Located at the Louisiana Boardwalk, the Bossier City Makers Fair celebrates creativity and craftsmanship. This family-friendly event features over 150 talented makers and artisans showcasing an array of handcrafted goods from pottery and stained glass to jewelry, unique foods, and succulent sweets!

Attendees can enjoy live music, indulge in delicious offerings from various food trucks, and participate in fun activities such as face painting, balloon creations, and games for all ages. With free admission and parking, the Makers Fair offers a delightful opportunity to support local businesses and experience our community’s creative spirit. Here are three amazing local businesses from the Bossier City Maker’s Fair:

 Buzzing with Creativity: Busy Bee Crafts Brings Handmade Joy to Bossier City

Bossier native and creative spirit Aijha Benson is the talent behind Busy Bee Crafts, a handmade crochet business that’s captured the hearts of locals since 2023. What began as thoughtful gifts for family and friends quickly grew into a full-fledged business after word spread and custom requests started pouring in.

“I love to crochet,” Benson said. “Every item I crochet myself, and since each one is handmade, it’s unique and made with love.”

From adorable stuffed animals to cozy baby hats, Busy Bee Crafts specializes in soft, colorful, and heartwarming creations. While shoppers of all ages fall in love with her plushies, Benson explains that many of her products are made with little ones in mind.

“I plan to donate baby crochet hats or small stuffies to local hospitals,” she said. “I use yarn that’s soft, comes in beautiful colors, and many of my items are machine-washable for easy care.”

Benson values every opportunity to sell her creations in person.

“I love meeting people,” she said. “So many visitors share sweet memories of a grandparent or relative who crocheted, and I enjoy hearing those stories. It’s also amazing to see how excited children get when they see all the plushies I’ve made.”

There’s more buzzing news from the Busy Bee hive, Benson recently announced a new retail partnership.

“I’m thrilled to say that some of my items will now be available at the Shop Til U Drop Boutique located on the Louisiana Boardwalk.”

For updates on events, new creations, and community partnerships, follow Busy Bee Crafts, LLC online at busybeecraftsonline.com and on Facebook. Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or a cozy handmade keepsake, Benson’s creations are sure to bring joy, one stitch at a time.

Website:  busybeecraftsonline.com

Facebook: Busy Bee Crafts, LLC

Scent-sational Style for Your Ride: Geaux Car Freshies

Who doesn’t love getting into a car that smells amazing? Geaux Car Freshies is making sure your ride always smells as fresh as it feels. Owned by Samantha Oelcher, this creative business is bringing bold scents and handmade charm to your car and beyond. Samantha began her journey in October 2024, crafting unique and aromatic car freshies right from home, but her business wasn’t just about fresh scents, it was a fresh start for her life, too.

“I had crippling anxiety that kept me from leaving the house,” Oelcher said. “I wanted to start something that could let me stay at home.”

That decision turned into a passion project for Oelcher and eventually a full-fledged business. At the Bossier City Makers Fair, Geaux Car Freshies presented a variety of scented homemade fresheners.

“I offer car freshies, freshie hangers, beaded pens, wax melts, carpet dust, and car coasters,” said Oelcher.

Each product is handmade with care and designed to bring a little joy to your space or your drive. Geaux Car Freshies also offers shipping services for their creations. Events like the Makers Fair bring creators in the community to one location, allowing the customers and vendors to interact.

“I enjoy getting to meet new people and other vendors to make friends with.”

She’s looking forward to connecting with even more people at the upcoming Bossier City Night Market on May 3rd. Geaux Car Freshies is more than just a business, it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and connection. 

Facebook: Geaux Car Freshies 

Family, Flavor, and Entrepreneurship: Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats

Craving something sweet? You won’t want to miss Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats, a family-run dessert business that’s as full of heart as it is of flavor. Owned by April Ashley-Boston, this treat-filled brand is gaining fans all over the Bossier area, thanks to its mouthwatering creations and community-driven spirit.

April is the creative force and proud owner of Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats. She’s joined by her daughter Alessia Ashley, who serves as the Sales Lead and Marketing Coordinator, and her daughter Michaela Ashley, who lends her talents as the Baking Assistant.

“I’ve been baking since I was 8 years old,” April said. “My mom and I loved making brownies together. From then on, for every family event, I would bring dessert.”

That early love of baking has grown into a thriving business that brings joy and sweetness to the Bossier City Makers Fair and the community. Since 2022, April and her team have been a staple at local events, including the Makers Fair, Bossier Farmers Market, and the Eastbank Market.

“I love showcasing my desserts to the public and interacting with my customers. I also enjoy meeting and shopping with the other vendors.”

Her passion for baking and community connection shines through in every dessert she serves. Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats offers a wide variety of homemade desserts, including Dipped Strawberries, a variety of cookies, cheesecake Cups and slices, candied and caramel apples, cake pops, and much more!

They have many upcoming events.

“We will be vending at the Bossier City Farmers Market (April-July), Bossier Night Market, and possibly the East Bank Spring Market,” she said.

Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats is a family tradition, a creative outlet, and a sweet gift to the community. Be sure to stop by one of their upcoming market appearances or visit their Facebook page to get a taste of the love in every bite!

Facebook: Chocolate Girl’s Chocolate Treats LLC