By Tim Evans
AN Reporter
Now in a side business for nearly five years, Stephanie and Don Honts have been part of the Craft and Vendor Show at the Durant Fire Fighters Festival since they started Vixen Creations in September, 2019.
The Durant couple, who both have full time occupations, claim the small business is their weekend hobby although it may take a lot of weeknights to prepare for shows like the festival this weekend, starting at 4 p.m. Friday, at Jaycee Park.
Their business will be selling unique homemade t-shirts, tumblers and more items they create with the sublimation printer in heir home, but this year they’ve tried something new – a hat bar – where clients can create their own unique hat, cap or belt bag.
“You pick your hat of choice, select your patches, accessorize and we hand press it for you on the spot,” explained Stephanie Honts, who said clients can choose from a variety of floral, sports, and other decorative patches. Youth and felt hats are also available.
She said the hat bar idea was formulated in the south and launched it earlier this year when “everyone seemed to be selling t-shirts and tumblers,” looking to set their business apart. Honts said it’s a lot of fun watching people create their own hat to their taste, calling it one of the rewarding parts of the business. He said the hat bar has grown into their biggest seller.
Moving to Durant five years ago, she created the business as a “fun way to work together” with her husband, Don, while making some extra money beyond their occupations that include agriculture office assistant and lineman/tree trimmer.
The vendor will also be selling special coozies, wind spinners and more.
Honts said she’s been “fiddling with crafts” for years even before starting Vixen Creations LLC, calling it a great side business. “It’s perfect. We love it,” she said.
The vendor said the Durant show is one of about 10 the business prepares for every year and noted she’s been fortunate to bld a good inventory to offer a great selection to consumers. She said one of her biggest shows is a smaller Durant Fall Festival event in October.
Craft/vendor show organizer Pattie Urmie said attendees could expect to find about 35 units boasting a variety of baked goodies to purchase including sweet breads, cookies, cake pops and candies. Vendors will also be selling Tupperware, Mary Kay cosmetics, Scentsy items, homemade t-shirts, tumblers, handmade greeting cards, concrete goose outfits, wooden signs, toy tractors, farm toys, sewing items, wreaths, handmade western jewelry, children’s clothing, wind chimes, wood signs and sauces, hair accessories and many other items.
The show continues Saturday from 9-6 p.m.