ARTIST IN THE STUDIO – SHANNON ROOT {BABY ROOT DESIGNS}

Village Arts proudly presents our second featured artist, Shannon Root. Shannon is a local artist, mother of three and the owner of ‘Baby Root Designs’.

What started with an inspired mom making clothes for her young daughter Josephine on a second hand sewing machine opened the door to a passionate business that has changed Shannon’s life.

Encouraged by friends and family after sharing her initial creations, Shannon Root continued making little bibs and aprons, exploring combinations of bright colours and vibrant patterns that she started taking to local markets. It didn’t take long for ‘Baby Root’ to take off. Shannon took samples into Village Arts and joined the co-op where she became one of the working members. She shared how grateful she feels for the community at Village Arts and the support she has received there.

Being around Shannon is a gift. She has a beautifully joyful spirit that invites you into her energy like an old friend. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph Shannon a few times now and whenever I see her she is so open and warm.

When we visited Shannon’s in home studio it was clear that she is infusing not only love but also the essence of family into each one of her ‘Baby Root’ products. Her adorable son Greyson helps her every step of the way, sitting on her lap as she sews and gently wrapping the measuring tape around her arm as she works away. Shannon mentioned that she gets a lot more done once the children are asleep, but you can tell she loves working with a little one on her knee and doesn’t mind at all that it takes a tad longer with a curious helper.

Shannon’s husband Steve enjoys helping out too, putting together the beads on the chewies, sewing tags and offering his skills for anything that doesn’t require a ‘straight line’. It was sweet to see how the Root family comes together, supports one another and finds inspiration within their home.

Over the past few years, ‘Baby Root Designs’ has expanded to include chewie necklaces, organic face clothes, colourful tutus, pillows, blankets and more. Shannon offers custom embroidery that she sources locally. Shannon orders in small quantities to keep the patterns fresh and stays current on the latest trends. Most recently ‘Baby Root’ introduced a collection of cotton-lined toques in a variety of beautiful patterns. She chooses Canadian companies and small businesses when she can, supporting others in the pursuit of their dreams.

At the time of the photo shoot, Shannon and Steve were expecting the arrival of their third child any day. Evy has now arrived and this beautiful family has grown… a brand new ‘Baby Root’.

All photos and content submitted by Kyla Gent (nee Brown) of Kyla Brown Photography. Kyla is one of our local Village Arts artists.