Walking into Lilit Ghazaryan’s store, Saints Valley, guests are welcomed by the vibrant colors and rich cashmere of her art. Lilit Ghazaryan is an artist and entrepreneur originally from Armenia. She has started her own business in Rockville, MD which focuses on the empowerment of women through her fabrics, clothing, and jewelry.

Michael Smalls is a 7th-generation basket sewer. His great grandmother taught him the technique when he was young, and over the past 15 years he has pursued his passion for basket sewing and education.