June 2024 Newsletter

June is just about over, and summer is officially in full swing, as was evident by the blazing hot temps last week (at least here in DC/MD!) I hope you're staying cool & can take a second for this newsletter because we have so much to share ... including:

ixöq's brand new studio/retail space; the opportunity to shop in person; our latest trip to Guatemala, and more!

We've got space!!

I'm thrilled to announce that ixöq has joined Brookland Arts Walk, a fabulous group of studio/retail spaces for creatives & makers in D.C. This vibrant community is all about supporting local talent and fostering creativity & I AM SO HAPPY TO BE A PART OF IT. I feel so welcomed and so fortunate. Each unit provides space to work/create and encourages a retail store-front. It's is ideal for the work we do, since I need lots of space for designing, storing, processing, shipping, etc... but also have been hoping to have a brick & mortar presence that isn't all consuming.

I started to move in the first week of June & have loved connecting with fellow creators & the community, and am excited to collaborate on new ideas & bring our eco-friendly, handcrafted goodness to the area. Stay tuned for more updates from our new creative hub.

Here's a snapshot of progress over the past three weekends!

You can now Shop In Person!!

Besides allowing enough space for us to spread out & design & work & do all the small business things, the new studio provides the opportunity to shop our brand in person, which is what so many of you have been asking for!

As seen in the photos, I am slowly pulling it together and for now am open Saturdays 9-3 (in conjunction with the Monroe Street (farmers) Market). This is also a time when many other studios along the Arts Walk are open so it's a great opportunity to shop small and local. I'm also there a lot in the week, but just without set hours, so am open both by appointment & by chance. 😃 If you see me in there please knock or come on in!

The official GRAND OPENING is scheduled for

Saturday, July 20 10:00 ~ 3:00

so stay tuned and follow on instagram for more details! The Arts Walk community will host a Summer Blossoms Block Party that day so there will be all sorts of fun things to see, do & shop!

Guatemala Trip Excitement! 

At the end of May, we had the opportunity to visit Guatemala. Becky joined me & we had time with both artisan groups. During our visit, we selected new colors & I began to cook up some awesome new designs (coming this fall!). We also got to work with the artisans as they put the final touches on an order. Huge shoutout to these amazing women whose skills are pure magic! ixöq's products blend Guatemala's vibrant culture with a modern twist, making them totally one-of-a-kind. Stay tuned for sneak peeks of what’s coming next! And guess what? We’ve got more customization options in the works, so you can really make these goodies your own. Stay stylish, stay tuned!

Thanks for following along on this crazy adventure! More news will be posted at the end of July! 

~ katie