Hearth & Hammer General, a modern neighborhood general store, candle studio, and workshop space, joins statewide tourism program spotlighting the people, products and experiences authentic to Illinois.
The Illinois Office of Tourism announced 31 new small businesses have been recognized by the Illinois Made Program, including Hearth & Hammer General, a candle studio and retail boutique in downtown Batavia, Illinois.
“We are thrilled that another regional artisan has been chosen as part of the Illinois Made program,” said Cort Carlson, Executive Director of the Aurora Area CVB. “It’s small local businesses like Hearth & Hammer General that give this area its unique character and create a vibrant visitor destination.”
“We are so honored to be recognized as a Maker in the Illinois Made Program,” said Ariane Scholl, co-owner of Hearth & Hammer General. “We feel truly fortunate to be featured alongside so many other amazing artisans, some of which we have been lucky enough to meet at markets and fairs in Chicago we've been a part of.”
“We are so grateful to be included in such an awesome group and look forward to exploring more places on the list. Being recognized at the state level for our craft is truly meaningful," said Scholl.
Hearth & Hammer General is one of 17 women-owned businesses in the latest class of makers, the most of any since the Illinois Made Program began.
Co-owners of Hearth & Hammer General, Andy Kenney and Ariane Scholl.
Launched in 2016, Illinois Made spotlights the people, products and experiences authentic to Illinois and inspires residents and visitors to explore these iconic destinations when traveling the state, or in their own backyard.
“Our shop isn't on a main road, so our business relies on word-of-mouth recommendations and social media awareness,” said Scholl. “Every week we see new faces coming into our shop from Chicago and neighboring communities, so to be included in a program like this is really amazing, as we hope it will help more folks to find us since we are 'off the beaten path.'”
The program, which currently features over 175 makers, helps drive foot traffic into local businesses around the state. The Illinois Office of Tourism promotes Illinois Made makers through inclusion in trip itineraries, events, seasonal campaigns and the annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide—encouraging consumers to support small businesses throughout the holiday shopping season—to be announced later this month.
“Our new class of makers is a remarkable reflection of the multicultural diversity found all around Illinois,” said Karla Flannery, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We are honored to welcome such a talented group of makers that are destinations within their communities and we look forward to highlighting their craft, history and unique experience to locals and visitors alike.”
Hearth & Hammer General joins three other previously designated Illinois Made businesses in the Aurora Area:
- Endiro Coffee in Aurora, IL
- Hardware in North Aurora, IL
- Wurst Kitchen in Aurora, IL.
“Businesses designated Illinois Made represent the unique experiences available to locals and visitors alike in the Aurora Area,” said James Cardis, Director of Marketing at the Aurora Area CVB. “Hearth & Hammer is an outstanding addition to the Illinois Made Program as well as to the local mix of attractions that make the Aurora Area such an amazing travel destination.”
View the listing for Hearth & Hammer General at EnjoyIllinois.com.
Learn more about Hearth & Hammer General and shop online at hearthandhammer.co.
Hearth & Hammer General is located at 319 Main Street in Batavia, Illinois 60510.