Jackson said she wants to explore new techniques like sewing to add to her craft resumé. She said she designs for a woman with a sense of adventure who is not afraid to adorn herself in eye-catching jewelry.

“I like chunky jewelry . Soulful, earthy and vibrant,” she said. “And big. It must be big.”

Dogzy Collars

All dogs have different personalities and their collars should reflect their individuality. This is the basic tenet of Dogzy Collars.

The company’s handcrafted leather and durable plastic collars are a hit with dogs and their owners, said William Gonzalez, co-owner of Dogzy Collars.

Gonzalez runs the company with his brother Alex and his sister Lysette.

When Gonzalez adopted his terrier mix, Loli, four years ago, he wanted to make something special for her.

“I started to think, ‘What can I make for my dog that’s not generic?’ I wanted something different,” he said. “I went to the leather store, found leather and it came very easy to me.”

From spike and studs, rhinestones to hand-carved flowers, each Dozy collar is an ode to a discriminating dog and pet owner, Gonzalez said.

Dogzy Collars is a regular at South Florida pet events. Most recently, the business gave out free collars for every dog adopted at Miami’s Mega Pet Adoption Event in October.

During the day, Gonzalez, 37, who lives near Miami Shores, is a Miami-Dade County court bailiff. In the evenings and on weekends he brainstorms new design.

Loli, the terrier, owns dozens Dogzy of collars.

“We spoil her and we know other dog owners spoil their pets too,” Gonzalez said

The latest addition to the line are leather Poopzy bag carriers.

“It’s something I enjoy doing. At first it was a hobby and I turned it into a business.,” Gonzalez said. “In life if you love it, you run with it,” he said.

Carolina Benoit

Inside a North Miami-Dade studio, hangs hand-made ready-to-wear feminine and romantic dresses.

The brainchild of local fashion designer Carolina Benoit, her eponymous line embodies a young and flirty feel. Despite having a brick and mortar store, Benoit also sells on Etsy.

“I got so much exposure from Etsy from magazines and people who buy my clothes. It’s such a great platform for designers,” she said.

Benoit, 25, said her small business supports other local businesses.

“I buy everything in Miami,” she said.

She started her Etsy store while a student at Parsons The New School of Design in New York. When she moved back to Brickell after graduation Benoit expanded on her vision for the online retail store.

“I always say that the woman I design for is a very romantic character who is looking for very special pieces.,” Benoit said. “The pieces from my line always have a pop of color.”

Designed by Diana

Once Diana Buznego started making aprons, she couldn’t stop.

“I love the pin-up retro vibe. That’s why I started making aprons,” she said. “I like girly aprons with the frills, but I also make some for men and little boys.”

Buznego mines local fabric stores for vintage-like material to design her aprons. She also sells hand sewn wallets for boys and men on her online store Designed by Diana.

“I’ve been a life long crafter, she said. “My grandmother was a seamstress and she inspired me.”

Buznego, 33, works in the television industry, but she said that was not enough to satisfy her creative appetite.

“I have to create,” said the Kendall resident..

She started the Handmade in Miami group on Etsy where fellow Miami-based Etsy designers can meet once a month to network and craft for fun.

“Miami is very different. There’s a big handmade movement in other cities and we wanted to start something locally for Miami people,” she said.

Her designs on Etsy have sold locally and as far away as Australia.

“I think the idea of handmade is changing,” she said. “I take time and care to make sure my stuff looks as good if not better than what you can find at the store. It’s not made in China, you have a connection with the person who is making it.”