2024 INSTRUCTORS
Morganne Carraway
Smoky River Design Co.
Hey Y’all! I’m Morganne, the owner of Smoky River Design Co. A small town Kansas girl living in big city Texas. I’m married to my college love and biggest supporter, Jarvis. We have the most adorable little boy named Kruz.
Smoky River Design Co. came to be in March of ’22, after my very long battle with postpartum anxiety and depression. I set aside my Bachelor’s degree along with 8 years of work in Emergency Medical Services to share my creative talents with the world, additionally getting to stay at home and raise our son.
When I’m not making freshies or chasing a toddler, I enjoy refurbishing old pieces of furniture and tackling DIY projects within our home. I am a diehard Denver Broncos fan, Diet Pepsi addict, and lover of all things True Crime.
Here’s to sharing my knowledge and all the techniques I’ve created along the way. My hope is to inspire you to push yourself to the next level of creativity.
Tru Maz
Stay Fresh With Peanut
Our journey at Stay Fresh with Peanut began with a simple idea and a small hobby. Peanut and I started creating Freshies, car air fresheners, as a way to express our creativity. Little did we expect that this small project would grow into something much larger than we ever imagined. Peanut was born prematurely, weighing only 1 lb. 12 oz., and we faced uncertain times with multiple surgeries and delays ahead.
In 2020, we launched Stay Fresh with Peanut Fragrance Company, thanks to the overwhelming support from the crafting community. This was a turning point for us, as we discovered that our love for crafting could positively impact the lives of people with disabilities, like Peanut. After my spouse and I took a leap of faith by leaving our 9-5 jobs in the first year, our daughter Gee followed suit and changed her career to join Stay Fresh with Peanut after graduating college.
Our company, based in Houston, Texas, has seen incredible growth in just four years. As a family-owned and operated business, we specialize in fragrances perfect for wax, soap, bath + body products, and aroma beads. We also offer vocational training in our warehouse to young adults with disabilities, similar to Peanut. This allows us to continue expanding our reach and providing opportunities for independence and inclusion in society.
Our team empathizes with the challenges parents face in caring for children with varying abilities and is committed to offering innovative solutions. We aim to empower parents by sharing our products and expertise, equipping them with the tools to foster skills and opportunities in an inclusive environment.
Our workshop at FreshieFest is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all abilities. Whether you have prior experience or are a complete beginner, our experience will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. So, why wait? Sign up for our candle-making and wax melt workshop today and embark on a fulfilling journey of learning and fun. Discover the immense satisfaction of creating something beautiful, and let the experience inspire you to grow this endeavor into a business or enjoyable hobby. We look forward to welcoming you into our community!
Joanna Bernal
Isaely & Co.
Hello,
My name is Joanna Bernal I am 31 years old & live in Midland, TX with my daughter Zoe who’s 11, & my Mini Schnauzer, Pepper. I work full time for an Oil & Gas company as a Cost & Planning Analyst. I love to read, travel and spend time with my family.
I am the owner of Isaely & Co. - it’s named after my daughter (middle name) as she is a big part of my business.
I started making freshies in January of 2022 for fun (I’ve always been a crafter). I started with cookie cutters but, instantly found molds and started buying A LOT! I dove straight in.
I then came across the images that were being put on freshies. I wanted to learn how to make cardstock for my rounds and bought a Cricut Machine. In 2023 I started my Cardstock business to provide good quality images to other freshie makers.
I am excited to be able to share some of my ways & spread kindness within the community we have mutual interest for. If anyone ever needs anything, I’m only a message away.
Chelcey Altman
Salty Heifer Design Co.
Hey you guys!
My name is Chelcey Altman and I am the owner of Salty Heifer Design CO!!! I am a wife of 13 years, a mom to 4 beautiful kids, 2 French bulldogs and a foster mom to many other angels!
In March of 2023 one of my best friends gifted me my very first Freshie! It was a Cardstock freshie with some cute fringe that said “Don’t be a Salty heifer!” Obviously, that is where it all began! In April of 2023 I officially opened Salty Heifer Freshies and quickly jumped in head first! In March 2024 I rebranded as Salty Heifer Design CO after expanding my business!
For me, freshies aren’t just a business. They are a form of therapy. They are the place where my head calms down from everyday life and the place I get to be just me! I’ve always been a crafty person but there is simply something different about freshies!
I am beyond excited to have this opportunity and can not wait to meet you all at FreshieFest 2024!
See You there,
Chelcey (AKA Salty10)
Charity Martin
C. Riley Car Scents
My name is Charity Martin. I am 33 years old and the owner of C. Riley Car Scents in Altus, OK. My husband, Clayton, and I have been married 9 years. We have a 6-year-old daughter, Claire Riley and a son, Carson who is 18 months.
I started making car scents on my kitchen counter in July 2018. In just 2 short years, my operation went from a part time hobby to a full time business. The best part was moving it out of my house in 2020 to my, now, storefront!
In the freshie world, I have developed a niche and passion for helping people grow the business side of this craft. I teach where it's important to spend your money and where it's not, wholesale and the all important question, "How much does it actually cost to make a car scent?" We will break it down to the very last flake of glitter, but it's all centered around putting more money in your pocket!
My class may not be the most glamorous, but if you want to make this more than just a hobby, it's probably one of the most important. Bring your calculator, and I'll see you at FreshieFest!
Nicole Collins-Tobias
BCS Designs
I’m Nicole “Cole” the owner of BCS Designs Company.
I created BCS with a dream to leave a positive mark on this world showing love, kindness, and inclusiveness to everyone. I started my company with T-Shirts and earrings but quickly added new things as well.
In February 2023 I had a friend offer me her freshie supplies. I originally bought them to make freshies for myself but in the process of learning my customers began asking to purchase them.
Fast forward to Sept 1st, 2023, I launched my Fall/Halloween collection and things exploded! Now, my highest produced and sold product is freshies. Also, I offer (almost) all of the products needed to make your own freshies.
My goal is to help you learn how to grow your TikTok and help your small business to thrive.
Leah Varnidore
The Glitzy Gal Custom Crafts
My name is Leah Varnadore and I am the owner of The Glitzy Gal Custom Crafts. I'm from Southeast Georgia and work full-time as an HR Manager, as well as part-time as an E-911 Dispatcher for the police, fire, and EMS. With jobs like these, it's easy to become overwhelmed, which is why I decided to find a creative outlet. That's how The Glitzy Gal was born!
I started my little business in April 2022 and have found a passion for creating all sorts of smell-good things. I make various items such as Freshies, Car Diffusers, Room Sprays, Wax Melts, and Carpet Fresheners. In addition, I offer beaded items such as pens, freshie hangers, keychains, and wine stoppers that match my creations.
Through the crafting community, I have learned a lot about running a business and have connected with many wonderful people. While my shop may not be the biggest or most popular in the community, I always strive to offer quality products and put my heart and soul into everything I create.
I look forward to connecting with everyone at FreshieFest 2024 and sharing some of my knowledge with you all.
Brook Rasmuson
Luki Co Freshies
Hello Freshie Friends!
My Name is Brook Rasmuson and Owner of Luki Co Freshies. I have been married for almost 18 years, mom of two as well as four bonus daughters. My favorite job is being a grandma of three! Last but not least a dog mom of two Dalmatians. I live in a small town in Iowa and run a nutrition club.
I have always been my own boss. Daycare provider for seventeen years and then opened a home decor store with my best friend. It was a great ride but that chapter closed last summer. We had done many classes such as making your own wall decor, reed diffusers, floral arrangements, and more. So being crafty is in my blood.
I decided I was going to learn to make freshies after wanting to buy some for our store in 2022. I just couldn't find "the ones" that fit our vibe. I took those few months to read posts, watching teaching videos and researching the best products. I started officially in February of 2023 and it just grew from there. Freshies were so new in my area that they just took off.
Freshies are my therapy. I love to be artistic and staying busy. Trying new designs and techniques is just what my brain needs to relax and reset.
I am honored to be chosen to show my techniques and share them with you at FreshieFest!
Excited to meet you there!
Camryn Sibley
Rustic Freshies
My name is Camryn Sibley and I am the owner of Rustic Freshies. I am in school full time for nursing and coach 10u softball in my small town in Louisiana. I am from Slaughter, La and when COVID hit I was bored and did not have anything to do and that is when “CC’s Car Freshies” came to be.
Since then my name has changed to Rustic Freshies because I wanted something more business like. This crafting journey started with cookie cutters of course and we have gradually expanded to over 100 molds from many different companies!
Over the last year, I have learned so many new techniques to social media, freshies, and car charms. It was of course all thanks to FreshieFest 2023.. I took many classes and learned many new things and it really pushed me to want to do this more.. It is now what I do full time other than school. It makes me happy to share my secrets and talent with the crafting community and I hope you will soon love it a little bit more just like me
I look forward to meeting everyone at FreshieFest and gaining lots of new friendships and texting buddies and people that understand what I do and why I love it.
Kristen Kenworthy
Smell Ya Later Freshie
Hey y’all! My name is Kristen and I am the owner of Smell Ya Later Freshie. I am a mom to the most beautiful, spunky little girl named Ivy. We live in the great state of Texas. I stumbled upon the world of freshies and quickly fell in love with the craft.
In April 2021, I posted a few videos on TikTok and the next thing I knew they were going viral! What started off as a side-hustle, quickly turned into a full-time gig after the loss of my daughter’s father in August 2021.
After taking time off to get my mental health in check, I realized that life is too short to not follow my heart’s passion. So I took the leap! In February 2022, I quit my full-time job to fully focus on my business and that’s when Smell Ya Later Freshie became official.
Someone once told me “it’s just freshies.” Maybe that’s right for some but, for me, it’s much more than that. I have devoted countless hours to researching, trial and error, baking, decorating, editing and posting content and much more. There’s a lot that goes into building your brand.
Creating freshies has been my outlet for anxiety, depression, and grief. I made it a goal to leave a mark wherever I go. Over the last 3 years I’ve made it a mission to help others find their passion in freshie-making. My goal at Freshie Fest is to help you build your brand and market yourself so that you can be all you can be. Can’t wait to see you there!