BY AMBER J. CRAFT
Special to the Telegraph
Downtown Call Street came alive with color, creativity, and community spirit during the Spring Sip-n-Shop, held on April 26th at Hometown Grounds. This vibrant gathering of local vendors was a warm celebration of small businesses and hometown heart, hosted in a welcoming space provided by Amy Polk, owner of the coffee shop at the corner of Call and Thompson streets.
Customers wandered in for their favorite brew and left with so much more—original artwork, handmade skincare products, and even permanent jewelry that symbolized life’s special milestones.
The event offered not only a chance to support local makers but also a glimpse into the passion and purpose that fuels small-town entrepreneurs.
From Coffee to Creativity
The idea behind Sip-n-Shop is simple: bring the community together to enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing one-of-a-kind creations made by people who live and work in the area. For many shoppers, it was a reminder that meaningful products don’t have to be shipped from across the world—they’re being handcrafted just down the road.
Polk, dedicated to local businesses, opened Hometown Grounds as a hub for connection, and this event exemplified that mission. Her coffee shop served as a backdrop for the event, offering a steady stream of coffee, conversation, and community pride.
Children struggled with eczema and allergies
One vendor at the event was Courtney Crawford, owner of Homemaker and An Acre, LLC. Her table was filled with natural living products, each one rooted in her family’s personal journey.
Crawford said she began her business out of necessity.
“We were constantly using steroid creams,” she said, reflecting on the early days when her young children struggled with eczema, allergies, and sensitive skin. Motivated to find better solutions, she turned to nature—and to her own backyard.
Living on a single acre with her husband and three kids, Crawford began raising Kune Kune pigs, a breed known for their lard. These pigs aren’t confined in factory conditions.
“They eat the grass, they’re out in the sun, they’re in the dirt,” she explained. “They’re not in cement buildings with no sunlight.”
As the family began butchering at home, Crawford discovered the potential of the rendered lard.
“I started making the lard balms, which is a healing balm. I make lard diaper cream, magnesium creams that help with sleep and achy muscles, and things like that,” she shared.
The family also keeps goats for milk and raises chickens for eggs.
“My daughter can eat 10 eggs in one sitting at home with no problem,” the homemaker said, despite previously alarming reactions to restaurant eggs.
Since 2018, Crawford has been experimenting with natural alternatives, and this year, she’s offering those solutions to others through her business. Shoppers can now find her products locally at Hometown Grounds or order online through her website: homemakerandanacre.com
Get Linxed Permanent Jewelry
Another enterprise featured at the event was Get Linxed, owned by Taylor Combs. With about 50 chain styles and 25 connector options, Combs’s permanent jewelry offerings add a touch of lasting sparkle to everyday life.
Permanent jewelry is a bracelet, anklet, necklace, or other piece that is custom-fitted to the customer’s body and then welded closed, creating a claspless piece that’s intended to be worn indefinitely.
Combs said the concept is as practical as it is beautiful.
“You can swim, bathe, tan in them,” Combs explained. “They don’t require any upkeep or cleaning. I do nothing with mine, and they’ve been fine for over two years now.”
Combs began her business in May 2023 after purchasing a few pieces for herself and becoming intrigued by the growing trend.
“Honestly, I’ve always been someone who’s had a side gig,” she explained. “So, I looked into it, bought the machine, and haven’t looked back since.”
Combs realized her jewelry could represent something more significant—memories, milestones, even healing.
“I like that I don’t have to remember to put it on. Like today, I was in a rush and forgot to put on my watch and my rings,” she said, underscoring the convenience. “Everyone says it’s addicting and they just like that it’s there.”
Combs’s customers span generations.
“I’ve done it on kids as young as 18 months to my grandma, who’s 86. It’s for every age.”
She also caters to men and offers mail-order options for those who want to gift jewelry.
“Recently,” she concluded, “I started pre-making jewelry with clasps, and I mail it out, and if they decide they want to make it permanent, I’ll weld it for them.”
Peggy House Maltman
The arts were also represented through the work of local artist Peggy House Maltman, whose sister displayed several of her pieces at the event.
Peggy’s artwork remains on display at Hometown Grounds, offering a consistent connection to local talent long after the event had ended.
Peggy’s work reflects not just artistic skill but also a deep love for the community she calls home. Her presence—even by proxy—was a beautiful reminder that the arts are alive and well in Call Street.
