Holly Haddix creates store with late grandmother’s name
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As a child, Holly Haddix was always creative.
“I think making things was just part of who I am. I remember making beaded jewelry with my late maternal grandma, Grandma Jeannie, when I was around age five,” Haddix told us. “And my mom has always been artistic. Growing up, I was always amazed by her talent and loved when she taught us new techniques.”
Being home schooled allowed Holly to spend time doing things like baking, sewing, using different art mediums, needle point, crochet and much more.
“I was fortunate to experience a lot of hands on learning as a kid.”
When she was a pre-teen, Haddix joined 4-H, which she credits to becoming a place for her to showcase her creativity and explore new areas of interests.
As an adult, Holly set up booths at a few random events offering things that she’s crafted or created. “I’ve also entered our county fair with crafts and foods I’ve made,” Haddix said. “The county fair is something I always look forward to.”
In the beginning of 2021, Holly began her business. Though the start has been small and simple, it’s given her the pace to explore creative pursuits while gradually working towards her bigger long term goal.
“In addition to my joy of crafting, I would also eventually like to incorporate my love of nature and living things by offering a peaceful, safe place for grieving.”
The business was created to be an outlet for her hobbies and to embrace and carry on the crafting legacy of her late and beloved Grandma Jeannie. But the business, as well as it’s name, has a deeper meaning for Holly. It’s also to share hope with others who have lost someone to suicide, which is how Haddix lost her grandmother when she was eight years old.
Holly named the business, Alma Jean’s, her Grandmother Jeannie’s given name. “She hated it (her name), but I loved it’s uniqueness. Her name along with my purpose and our common range of interests brought it all together,” Haddix said. “Even though I lost her when I was only eight years old, she made a lasting impact on my soul in the short time that I knew her. I want to keep her name going.”
Alma and her husband lived three hours south of Holly’s home, in a two story farm house on a little piece of land. Though she wasn’t able to visit often, Haddix cherishes all of her memories of her grandmother.
“Especially the ones that involved the animals on their “little farm”,” Haddix said. “My earliest memory of her was when I was three years old and stayed a weekend with her. Her smile and laugh probably stand out the most to me.”
Her grandmother taught her not to limit herself to one area of ‘making’ and it be inspired to learn about and try interesting possibilities in any category. This is something that Haddix keeps with her when she makes creations.
“One year for Christmas, grandma made a doll bed set for my sisters and I. She made it all from the construction of the wooden bed to all it’s accessories-a mattress from pillow tucking, a quilt, a pillow and pillow case. It was such a special gift,” Haddix said. “When I craft, I like to do the same, doing as much work as I can on my own and with it as basic and natural of resources that fit the given project.”
Though her grandma’s death was at age eight, it hit her again when she turned thirty-one, the same age her mother was when Alma died.
“The year I turned thirty one, my son was eight years old. This thing about our ages caused me to pause and it somehow overwhelmed me with a new compassion for my grandma, my mom and my childhood self,” Haddix said.
“My heart was moved as I relived the loss and grief experienced due to my grandma’s poor mental health and eventual suicide.”
Holly explains it as her adult self now relating to her younger mother at the time of her Alma’s death, while at the same time looking at her little boy and realizing what a major life event her Grandma Jeannie’s death was for her as a kid.
“I didn’t just grieve about losing my grandma, but also about my mom losing her mom,” Haddix said.
“This renewed compassion at age thirty-one gave me a deep desire to step out and make a difference for others because I know how drastically suicide changes those left behind. I’m saddened to know that families go through this kind of heartbreaking loss every day.”
In the short time that she’s had her business, Holly has already had best sellers. One of those being the crochet Coffee Coozies.
“Personally, I love them for keeping the sweat under control on my ice coffee cups.
Simmer pot potpourri was a popular item during the holidays and it even included dried rosemary from Holly’s garden.
“I’ve got an idea for a spring simmer pot mix that I’m excited to try,” Holly said. “When we set up at the Farmer’s Market last summer, our sugar snap peas were a favorite. I plan to plant more of those this year.”
Holly sets up at Farmer’s Markets and events with her long time friend, Rachel Harms. Rachel is the owner of ‘Rural Redhead’ and the pair collaborate on many things.
“She’s a close friend and I love working on projects together with her,” Haddix said.
“Being able to work with someone and bounce ideas off of each other is great for creativity and growth. Also anytime you get to spend with your friends is fun.”
Haddix’s repertoire includes a variety of things in different categories.
“Baked goods, candies and caramel apples top the list of items from my home kitchen,” Haddix said. “Renewing my food manager license is one of my goals for this year so that I can take orders on home made treats.”
As far as creative projects, Holly enjoys re-purposing, up cycling and refurbishing old or found items and being able to take what someone might call “trash” and turn it into something different.
“I like to crochet and knit both novelty and traditional items. I remember making and selling crochet book marks to family and friends when I was around the age of eight,” Haddix said. “Knitting is an area I’m wanting to grow in. Right now, my skills aren’t much more than making a hat.”
Haddix also hopes to make various home décor items, wooden signs, sewing projects, jewelry and other items. She also loves to offer things grown or made from her garden.
The watercolor set Haddix received for Christmas may also spark some creativity in the future, but she also would like to do more things with the natural resources available in her homestead.
Items created can take time, depending on what it is.
“Could be minutes, hours or days and even seasons on homegrown offerings,” Haddix said. “My availability has changed a bit since starting. While Alma Jean’s is important to me, being a wife and a mom comes first.”
From her initial concept to now, Haddix believes that things have been a blessed work in progress as she’s been changing and growing bit by bit as God leads her.
“With his guidance, my family’s support and my Grandma Jeannie’s legacy driving me on, I hope Alma Jean’s will one day be not only a source for nice handmade gifts and such, but also a peaceful place where people can come, be uplifted and encouraged after difficult life moments.”
If you would like to see what Holly has to offer or make a request, you can reach her through Facebook or Instagram (Alma Jean’s). You can also place an order on Etsy by searching ‘Alma JeanS’.
Or you can contact her by phone at 217-251-6873.
