Creative endeavors are one of the best ways to bring people together while letting everyone have an equal platform to share their talents and appreciate others’ skills. That idea makes up the core concept of the business NellsExpressions.
NellsExpressions is a Lumberton-based home decor business created by Jeanelle LeGrand. The first seeds for this business were planted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she started a personal hobby of making her own home decor to save money. Friends and family encouraged her to start selling her creations — offering a way to not only save money but make money by doing something she loved. Some of the first items that were sold were wreaths, centerpieces, headbands and hair bows.
Those sales led to the creation of her shopping pop-ups that have taken off within the community. The first pop-up was held in August 2023 at the District House of Taps, enabling her to bring in $300 by selling handmade earrings, ornaments, keychains and other trinkets.
From there, she participated in subsequent pop-ups around the region, including the Spout Springs Craft/Vendor Event in Cameron, NC and the Leopard "Claws" Vendor Fair in Roseboro, NC. These experiences gave her the idea that she could do more by not only selling her handcrafted goods but uplifting her fellow entrepreneurs.
With that new goal in mind, she created Let’s CRAFT It Up With Nell's in 2024 — a shopping experience that brings together vendors of all kinds to put the spotlight on small businesses. Shoppers can discover local businesses they didn’t know about before, and vendors can connect with each other to build valuable relationships and share their knowledge of their respective industries. The first vendor show was held in April 2024 in Fayetteville, unveiling a spring theme to match the season.
Vendors that have participated in these Let’s CRAFT It Up With Nell's events include Lady Bee's Jewelry Boutique on Wheels, Healing Feather Creations, Presse Luxe, Na-Na's Old Fashioned Fish Fry, Arroyo Designs and Yula's Cakes. The types of products that are often available include pet accessories, jewelry, clothing, plush toys, home decor and skin care items, alongside plenty of good eats.
The holiday-inspired themes of each pop-up — such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween and Christmas — have offered the perfect opportunities for communal celebration and gift-giving with one-of-a-kind items. With the family-friendly focus of these events, every member of the family is welcome to find something they love.
If you’re an artisan or a small business owner who wants to tap into the local crafting community and participate in the pop-ups, join the dedicated Facebook group for Let’s CRAFT It Up shows at https://www.facebook.com/groups/564770046340258/. It provides a fun and supportive space for crafters to showcase their projects and new products, inspire each other with advice, give feedback and stay notified of upcoming events around the community.
LeGrand’s latest pop-up as part of the Let’s CRAFT It Up With Nell's series is the 4 Seasons Arts & Craft Event. It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Blissful Alchemists on 414 Ray Ave and is free to attend.
The fun starts at 4 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m., offering a unique experience where attendees can shop, eat great food and sweet treats and even make their own crafts all at the same event. Crafting opportunities will be available for both children and adults, letting people of all ages explore their creativity and go home with a newly made masterpiece.
DIY activities include a flower bar, a station for creating your own journal and a live embroidery experience. A face painting station will be on-site for the kids.
The four seasons theme means shoppers won’t be limited to the fall staples of pumpkin spice and apple pie. There will also be colorful and bright items signifying the warmth and freshness of spring and summer, and winter wonderland finds that will keep you cozy in the colder months. Vendors will be selling handmade jewelry, woodwork items, personal care products and more.
In addition to the array of items up for sale, prizes and giveaways will allow attendees to enjoy free gifts.
The event will be hosted by LeGrand with assistance from Tashana Howard. Come down to Blissful Alchemists on Nov. 7 to show your support for your neighborhood entrepreneurs, see new faces and celebrate the beauty of all four seasons.
Stay updated on the 4 Seasons Arts & Craft Event and see what’s new with NellsExpressions by following the business’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NellsExpressions or Instagram @nellsexpressions.

(Photo courtesy of NellsExpressions)