People over profit, earth over industry, collaboration over competition, quality over quantity.

These are the four pillars that the Freehand Market runs on, a values-based business that resides in the heart of Saxapahaw.

What is a values-based business? Heather Seaman, the CEO and founder of the Freehand Market, describes it as a place where customers can shop their values.

At the market, all of the businesses represent some combination of the six following values: create handmade goods, use recycled or reclaimed materials, is a charitable organization, is a female-owned business, uses all-natural materials and is a zero-waste operation. The market sells home goods, gifts, accessories and art and aims to support local artists and makers in the community.

“We want you to have a place where it’s really easy and fun to shop your values,” she said.

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I R L 💫 One of the coolest things about having a brick and mortar store is the opportunity to create a magical IRL experience in this digital age. Everything we do here from the curation of products to the scents, sights, and sounds in the shop is designed to create a magical experience for you each time you stop by. * * This (⬆️) is one of my favorite Roald Dahl quotes – here's the whole thing: "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Maybe it's because I'm a Cancer ☀️/ Pisces 🌙, but I deeply believe that life is better when we make the conscious choice to look for and revel in magic in real life. * * So, you may remember a few weeks ago when I posted this design I was working on in stories and asked y'all to guess what it was for. Nobody guessed 😂 but here it is! A reminder right when you walk in the door of the shop to believe in magic and expect miracles. What if the universe is constantly working in your favor to create a life for you more magical than you can dream up?! Sure, maybe that's a crock of shit, but WHAT IF you choose to believe in magic that defies logic and your day, your month, your life becomes even a tiny bit more fun? Worth it, right? * * I think so. And I want to know – what makes a magical IRL experience for you? For me, it's human connection. The nights where you get so deep in conversation with a total stranger at a party that you lose track of time. The joy on a friend's face when you surprise her with a random gift just because she's special. The conversations I get to have with each of you when you pop in and catch me up on your lives. I spend so much (too much) time on my phone, but I also get to watch these magical moments with glittering eyes. I get the immense privilege of witnessing joy and connection IRL in our lil village and THAT is enough to (over and over again) make me believe in magic. ✨ * * P.S. I'm using a new hashtag to document our Freehand Fam magical moments (join me?): #founditatfreehand

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When Seaman purchases the items that fill her store, she looks to these values to guide her decision-making process. Seaman said she wants the Freehand Market to be a leader in creating change and being more environmentally and socially conscious.

“Somebody needs to be the example of making hard choices, and so, I guess that’s me,” she said.

In addition to her thoughtful buying process, Seaman said she wants to provide education about how people can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. She says she wants to add this to her monthly newsletter and provide information about ways to live more sustainably.

Seaman has been a maker her entire life, and she believes that art heals.

At the Freehand Market, Seaman is able to create amongst other artists and establish a supportive creative community where local artists can build each other up.

Another way Seaman works to spread creativity is through hosting workshops at the Freehand Market. Local artists can share their skills in small workshops that can host up to 10 people and teach others about their craft. Some of these workshops include flower crown making, weaving, indigo dying, stained glass and more.

“Sometimes we don’t know what we need until we start expressing ourselves creatively,” she said.

Reporting via Sarah Clark

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