completely different and delicious forms.

Three generations of pecan farming. One woman's dream. A legacy built on love, laughter and the rich tapestry of community life.

That's the Georgia Crafted story. And it's the All The Fixin's story too.

How Sound Income Group Rolled Out the Red Carpet—Georgia Style!

When we say we love what we do, it’s projects like this one that remind us why. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of putting together 60 custom-curated Welcome to Georgia Gift Boxes for an event hosted by Sound Income Group at none other than The Ritz-Carlton® | Reynolds, Lake Oconee—a breathtaking Marriott Bonvoy® property and one of our favorite spots in the state.

Sound Income Group, one of the fastest growing financial organizations in the industry, reached out to us with a clear vision. They wanted to treat their event attendees to an in-room amenity gift that was fully Georgia-focused—and they already had their sights set on our Welcome to Georgia Gift Box.

No guesswork. No long back and forth. They knew they wanted to support local Georgia artisans, and they knew this box was the perfect way to do it.

Each gift box included:

• Southern Cheese Straws – made in Columbus, GA

• Cinnamon Sugar Pecans by Goodson Pecans – grown in Leesburg, GA

• Peach Buds Candies – a sweet Georgia staple

• Stuckey’s® Pecan Log Roll – made in Wrens, GA

• Georgia Peanuts – straight from the farms of South Georgia

• And the fan-favorite: a Georgia Peach Tote Bag by Things UnCommon, handcrafted in Atlanta, GA
  
  
  

To make the gift even more personal, Sound Income Group provided us with a beautifully designed custom co-branded card. We adhered each one to the inside lid of the boxes before hand-delivering all 60 gifts directly to The Ritz-Carlton® | Reynolds, Lake Oconee—just in time for the attendees' arrival.

Everything from start to finish went off without a hitch. With a clear plan, a shared mission to support local businesses, and a collaborative spirit, we delivered a project that we’re incredibly proud of.

It’s not every day that a financial services firm goes out of their way to give back to local communities, but Sound Income Group did just that—by choosing Georgia-made goods, they helped support over half a dozen small makers across the state.

We're so grateful to have played a part in making their guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and surrounded by a little Southern charm.

Marriott friends, this one’s for the books! 👏

Want to send Georgia love in a box?
Explore our Welcome to Georgia gift boxes and more at GeorgiaCrafted.com

📍 @ritzcarltonreynoldslakeoconee
🏨 @marriottbonvoy
💼 @soundincomegroup
🛍️ @thingsuncommon


#SupportLocalGA #GeorgiaCrafted #WelcomeToGeorgia #MarriottMoments #RitzCarlton #GeorgiaMakers #InRoomGifting #CorporateGifting #LakeOconeeVibes

At Georgia Crafted, we pride ourselves on creating meaningful and thoughtful gift boxes that make people feel special, whether they’re celebrating a new job, moving to a new home, or attending a major event. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a company called Patent Co., who reached out to us to help welcome their international colleagues and distributors to Atlanta for the upcoming IPPE 2025 Trade Show.

Patent Co., based overseas, needed a unique way to make their team feel right at home during their time in Georgia. With attendees flying in from places like Serbia, Latin America, and Austria, they wanted to ensure their colleagues had a little taste of Georgia waiting for them in their hotel rooms. And we were more than happy to assist!

The Request: Welcome Gift Boxes for International Guests

Patent Co. asked us to create "Mini Welcome to Georgia Gift Boxes" that would be placed in the hotel rooms of their team members. The goal was simple but impactful: to make their guests feel more welcomed by introducing them to a few local favorites that represented the hospitality and flavor of Georgia. They trusted us to curate a selection of items that would leave a lasting impression.

The Gift Box Contents: A Taste of Georgia

We carefully selected products that are both iconic to Georgia and enjoyable for a wide range of tastes:

• Cheese Straws by Southern Straws: These crispy, cheesy treats are a Southern classic and the perfect snack for anyone with a craving for something savory.
• Georgia Peanuts Snack Pack by the Georgia Peanut Commission: Known worldwide for their quality, Georgia peanuts are a must-have! These snack-sized packs are ideal for a quick bite.
• Peach Buds by Butterfields Candy (based in NC): To add a sweet touch, we included these delicious peach-flavored candies. After all, Georgia is famous for its peaches, and what better way to share that with international guests?

Each gift box was carefully packaged and thoughtfully assembled, then sent to a local Marriott hotel, where they were waiting for the guests upon arrival in their rooms, offering a warm Georgia welcome even before they made their way to the event. As our client said, “I am sure that all of them are going to feel more welcomed if there is something waiting for them in the hotel room.” We couldn't agree more!

Branded Touch for a Personalized Experience

To add an extra level of customization, Patent Co. designed their own branded card that would be included inside the gift box. They sent us their design, and we printed and adhered it to the inside lid of each box. This allowed them to get their branding in front of the recipients while still offering a thoughtful, local touch. It's always great to see how personalized touches like these can elevate the gifting experience and make it even more memorable.

International Appeal with a Local Touch

What made this project particularly exciting was the international nature of the attendees. People were flying in from around the world, including places like Serbia, Latin America, and Austria. By providing these snacks, which included two of which are made right here in Georgia, we were able to give them a taste of local culture and hospitality. It’s always a thrill to know that a small gesture—like a thoughtfully curated gift box—can make such a big impact.

Conclusion

The IPPE 2025 Trade Show will be an exciting event for Patent Co. and all of their colleagues, and we’re honored to have been a part of their preparation by crafting these welcome gift boxes. It’s experiences like this that remind us of the power of thoughtful gifting: the simple act of welcoming someone with local treats and a personalized branded touch can make them feel truly special.

At Georgia Crafted, we specialize in creating curated gift boxes that bring people together, whether they’re from across the country or across the world. If you’re planning an event, a corporate retreat, or simply want to make someone’s day, we’d love to help you put together the perfect gift box!

Looking for a custom corporate gifting experience? Reach out to Georgia Crafted and let us craft something memorable for your next event or occasion.

At Georgia Crafted, we have the privilege of working with some of the most talented makers across the state, and Amy Shippy is no exception. As the owner of Lottiebelle’s and a true entrepreneur at heart, Amy brings creativity, passion, and a wealth of experience to every project she touches. From her flavorful pecans to her whimsical kitchen towels, Amy's contributions have become a cherished part of what we offer.

Since we first introduced you to Amy, our partnership has grown in the most delicious ways. We're now carrying five Lottiebelle's products — and honestly it's hard to pick a favorite.

🍌 Banana Bread Pecans — warm, sweet and completely unexpected in the best way
🥃 Vanilla Bourbon Pecans — rich, indulgent and very much a Georgia Crafted customer favorite
🍑 Savannah Peach Tea — because Amy does Savannah proud in every single thing she makes
🫐 Georgia White Blueberry Tea — a refreshing Southern sip that's become a staple in our Americana Collection
🍑🫐 Peach & Blueberry Trail Mix — the perfect Georgia summer snack

You'll find Amy's products featured across several of our curated gift boxes:

🎁 Father's Day Deluxe Box — Peach & Blueberry Trail Mix
🥜 The Georgia Pecan Box — Vanilla Bourbon Pecans
👨 The Perfect Man Deluxe Box — Vanilla Bourbon Pecans
☀️ Box of Sunshine — Banana Bread Pecans

Amy's creativity never stops and neither does her range. From flavored pecans to Southern teas and trail mixes — she brings Savannah's spirit and Georgia's flavors to everything she creates.

We're proud to carry her work and even prouder to call her a Georgia Crafted partner.

The Story Behind the Name Lottiebelles

When I first asked Amy how she came up with the name Lottiebelle’s, I assumed it was inspired by a family connection, perhaps her grandmother or another beloved relative. But her response caught me by surprise, and it’s a story worth sharing.

Originally, Amy wanted to name her company Lilybelle’s, a nod to the daughter she never had but would have named Lily. However, when she attempted to trademark the name, she discovered it wasn’t available. Undeterred, Amy brainstormed other options until she landed on Lottiebelle’s. The name stuck, and she found a fun way to tie it back to her original inspiration by naming her cat Lily, who’s featured in the company’s logo. Amy’s next goal? To adopt a second cat and name her Lottie, completing the circle of creativity and connection that defines her brand.

Meet Amy Shippy

To truly understand the heart behind Lottiebelle’s, you need to know more about Amy herself. Here’s a glimpse into her journey:

Amy Shippy is the co-founder of Marché de Macarons and the owner of
Blue Poppy Designs and Lottiebelle’s, based in Savannah, Georgia. A seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience, Amy has built a reputation for excellence in the food, beverage, and gift industries. Born and raised on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Amy moved to Savannah in the 1990s to study Graphic Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Amy launched her first business at just 21 years old, sparking a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. Her ventures have earned accolades, including her 2019 win at Biz Pitch Hilton Head. Amy's work has been highlighted in South Magazine, Chatham County Living Magazine, and the Savannah Morning News.

Beyond her professional achievements, Amy considers her greatest success to be raising three sons while passing on the principles of hard work and perseverance. Dedicated to supporting others, Amy is passionate about helping aspiring business owners overcome challenges and realize their potential. She aims to empower women to embrace leadership and unlock their full potential in business and beyond.

A Maker Worth Celebrating

Amy Shippy is a shining example of what makes Georgia Crafted so special—local makers with big dreams, immense talent, and an undeniable drive to create something extraordinary. Whether it's a bag of her Vanilla Bourbon Pecans or a refreshing Georgia White Blueberry Tea, Amy’s products reflect her love for her craft and her community. We’re proud to work with Amy and can’t wait to see what she dreams up next.

Here’s to many more years of partnership and celebrating the incredible work of Georgia makers like Amy Shippy and Lottiebelle’s!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news—Georgia Crafted was recently highlighted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a top recommendation for holiday gifting! 🎉 In their write-up earlier this December, they shined a spotlight on the unique, locally-made items we proudly offer from talented artisans across Georgia.

Here’s what they had to say:

"The Georgia Crafted website sells more than 200 products made by small, local artisans from around Georgia. You can buy individual items or gift boxes. Check out the 2024 holiday gift box ($39.99) — Buttery Caramel Popcorn by Cork’s Popcorn, Original Cheese Straws by Mama Geraldine’s, Salty Spice Pecans by Lottiebelles, Pecan Divinity Roll by Dillon Candy Co., and Chocolate Chip Cookies by Oh Sugar. Or consider building a custom box. Choose from dozens of treats, including Kiss My Grits Georgia Peach Lip Balm, ClaxSnax - Individually Wrapped Claxton Mini Fruit Cakes and Rosé Gummi Bears, just to name a few."

This recognition means so much to us and the incredible makers we work with. It’s a testament to the creativity, quality, and heart that goes into every product we curate. From our 2024 Holiday Gift Box to the option to Build Your Own Gift Box, there’s something special for everyone on Georgia Crafted—and it’s all made with love right here in the Peach State.

A big thank you to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for featuring us and helping spread the word about shopping local. And of course, thank you to our wonderful customers for making this season so memorable. Your support of Georgia’s small businesses truly makes a difference! 💛

Check out the mention and be sure to explore our collection if you haven’t yet: www.georgiacrafted.com

#GeorgiaCrafted #ShopLocal #SupportMakers #AJCFeature #HolidayGifts

We are excited to announce we are featuring a new maker/new product at Georgia Crafted: Alma Coffee, located in Canton, GA.

Founded in 2018 by Leticia and Harry Hutchins, Alma Coffee was born from a passion for revolutionizing the coffee industry through Direct Trade. Their mission is simple yet impactful: to make ethically sourced, farm-to-cup coffee accessible to everyone while shining a light on the positive change Direct Trade brings to coffee farmers worldwide.

Alma’s roots run deep—five generations deep, to be exact. Leticia is a fifth-generation coffee farmer who grew up immersed in the coffee culture of Honduras. Her father, Al Lopez, co-founder of Alma Coffee, was born and raised on coffee farms in Copán, Honduras. Despite immigrating to the United States, Al kept the family’s coffee legacy alive, ensuring Leticia stayed connected to her heritage through annual visits to the farms.

Leticia and Harry’s journey together began in high school when they met at just 16 years old. After graduating college and working in their dream jobs as consultants at Big 4 accounting firms, they felt a calling to create something more meaningful. Frequent trips to Honduras, alongside Al, deepened their understanding of the transformative power of Direct Trade. Inspired by the opportunity to make a difference, they decided to carry on the family coffee tradition—and Alma Coffee was born.

Today, Alma Coffee brings premium, sustainably grown coffee to your cup, with a story as rich as its flavors. We’re proud to feature this incredible maker and share their mission with our Georgia Crafted community!

The Award-Winning Flavor

The Flavor of Georgia competition is no small feat. It’s a prestigious event that celebrates the best of the state’s food products, and winning an award here is a testament to exceptional quality and taste. Sully’s Slammin Fresh Salsa captivated the judges with its perfect blend of fresh ingredients, balanced heat, and vibrant flavors.

Supporting Young Entrepreneurs

By carrying Sully’s Slammin Fresh Salsa, we’re not only offering our customers an outstanding product but also supporting a young entrepreneur with a bright future. Tyler's story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to success and that passion, hard work, and creativity can lead to incredible achievements.

Try It Today!

We invite you to try Sully’s Slammin Fresh Salsa and experience the award-winning flavor for yourself. Whether you’re a salsa aficionado or just looking to add some zest to your meals, Sully’s salsa is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Order up a jar (or two!) of Sully’s Slammin Fresh Salsa. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!