From Their Hands to Yours
Stories from the Market
Earth’s Beauty, Handcrafted f(and Grown) or Winter Days
It’s hard not to dream about spring with the snow piled at our doors. The darkest days are behind us, but we know better than to pack away the scarves and flannel sheets just yet. According to Punxsutawney Phil, we’ve got six more weeks to go — though we’re secretly hoping he mistook a snowbank for his shadow.
With the Super Bowl behind us and the Valentine chocolate boxes empty, we settle into late winter — boots still on, but ready for something green. This is the time of year we crave fresh flavors, natural color and anything that reconnects us to the earth.
That’s why we’re featuring one of our Market Village power couples: Carleah Eastman and Greg Mallias, founders of Meta Microgreens, along with Carleah’s creative venture, Cosmic Happiness.
Meta Microgreens grows organic microgreens using their own local soil blend, non-GMO seeds, no chemicals, and filtered water. These young seedlings are harvested just weeks after sprouting and can contain up to three times the nutrients of their fully grown counterparts. A longtime market favorite, Meta offers both sprouted and leafy greens — perfect for adding a fresh, nutrient-packed boost to soups, sandwiches, and salads during the final stretch of winter.
While Meta continues to thrive, Carleah has also expanded into a creative path inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Cosmic Happiness is her handcrafted jewelry line made with natural stone beads and crystals — pieces designed to connect the wearer to the earth beneath our feet and to the quiet energy of the season. Each stone carries its own character and meaning, offering a small, beautiful reminder that nature provides for us even in winter’s stillness.
We asked Carleah to share more about her jewelry journey.
What made you decide on jewelry? How did it begin?
I started making jewelry about 10 years ago, creating necklaces and bracelets for friends who loved crystals. A couple of years ago, I had a knee injury that kept me out of work for seven months. I began buying beads and making bracelets — lots of them! With enough supplies to open a store, I decided to try selling at the farmers market. The positive feedback has really boosted my confidence.
Why the name Cosmic Happiness?
Cosmic’ reflects the crystals’ connection to the universe, and ‘Happiness’ is what I hope my pieces bring to others.
What do you enjoy most about making and selling your jewelry?
I love that I can use simple tools and my imagination. Every bead or crystal has a unique style and meaning, and I enjoy discovering how they work together.
What are customers loving most right now?
Bracelets in multiple sizes are very popular, so there’s something for everyone. I’ve also started adding hand-set pendants, which I’m excited about.
Anything new coming soon?
I’m planning to add earrings once I’ve made enough to offer. I also repair broken beaded jewelry so customers feel comfortable bringing pieces back to life.
Stop by Carleah’s table and see what catches your eye. Before long, spring will arrive, sleeves will shorten, and colors will return to the landscape. Until then, a little green on your plate — or a little sparkle at your wrist — can remind us that the earth is already preparing for the season ahead.