Today we’d like to introduce you to M (Mary) Wood
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We moved to Austin two years ago as our final move to get back to family after my husband’s military enlistment ended. I started vending when I got laid off in Dec 2023 and have loved it since then.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What is really encompassing my energy is sustainable product sourcing. I know so many of us want to put our money directly into the communities we love – and markets are a great place to do that. But ask questions about where your products are coming from! We’re learning how much our dollar counts, and this is a great time to ask questions about where your products come from. Remember, if they’re not telling you, it’s because they don’t want you to know! This is as true in markets as it is on any website like Amazon or Walmart.
I’m trying to combat unethical product sourcing by connecting with fellow vendors and having what I don’t make myself, made by other local artists. I sell stunning coffin cut rings by ElytraSilver handmade by Vale who lives up in Houston and loves silversmithing. I sell Stephanie from Shabby Ducklings intention oils and body care products. Sarah from Fearless Fools Cloaks made me stunning cloaks you’ll see at any of my full tent setups.
As you know, we’re big fans of Auntie M’s Curio Shop . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Auntie M’s Curio Shop is my pop up market where I sell RPG gifts, witchy spells, and various oddities to bring joy. After learning that Temu is using slave labor to create their products I’ve switched my business over to only selling what I, and other local artists and creators can make – to try to bring joy and connection in my Austin community.
My purpose is to bring joy and connection through trinkets and toys that make you feel seen and supported for your individuality. 💜
What’s my brand? Just one part of the larger whole that is the amazing Austin!
I made resin art, custom RPG dice, and gifts and also commission other local artists to fill my tables with amazing oddities and trinkets. 💜
Currently I sell limited body products by Stephanie at Shabby Duckling, Coffin Cut Onyx Argentium silver rings by Vale at Elytra Silver and stunning handmade cloaks by Sarah at Fearless Fools Cloaks.
What’s next?
To help remedy the fact that I didn’t know so much about ethical sourcing when I started out, I’ve decided to give back by donating the profits from the remaining items that I can’t return and weren’t ethically sourced. You can find it on my Instagram and I’ve attached an image with the link!
Connection in our community is so important right now. I look forward to more business connections to help lift up and celebrate more local artists and creators and what they make. I’m so inspired by what the local mothers, witches, and the queer community do singularly and together to uplift us and I hope to stay able to create the most positive impact I can – whenever Auntie M’s takes me!
Pricing:
- $15 dice shakers, $15 jar earrings
- $35 handmade argentium silver coffin ring set with black onyx – handmade by ElytraSilver
- $5-20 Shabby Duckling Bath Products
- $45 handmade custom resin dice
- $15 hand made crotchet dice bag
Contact Info:
