In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Marcia Trattner, blacksmith, sculptor, and founder of She-Weld, inside her Brooklyn, NY workshop.

Their conversation explores Marcia’s 35-year journey with metal — from her early days in biology and fine art to discovering blacksmithing as both a trade and an artistic language. She shares how sculpture, teaching, collaboration, and even repairing historic pieces for the Martha Graham Company all weave together in her creative life.

We dive into:

• The moment blacksmithing found her and how working with metal feels like drawing in three dimensions.
• Balancing personal creative projects with commissions, teaching, and running a studio.
• The history of her Brooklyn blacksmith shop and her Catskills backup space as anchors for her practice.
• Why hammer-ins, mentorship, and community are vital for blacksmithing’s future.
• Her advice to aspiring makers: don’t wait for perfect conditions — just start.

Whether you’re a blacksmith, metalsmith, sculptor, or a craft-curious listener, this episode offers insight into the flow of making, the realities of sustaining an artisan practice, and the joy of letting craft find you.

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.

🔥 Where to find Marcia Trattner:

Website: https://www.she-weld.com

Instagram: @she_weld

⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Instagram: @tradesshow

TikTok: @tradesshow

YouTube: @tradesshow

Substack: Trade Secrets

Website: thetradesshow.co

✨ Where to find your host, Briana:

Instagram: @brianaaugustina

Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/

Website: brianaaugustina.com

🎬 In this episode

0:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:38 Meet Marsha Trattner: Blacksmith and Founder of She Weld04:32 Marsha's Journey: From Biology to Blacksmithing07:48 The Art and Science of Metalwork12:50 Balancing Creative and Commercial Projects24:25 The Evolution of Blacksmithing29:33 Advice for Aspiring Blacksmiths36:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Cynthia Alberto — a weaver, multidisciplinary artist, and founder of Weaving Hand — inside the Fridman Gallery in New York City.

Cynthia shares her remarkable journey from a career in computer science at Merrill Lynch to becoming a full-time artist with her work now featured at MoMA. Along the way, she opens up about how weaving became both her livelihood and her lifeline — a way to heal, build community, and preserve her Filipino heritage through textile traditions.

Together, they explore:

• The role of weaving circles and craft communities in a disconnected world
• How immigrant roots and cultural identity are expressed through textiles
• The founding of Weaving Hand and its impact on education and healing
• Weaving as both fine art and a deeply personal form of resilience
• The cultural and environmental significance of textiles in everyday life
• Reviving traditional crafts and sustainable approaches to making
• Practical advice for aspiring weavers, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs

Whether you’re an artisan, aspiring maker, or someone who simply values handmade work, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how craft connects us to identity, community, and the fine art world.

🎙 The Trades Show is a podcast and video series about modern craftwork — a return to what makes us human: the ability to make with our hands.

🧵 Where to find Cynthia Alberto:

Weaving Hand’s Instagram: @weavinghand

Cynthia’s Instagram: @cynthiaalbertostudio

⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Instagram: @tradesshow

TikTok: @tradesshow

YouTube: @tradesshow

Substack: Trade Secrets

Website: thetradesshow.co

✨ Where to find your host, Briana:

Instagram: @brianaaugustina

Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/

Website: brianaaugustina.com

🎬 In this episode

00:00 The Importance of Community00:47 Welcome to The Trades Show01:43 Meet Cynthia Alberto: Weaver and Multidisciplinary Artist03:12 Cynthia's Journey from Computer Science to Art07:55 Transition to Weaving and Textile Design10:22 Founding Weaving Hand and Community Impact14:03 Weaving as a Form of Healing18:43 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Textiles26:15 Reviving Traditional Crafts and Techniques34:42 Advice for Aspiring Weavers and Artists39:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

n this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Frank Beneduci, American bootmaker and founder of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction, inside his San Francisco workshop.

Their conversation traces Frank’s journey from growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts — once the shoemaking capital of America — to leaving a successful career in advertising to carry forward his family’s legacy in footwear. He shares what makes a truly good shoe, why leather only gets better with time, and how modern technology could shape the future of American shoemaking.

Frank also reflects on the challenges of reviving a fading trade, the lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and what it means to start fresh with a new chapter in his business.

Whether you’re a shoemaker, leatherworker, or simply someone who values the craft of well-made goods, this episode offers insight into the artistry, grit, and innovation behind a pair of boots built to last.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Frank’s early memories of growing up in a shoemaking town
• Why the American shoe industry declined — and what it would take to revive it
• The difference between leather and synthetic shoes (and why it matters for longevity)
• How automation and CAD could shape the future of shoemaking
• Lessons from running a factory, starting over, and staying true to the craft

🥾 Where to find Frank Beneduci:

Website: https://www.beneduci.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneducishoes/

🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow

Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow

Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow

Subscribe to Trade Secrets on Substack: revivethetrades.substack.com

Visit the website: www.revivethetrades.com

🎙️Credits:

Guest – Frank Beneduci, Bootmaker of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction

Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni

Production – Fractal Studio (fractalstudio.work)

Creative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana Ottoboni

Original Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music

📺 In this episode

00:00 The Vision to Reinvigorate American Shoemaking00:27 Introduction to The Trades Show01:22 Meet Frank Beneduci: American Boot Maker04:22 The Decline of the American Shoe Industry09:51 Reviving Shoemaking Through Automation11:36 The Art and Physicality of Shoemaking15:56 The Quality of American vs. European Leather17:54 Learning the Craft in Italy19:45 The School of Hard Knocks20:20 Learning in LA22:53 Starting My Own Factory23:05 Challenges and Setbacks23:48 A New Beginning24:32 Crafting High-Quality Shoes27:20 Simplifying the Process29:14 The Importance of Leather31:01 Breaking in Shoes33:43 Advice for Aspiring Shoemakers37:14 The Next Evolution of Beneduci39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with MaryMar Keenan, ceramicist and founder of MMClay, in her storefront and studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.

Their conversation explores MaryMar’s 30-year journey in ceramics—from discovering her love for clay to building one of San Francisco’s most recognized handmade tableware brands. She shares her philosophy on functional art (“a piece isn’t really finished until it’s used”), the evolution of MMClay, and why she believes handmade pottery should be special, but not precious.

MaryMar also reflects on her transformative trip to Japan, the humbling lessons of working with clay, and how she continues to push her creative edges while running a small-batch production studio. You’ll hear about her innovative experiential pottery workshops, full-circle moments with Michelin-star chefs, and honest advice for aspiring potters navigating the balance of art and business.

Whether you’re a potter, a creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves handmade craftsmanship, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deep look into the artistry behind everyday objects.

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.

🏺 Where to find MaryMar Keenan:

Shop the website: https://www.mmclay.com/

Follow on Instagram: @mmclay_ceramics

🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow

Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow

Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow

Subscribe to Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com/

Visit the Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/

🎙️ Credits:

Guest – MaryMar Keenan, Ceramicist & Designer

Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni

Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)

Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni

Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music

📺 In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:18 Meet MaryMar Keenan: Ceramicist and Designer02:40 Discovering the Love for Clay06:05 The Philosophy of Functional Art08:58 The Evolution of MMClay14:29 Balancing Art and Business16:55 Inspirations from Japan25:55 A Full Circle Moment in Tokyo27:10 The Humbling Nature of Clay28:13 Evolution of a Pottery Business29:16 The Power of Conversation and Opportunity31:06 From Baby Plates to Restaurant Ware32:25 The Birth of MMClay34:08 Current Business Challenges and Aspirations38:50 Innovative Pottery Workshops44:01 Advice for Aspiring Potters47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with leatherworker Ian James, in his namesake brand’s retail space and workshop in San Francisco, California.

Their conversation unpacks Ian's journey from dropping out of Parsons to launching his own label and opening a retail space in San Francisco. Ian shares insights into the day-to-day life of a leatherworker, the challenges of running a brick and mortar store, and how he has pushed boundaries in bag design to create meaningful art.

Ian also delves into his transition into fine art, the impact of the pandemic on his business, and offers advice for aspiring leatherworkers. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and the artistry of leatherwork.

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.

👜 Where to find Ian:

Website: https://www.ianjamesmade.com

Instagram: @ianjamesmade

🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Instagram: @tradesshow

TikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshow

Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/

Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/

🎙️ Credits:

Guest – Ian James, Leatherworker

Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni

Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)

Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni

Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music

📺 In this episode:

00:00 Resilience and Creativity: Overcoming Challenges

00:23 Welcome to The Trades Show

01:18 Introducing Ian James: Leatherworker and Designer

02:16 A Day in the Life of Ian James

03:25 The Journey from Parsons to Etsy

05:34 The Evolution of Ian James' Designs

08:37 The Transition to Leatherworking

13:29 Balancing Corporate Life and Craftsmanship

17:10 Starting the Retail Journey

17:44 Opening the First Store

18:10 Challenges and Costs of Setting Up

20:08 Struggles and Adaptations

22:05 Creative Breakthroughs

24:27 Exploring Leather Art

31:56 Advice for Aspiring Leatherworkers

34:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the Oakland-based studio of Lindsay Knox, jewelry designer and founder of Ladha, for an intimate conversation on craft, identity, and the realities of building a handmade business.

Together, they explore Lindsay’s journey from corporate retail burnout to creating heirloom-inspired pieces by hand. She shares how motherhood, heritage, and a desire to be surrounded by beauty sparked her path to becoming a full-time jewelry maker. From wax carving and gold polishing to vendor partnerships and trade shows, this episode offers a rich look at what it means to think small while scaling with integrity.

Lindsay reflects on the tactile joy of making, her business phases, and why partnering with the right people has been essential to her sustainable growth. For anyone dreaming of turning a creative spark into a livelihood, this episode is filled with heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom.

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.

💍 Where to find Lindsay:

Website: https://www.ladhajewelry.com

Instagram: @ladhajewelry

🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Instagram: @tradesshow

TikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshow

Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/

Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/

🎙️ Credits:

Guest – Lindsay Knox

Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni

Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)

Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni

Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music

📺 In this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Finding Your Path

00:15 Welcome to The Trades Show

01:10 Meet Lindsay Knox: Jewelry Designer and Founder of Ladha

02:10 A Day in the Life of a Jewelry Designer

03:10 The Journey from Retail to Jewelry Making

07:39 Inspiration and Early Influences

11:20 The Business of Jewelry Making

13:11 Design Process and Style

19:49 Balancing Craft and Business Growth

30:24 Future Plans and Aspirations

33:31 Advice for Aspiring Jewelry Designers

38:52 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits Avedano’s, a beloved butcher shop in San Francisco, to sit down with Angela Wilson, butcher and small business owner, for a conversation on craft butchery and the future of our food system. Together, they explore Angela’s journey from restaurant kitchens and martial arts to running a neighborhood butcher shop rooted in sustainability and care.

They discuss what it takes to run a small business in a changing city, the importance of sourcing from local farms, using every part of the animal, and why paying more and eating less might be the key to preserving our food systems. This episode offers a grounded, inspiring look into the rhythms of craft butchery, the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, and the deeper meaning behind connecting to the food we eat.

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.

🥩 Where to find Angela:

Visit Avedano’s: https://www.avedanos.com/

Follow on Instagram: @avedanosmeat

🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:

Instagram: @tradesshow

TikTok: @tradesshow

Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/

Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/

🎙️ Credits:

Guest – Angela Wilson

Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni

Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)

Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni

Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music

📺 In this episode:

00:00 – Introduction

01:12 – Meet Angela Wilson & Avedano’s

03:45 – From restaurant kitchens to butchery

07:10 – Starting a butcher shop from scratch

10:19 – The realities of running a small business

13:28 – Sourcing animals from local farms

17:20 – Using every part of the animal

20:33 – Sustainability and food systems

24:00 – Employee wellbeing in small businesses

27:15 – Pricing, inflation, and small business challenges

30:01 – Craft butchery and mentorship

33:12 – Advice for aspiring butchers

34:45 – Why supporting small farms matters

35:34 – Outro