How An Austin Showroom Is Uniting Local Makers

PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH AMOROSO

Austin has established itself as a design destination over the last few years, nurturing a strong community of makers whose trendsetting designs attract visitors and locals alike. Now, one of the city’s latest showrooms is bringing local artisans together under one roof.

EA/ST Co. — a collaborative workspace that’s home to The Good Hippie skincare and many more buzz-worthy brands — and popular jewelry company fail Collective held a grand opening celebration for their combined business on July 25.

The showroom, located on East Cesar Chavez Street, features handmade products that ring true to both brands’ core business values: sustainable practices, commitment to community, and integrity of design.

Christine Fail, owner and designer of the jewelry and home accessories line fail, has cultivated a following in the East Austin community. Her commitment to the city’s growing design scene is evident in her work with the South First IBIZ Districts program, which supports the Austin independent Business Alliance and the city economy.

When Fail decided to branch out from her retail past to start her own maker studio, she felt a sense of isolation from the community and decided to do something about it. Today, the East Cesar Chavez showroom serves as the flagship of fail Collective, which includes the brand’s expanded collection of jewelry and accessories.

“When I began, I realized how solitary a home-based maker’s life can be,” she explains. “With this venture, we strive to provide a source of community, a professional showroom and business support for up-and-coming designers and makers so they may collaborate, problem solve and contribute to the community in their own way.”

Bri Ussery, owner and maker of The Good Hippie skin care, proved to be an invaluable partner. Ussery’s brand developed as she became a mother. Sustainability became very important to her as she created a home for her family, leading her to become increasingly aware of the disposability of products people bring into their homes.

“When I partnered with Christine, I realized my vision to showcase a beautifully curated assortment of products from quality makers,” says Ussery. “[We are] creating a marketplace that best represents the modern designer and maker movement based on responsible, transparent practices,” she adds.

She went on to create EA/ST Co., a space that serves as the flagship for her skincare brand as well as a hand-curated shop featuring apothecary items, paper goods, clothing, art and home goods from artisans who share both women’s dedication to craftsmanship.

After all, it all comes down to the work that goes into producing high-quality pieces.

“From display to packaging, the artist’s identity, process and story are at the heart of our mission ensuring that customers leave with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the pieces they purchase,” explains Fail.

Scroll down to view some of the products you can find in the joint showroom.

fail Collective and EA/ST Co. are located at 2612 Cesar Chavez St., Suite 100, in Austin. Store hours are Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more from Austin makers, check out what these sisters-in-law are doing with their revamped collection of rentals and brand new home goods line.

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