MANSFIELD — Mansfield’s holiday spirit came alive Saturday as The Boot Life’s Kicking Off Christmas Makers’ Market turned into a wonderland of cheer.
From custom hats to fresh-baked sourdough, numerous creations added a festive touch to The Boot Life LLC’s second annual market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 115 Park Avenue West. The event was a celebration of Ohio-made gifts, treats and more.
For Brad and Shay Fishbaugh, this year’s Kicking Off Christmas Makers’ Market was a first.
New faces and old friends: Local makers bring passion to the market
The Lakewood couple brought their business, Leona’s Custom Hats and Jewelry, to Mansfield, quickly becoming a hit at the market.
Shay said The Boot Life team reached out to invite them, and while they initially hesitated about making the trip with so much to haul, the warm reception made it well worth it.
Leona’s began three years ago with handmade jewelry before expanding into custom hats late last year.
She said they originally worked out of a studio, which they outgrew. Adding they now operate from their location at 15210 Madison Avenue in Lakewood.
Shay said jewelry-making has always been a passion of hers, but the idea to add hats came after a memorable trip out west.
“We had this really cool experience with hats out there,” she said. “We sat on the idea for three years, unsure if people in Ohio would respond the same way — but it’s been nothing but great so far.”
Along with new vendors, there were also returning faces. Promise Caskey was The Boot Life’s very first employee. She said it is nice to be back for the second year as a vendor.
“It is so exciting to see regular customers who still shop here,” Caskey said. “They remember me and I remember them. It is really sweet.”
Caskey now owns Honey in the Trunk, a small business she started after deciding to make healthier choices for her family.
What began with baking homemade sourdough bread instead of buying from the store has grown into a thriving operation. Today she creates a variety of baked goods — all from her own starter — including pretzels, sandwich loaves, crackers and more.
The Boot Life celebrates community
After launching the event in November 2024, co-owner Holly Troupe said she and her team knew they had to bring it back.
“With our move to Park Avenue, we had more space and parking to make this possible,” Troupe said. “Last year’s event was such a success with customers and vendors that we could not wait to do it again.”
This year’s market featured 12 vendors and four local businesses — Buckeye Bakery, Classy Chassis, Hot Shots Shooting Center, Bloom Boutique and Porky’s Drive-In — offering free prize drawings throughout the day.
“We look forward to a day full of our favorite people and the absolute best finds,” Troupe said. “It is one of our favorite days of the year.”
The event celebrates Ohio makers with something for everyone on your Christmas list — men, women and even those hard-to-shop-for loved ones, Troupe added.
“We’re intentional about finding makers that everyone will appreciate,” she said. “It is our mission to help make your life easier.”
Adding to the festive spirit, Grit and Grace Photo Booth and Photography set up a premium Christmas photo booth so guests could snap pictures and have them sent straight to their phones.
Troupe said the market remains free to attend with no vendor fee, keeping the focus on celebrating small business, creativity and community.
“This event is all about connection,” she said. “We want to bring together people who appreciate quality goods and the small businesses behind them.”
(More photos from the Kicking Off Christmas Makers’ Market at The Boot Life LLC. Credit: Hannah Martin)
