Painter and designer Kristin MacKenzie Hussey lives and works in Leland, a community that she says is incredibly supportive of its local makers and artists. She wants to do her part to contribute to that spirit of encouragement.

“I’ve partnered with some of my very favorite local businesses to create the Brighter Days Donation Drive, which is a selection of curated gift bundles featuring locally crafted goods, sold to benefit local businesses. And they will be launching for presale this week.” 

Those who purchase a bundle will have the opportunity to donate an additional bundle to a Leland business owner. Explains Hussey, “Simply select the number of bundles that you would like to donate, and then you can let us know which business(es) you’d like to donate to (or if left blank, we will select a local business to receive the bundle in your honor). We know how hard these times have been on small businesses who have been forced to close their doors for months on end, and we want to show the owners our support by giving them a bundle to brighten their day.”

Hussey’s original designs will be a part of the bundles. For the past six years, she’s been creating custom wedding stationary with her company Sable & Gray, but in November, she launched Kristin MacKenzie Design to create prints and gifts that feature her own artwork.

She adds, “My love language is gift-giving, that is how I show people I care about them and am thinking of them, so my artwork is about sharing joy with others. All of my pieces have a sense of humor. I wanted to create lightheartedness with something that is still high-quality.”

The gift bundles Hussey curated include the following:

You’ve Always Been Essential features a Kristin MacKenzie notepad, a face mask made by Rabbit & Roses, coffee roasted by Blk/Mrkt, and soap made by Thistle + Grey.

The Friends From Afar includes Kristin MacKenzie notecards and sticker, a pair of polymer clay earrings made by Sweet Fern Co., and a scrunchie made by Rabbit & Roses.

The Treat Yourself features a Kristin MacKenzie art print, a jar of bath Salt Soak made by Thistle and Grey, a mini soy candle made by Farmhouse Candle Co., and a bar of chocolate made by Grocer's Daughter Chocolate.

Says Hussey, “Our goal is to donate a bundle to every business owner in Leland, and we would be honored if you would help us reach that goal.”

Photos: Ryan Hussey