The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to support local UofL alumni and alumni-owned businesses and find unique gifts that will wrap up your shopping lists and leave an impression.
Check out all of the businesses featured in the 2024 Fall / Winter issue of the UofL Magazine and the 2024 UofL Alumni Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas!
For the artsy one…
Payne Street Pottery, a local studio and gallery nestled in Louisville’s Crescent Hill/Clifton Heights neighborhood, is owned by Tonya Johnson ’94, ’99. The shop offers a variety of pottery experiences. From beginner-friendly classes to monthly studio rentals for experienced potters, there is something for everyone. The gallery also highlights unique, handcrafted pieces perfect for home decor or gifts.
Johnson opened Payne Street Pottery in August 2000. In graduate school, Johnson said she was given an assignment to write a paper based on the prompt: 95% of all art students are no longer creating art five years out of graduate school. What will you do to ensure you remain in the 5%? She started the paper saying, “I’m not going to quit.”
“I believe if you work hard, do a good job and never give up, your business will grow,” Johnson said. “Over the years, I have seen so many quit and I am never happy to see anyone quit. So I say, find a niche, do a good job, work hard and don’t quit.”
Payne Pottery also rents out the space to hobby potters and host open house events several times a year, featuring the work of many local young clay artists.
For those who never say no to dessert…
Louisville is a foodie’s paradise and UofL has its fair share of alumni with restaurants and other culinary concepts to treat a loved one to this holiday season.
Owned and operated by Abigail Mattingly ’17, Bae’s Bakery has the perfect selection of gourmet sweets from choux au craquelin puffs to cinnamon roll cookies.
Mattingly started the business in January 2019 after being gifted a Kitchen Aid mixer for the holidays. Originally Mattingly planned to go to law school, but the business grew quickly, and she soon found herself leaving her job at a law firm to create deliciousness for the city of Louisville.
The shop specializes in custom cakes, wedding cakes, stuffed, gourmet, thick cookies, brown butter brownies, wide variations of cream puffs and simple cakes for any occasion.
Browse the ‘bae’ked’ goods in person at 1804 Frankfort Ave. or online at baesbaekerylou.com.
For someone looking for something a little untraditional…
Lin ’19, a talented artist and graduate of the Hite Institute of Art and Design, has made a name for herself in Louisville’s tattoo scene.
Operating under Fairy Spit Pokez, Lin’s studio, located in the Highlands, offers a unique and personalized experience. She specializes in hand-poked tattoos, a traditional method that involves using a needle dipped in ink to create intricate designs. Each tattoo is crafted with precision and care.
To book an appointment with Lin, follow her on Instagram at @fairyspitpokez.
Interested in submitting your business to the Alumni Business Directory? Submit your business.