Sharing your creativity with your community is what you do as an artist and handmade business owner. The best part is: makers don’t create in a vacuum. You learn from each other, cheer each other on, and grow together.
We sat down with 12 makers who use ACT Insurance to protect their business so we could learn more about their craft, their businesses, and the moments that made it all feel real.
🖼️ Jump Into The Gallery:
Who’s Featured (& How We Chose)
In a recent customer survey, we reached out to craft vendors and creative business owners across the U.S. who use ACT. Some volunteered to participate in a short interview to tell us more about their craft and how they plan to grow their business.
You’ll hear from creators in every discipline, from jewelry makers and pottery artists to painters and sculptors. Some are brand new and growing at their own pace, while others have been in the industry for over a decade, turning their hobby into a full-time career.
Interested in joining the ACT community? Visit our resource center for helpful tools and tips on connecting with other artists, finding top events, and meeting insurance requirements.
Meet the Makers
Ever wonder what other makers who use ACT create, how they sell, and where to find them? Read our customer spotlights to meet the artists behind the businesses and explore the community you’re already part of.
Justus Joseph
Sculptor, Author, & Festival Artist | Illinois
Read More
What They Make
- Figurative sculptures
- Ceramics
- Digital Artwork
- Sketches & Paintings
- Dog-themed and Halloween-inspired pieces
What Inspires Them
Seasonal energy, playful themes, and that “I can’t believe this is a real job” kind of creative joy.
Where They Sell
High-traffic art festivals and seasonal events, where crowds, weather, and booth mishaps come with the territory.
What They’re Working On
After spending a year focused on inventory and setting up her studio, she’s gearing up for more shows, with Halloween season as a major focus.
Why They Use ACT
She uses ACT to meet festival liability requirements and get quick Certificates of Insurance (COIs), so she can stay focused on creating, not the “what ifs.”
Find Justus on Instagram and www.justusjoseph.com
Josh Saleh
Party Game Creator | California
A TV host by profession and all-around gaming expert, Josh Saleh is the founder and creator of a party game company that sells mostly online, with a few conventions each year.
Read More
What They Create
- Party Games
What Inspires Them
Helping people connect offline through play, laughter, and friendly debate.
Where They Sell
Primarily on Amazon and their website, plus select in-person conventions.
What They’re Working On
Staying focused on online growth while keeping conventions on the calendar, even as rising costs and tariffs squeeze event budgets.
Why They Use ACT
Josh uses ACT Go for quick, self-serve event coverage and fast COIs. He likes a “get it and forget it” setup that’s convention-ready without calls or extra admin.
Find Josh on Instagram and www.changemymindthegame.com
Robin Carrothers
Witch Hat & Renaissance Fair Vendor | Indiana
Robin Carrothers is a familiar face at Renaissance fairs both locally and out of state. Her handmade, fair-ready gear, including patterned witch and wizarding hats, adds a touch of enchantment to each weekend.
Read More
What They Make
- Reversible witch hats
- Renaissance-themed goods
What Inspires Them
The creativity and storytelling of Renaissance festivals, plus the joy of helping customers find the perfect “character” piece.
Where They Sell
Seasonal festivals and Renaissance fairs, some with permanent structures. She sells her collections both in and out of state, often at multi-week events.
What They’re Working On
Robin’s growing the business and investing in better booths and more inventory for high-frequency events.
Why They Use ACT
Robin uses ACT to meet fair insurance requirements, get COIs easily, and feel more secure when leaving “thousands of dollars of product under the trees” between weekends.
Find Robin on Facebook and www.thepointyhatshoppe.com
Julie Cushen, Ph.D.
Sustainable Nailcare Maker | California
Scientist-turned-maker with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Julie Cushen set out to create a better, more sustainable, and longer lasting gel nail polish. She’s the founder of Lilaque, a sustainably sourced nail polish brand.
Read More
What They Make
- Soy gel nail polishes
- Plant-based press-on nails
- Manicure kits
- Sustainable nailcare products
What Inspires Them
Julie’s driven by the challenge of improving products and cutting down on waste. She wanted nail polish that feels fun to wear and better for the planet, without the harsh chemical smell.
Where They Sell
Online through her website, plus occasional markets and events.
What They’re Working On
She’s focused on growing Lilaque while finding more event opportunities that make sense for a small business budget.
Why They Use ACT
Julie uses ACT for low-cost event coverage that helps her meet vendor requirements. For small makers, affordable insurance can be the difference between skipping a show and saying “yes” to more events.
Find Julie on Instagram and lilaquenails.com
Holly Jones
Pattern Designer & Trade Show Artist | Utah
Holly Jones is a designer and illustrator with over 27 years of experience creating artwork for products sold by well-known brands and retailers, including window displays, post cards, book illustrations, and more.
Read More
What They Make
- Trend-driven patterns
- Hand-drawn illustrations
What Inspires Them
Bringing clients’ ideas to life through art that feels fresh, thoughtful, and made to be used in the real world.
Where They Sell
She showcases her work at trade shows and works with clients on licensing and product design.
What They’re Working On
Holly is focused on creating new collections and collaborating with partners who want artwork that fits both style and marketplace needs.
Why They Use ACT
Holly uses ACT to meet trade-show insurance requirements with clear steps and peace of mind, so she doesn’t have to worry about paperwork mistakes or mishaps at events.
Find Holly on Instagram and www.hollyjonesstudio.com
Georgianna Koulianos
Fine Jewelry Designer | New York
Georgianna Koulianos is a longtime fine jewelry designer with a reputation for craftsmanship and intention. Her collections have been sold internationally and by major retailers, as well as boutiques and galleries.
Read More
What They Make
- Sterling silver, gold, and gemstone jewelry
- Wearable antique family crests
- Stamped and personalized charms
- Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings
What Inspires Them
Georgianna blends design, healing arts, and symbolism to create jewelry that feels personal and protective. Her work is rooted in meaning, history, and pieces meant to speak to the wearer.
Where They Sell
In-person art fairs and pop-ups, plus online through her website.
What They’re Working On
She’s working to re-enter wholesale to build more sustainable, scalable revenue and reduce the grind of constant weekend events.
Why They Use ACT
Georgianna uses ACT for easy, reliable event coverage. With high-value inventory on the road, coverage helps her feel prepared for worst-case situations like theft, weather, or booth losses.
Find Georgianna on Instagram and gkdesigns.com
Sonya Eckel
Norwex Sales Consultant & Team Lead | Texas
Sonya Eckel is passionate about living a healthier, more fulfilling life free from harmful chemicals. As a Norwex independent sales consultant and longtime team leader, she built a full-time, home-based business centered on wellness products.
Read More
What They Do
- Live product demonstrations for Norwex products
What Inspires Them
Building a sustainable home-based business that supports her family, and helping others create healthier homes through simple, wellness-focused habits that feel doable in everyday life.
Where They Sell
Demos at booths, home parties, and expos, both locally and through her wider sales community.
What They’re Working On
Sonya is focused on growing and coaching her team while continuing to host hands-on demos and events.
Why They Use ACT
She uses ACT for simple, demo-friendly liability coverage, especially for slip-and-fall worries, so she can run events with more confidence.
Find Sonya on Instagram and replacechemicals.com
Jillian Roper
Printmaker, Teacher, & Illustrator | Maryland
Jillian Jenkins Roper is a printmaker and high school art teacher who balances a dual career while building her art business year-round. Her bold, tactile illustrations often pair animals with gentle reminders that invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world.
Read More
What They Make
- Animal blockprints
- Stickers & Cards
- Mixed media pieces
- Ecological-themed artwork
- Custom illustrations
What Inspires Them
The deep connection between humans and animals, told through both whimsical stories and a more serious lens on ecology and wildlife.
Where They Sell
She sells through studios, shops, and galleries across the region, plus online marketplaces like Etsy. You can also find her at about 8–10 events each year.
What They’re Working On
Jillian is continuing to grow across multiple channels while keeping her process manageable alongside teaching.
Why They Use ACT
She uses ACT for year-round liability that works for events and studio needs, plus easy COIs and additional insured requests. She values clear guidance so it stays “easy” and she can focus on creating.
Find Jillian on Instagram and www.jumpjackstudio.com
Holly McLaughlin
Ceramicist | Hawaii
Holly McLaughlin is a Hawaii-based ceramic artist and co-founder of Kailua Potters. With studio dogs at her feet and the local maker community close by, she and her partner, Teina, are building a clay business shaped by island life.
Read More
What They Make
- Functional ceramics and stoneware
- Small vases and statement pieces
What Inspires Them
Inspired by Kailua’s natural beauty, Holly and Teina started Kailua Potters to stay centered in a busy world. Their work is shaped by island life, curiosity, and the lessons clay teaches.
Where They Sell
Island markets and events across Hawaii, plus select shows where they vend independently.
What They’re Working On
They’re growing Kailua Potters by exploring new forms and building a steady rhythm of shows and studio work.
Why They Use ACT
Holly uses ACT when vending at markets and events, especially for last-minute coverage, so insurance doesn’t become one more stressful thing to remember.
Find Holly on Instagram and www.kailuapotters.com
Suzanne Marble
Jewelry Maker | Pennsylvania
Suzanne Marble is the maker behind Niffler’s Shiny Treasures, a jewelry hobbyist turned small business owner who loves cheering on fellow makers. Her pieces show how flawed is the new flawless, turning overlooked gemstones into wearable reminders that different is beautiful.
Read More
What They Make
- One-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry
- Genuine gemstone pieces
What Inspires Them
Suzanne loves giving “flawed” or uncommon stones the spotlight and proving they deserve to shine. Her goal is simple: help more people feel beautiful without big-box price tags.
Where They Sell
Find her on the road at shows and events, or shop her jewelry online through her website.
What They’re Working On
Suzanne is growing revenue with an eye on eventually leaving her day job and expanding into more rare and unexpected stones.
Why They Use ACT
After recommendations from other vendors, Suzanne chose ACT Pro to meet show requirements and ensure she’s covered while traveling, hauling inventory, and facing real-world risks like theft and weather.
Find Suzanne on Facebook and www.nifflersshinytreasures.com
Hedy Schneller
Clean Skincare Founder | Pennsylvania
Hedy Schneller is a former healthcare professional and the founder of Illumia Skincare, created to make clean, simple skincare feel easier to trust. She handcrafts small-batch products with locally sourced ingredients and natural fragrances.
Read More
What They Make
- Small-batch skincare with locally sourced ingredients
- Body scrubs, serums, cleansers, and more
What Inspires Them
Hedy is inspired by helping people feel confident about what they put on their skin. She focuses on real ingredients, real results, and fostering relationships with the customers who use her products.
Where They Sell
Find Illumia products locally at farmers markets, independent retailers, and small businesses, or shop through her website.
What They’re Working On
Illumia is working toward becoming retail-ready, expanding into more stores and reaching customers in new places.
Why They Use ACT
Hedy uses ACT for general liability coverage and is exploring product liability to meet retailer requirements as she grows. She values clear, affordable coverage and easy access to her policy.
Find Hedy on Instagram and illumiaproducts.com
John Crispino
Vintage Apparel Reseller | Illinois
John Crispino is a Chicago-based vintage reseller and the owner of JCR Luxury. He curates and resells designer vintage finds alongside his day job as a remote software consultant.
Read More
What They Resell
- Curated designer vintage apparel
- Vintage handbags
- Designer accessories
What Inspires Them
Inspired by the history of fashion and the creative minds that shape it, John loves mixing timeless style with the thrill of finding unique pieces with real character.
Where They Sell
Primarily at in-person markets and premium events, plus online through his website and Etsy shop.
What They’re Working On
Getting into high-traffic events and keeping the resale business running smoothly alongside his full-time work.
Why They Use ACT
John uses ACT when events require insurance, so he can get covered fast, add additional insureds for free, and keep vendor paperwork simple.
Find John on Instagram and jcrluxuryresale.square.site
What We Heard Most From Makers
Every handmade business is unique, but a lot of makers run into the same “what if” moments at events. Here are the big ones we heard most, and the kind of coverage that helps makers keep showing up:
- One-off accidents: Crowds, tight booths, and fragile work can turn a small mishap into a significant expense. General liability helps you worry less about the unexpected, so you can stay focused on your customers and your art.
- Storms, theft, and travel risks: When you’re hauling inventory, vending outdoors, or leaving products overnight, a single loss can hit hard. Theft and damage coverage softens the financial blow if something happens.
- Vendor requirements: Fast, simple coverage that makes it easy to get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and add additional insureds helps you meet venue requirements without chasing paperwork.
- Show costs: Booth fees, travel, and supply costs can squeeze small budgets. Affordable, predictable pricing helps keep insurance from cutting into your profits.
- Plans for growth: Coverage that scales with you, including support for more events and product liability for going wholesale, helps you feel ready for the next step.
Keep Creating. We’ve Got Your Back.
From helpful event tips to featured artists, we’re always looking for more ways to support the artists, crafters, and makers who trust ACT to protect their business. If you’re ready for your next show, get a free quote with ACT.
Who does ACT Insurance cover?
ACT Insurance is designed for artists, crafters, and handmade business owners who sell their work in person, online, or both. If you make and sell products like art, crafts, or handmade goods, ACT offers coverage that fits the way creative businesses actually operate.
Why did ACT do these interviews?
We wanted to learn from real creators who use ACT to protect their business at events and year-round. This post is a way to share who’s in the ACT community, spotlight great work, and learn what makers need as they build their businesses.
Why do craft vendors and businesses use ACT Insurance?
Many craft vendors and small creative businesses use ACT because events often require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you can set up a booth. ACT offers coverage built for handmade businesses, so you can meet vendor requirements and be more prepared when selling at markets, fairs, pop-ups, and shows.
Do I have to be “full-time” to be insured by ACT?
No. ACT is insurance for artists and crafters that’s built to grow with your business, regardless of whether you sell part-time or full-time. Art and craft vendors who sell seasonally or at a few events a year still need insurance to meet venue requirements.
ACT Go is the best insurance for craft vendors who need short-term coverage, while ACT Pro covers your business year-round both online and at unlimited events. Even if you’re part-time, if you attend more than five events a year, ACT Pro gives you more coverage for less.
