We could all use a select-me-up, but who understood it could be as easy as purchasing some houseplants? It is correct — they can raise oxygen in the air, reduce stress, and improve temper. For those of us who struggle to get some top quality time in nature, it’s actually worthy of the financial investment. And though you are at it, Tal & Bert, a regional spouse-and-wife business, has some lovely planters that are also sourced from the earth.
Sharpsburg people Ray and Val Talbert have located a way to merge their like of the outdoors, mining, and artwork to build one particular-of-a-kind geode planters.
“I really feel it is essential to just enjoy character in its correct and organic kind,” Val explained. “I assume it can help retain us grounded.”
Ray and Val opened Tal & Bert Mercantile in Dormont throughout the pandemic, and they have a Sharpsburg place in the is effective, also. Below is our Q-and-A with Val responses have been edited for clarity and duration.
Ray and Val Talbert (📸: @talandbert)
You are recognized for your chic, normal concrete and mineral planters. How did you arrive up with the style?
We needed a way to mix industrial concrete and uncooked minerals in purchase to develop art for every day use. Our signature geode glimpse basically 1st took place on accident. Which turned into a joyful incident, as that is now our go-to structure for our get the job done.
How do you supply your minerals? What variety do you use?
When we first began, lots of of the minerals were self-mined by my spouse and I when we went on recreational mining outings. Now that our enterprise has exploded in desire, we work specifically with the mines we frequented and the miners we achieved together the way to enable resource the minerals we want.
We use a wide variety and are often seeking to include more! Some of our most well-liked minerals are amethyst, blue apatite, rose quartz, tourmaline, and carnelian.
Geode planters by Tal & Bert (📸: @talandbert)
What other merchandise can prospects discover in your retail outlet (Tal & Bert Mercantile)?
In our brick-and-mortar store, you can come across a wide variety of house goods and plant similar merchandise that are handmade by several artists & makers. We carry things like vases, planters, planet hangers, kitchen area utensils, pot holders, ceramic plates & bowls, soaps, fragrance, system & skin treatment, pillow, candles, and so significantly a lot more.
Through the thirty day period of April, we’re featuring earth-focused and sustainable-minded stories. What is it about rocks/crystals/minerals that desire you?
I have often had a passion for minerals given that I was a child. I have often been fascinated about how crystals in a natural way form in mother nature and their molecular structures. It is interesting how the natural environment impacts and produces these all-natural beauties.
Speaking of bringing character indoors…If we walked into your household, what form of layout things would we obtain? (From the appears of your retailer, I know you have to have a quite stylish house!)
Our house is a blend involving present day mid century and Artwork Deco for the most component with a splash of raw minerals. We have crystals all throughout our property, even hung on the walls. We have a minimalist seem when it will come to hues, so tons of neutrals.
Geode planters by Tal & Bert (📸: @talandbert)
What regional small business do you assume warrants a shoutout (and why)?
enjoy, Pittsburgh & Inner Rutz – these two firms had been the initially to pick up our model and give our solutions a prospect in their retailers.
What would you like to share with our visitors about staying a Black-owned small business in Pittsburgh?
Staying Black-owned in Pittsburgh does current its challenges from time to time, specifically when it comes to acquiring assets. Becoming a new small business & Black-owned has certainly been a struggle for us when it comes to finances and funding, as we rather substantially have been running only on dollars this past calendar year, and we have nonetheless to qualify for any financial loans, grants or support from everyone. It has been discouraging at times, but our prospects preserve us heading. It just causes us to drive more durable so that we can hold relocating ahead.
What is a venture you are operating on (large or little) and how can The Incline audience assist you with it?
We are currently doing the job on a collaboration with a movie star (we just can’t announce nevertheless) and her company to produce a a person of a sort planter and candle.