This year has been one of remarkable growth, challenges, and milestones for the MitchCraft family. What began as a simple effort to create safe
, natural products for Jenny’s family and feathered friends has evolved into a full-fledged business. However, the opening of MitchCraft was delayed due to a significant family challenge—our 20-year-old son, Michael’s, cancer diagnosis. Despite this setback, the MitchCraft spirit has remained strong, and the business launched with the same heartfelt commitment to quality and care in which it was conceived.
MitchCraft has grown from humble beginnings to include a wide array of products, such as eco-friendly household goods, herbal tinctures, loose-leaf teas, lotions, crystal rollers, incense sticks, and even a collection of sourdough starters—some over a thousand years old.
This year also saw us move out of the local indoor flea market to establish our own dedicated space, which will open in the Spring. This is a milestone that reflects the incredible support we’ve received from our community. A highlight of the year was earning second place in the KXLG Chili Cook-Off in September. We’re already planning our strategy to bring home first place next year!
This year also brought two wonderful foster children into our lives. Johnny, a six-year-old bursting with energy and curiosity, has amazed us with his love for trucks, numbers, and his exceptional math skills. He’s finishing the school year with his current foster placement and will officially move in with us this summer as we have already begun the adoption process.
Baby R, who joined our family just before her sixth birthday, is also a foster child. She has embraced her new world with an incredible spirit, delighting us with her love of water, expressive personality, and excitement for school. While her future is still coming together, we feel incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our family for however long she's here.
The "dynamic duo," Xylo and Hallie, celebrated milestone birthdays, turning 21 and 19. Xylo is juggling studies, babysitting, and helping with MitchCraft while planning big travels for 2025.
Hallie is focusing on her career close to home, exploring freelance opportunities, and working in retail. They made time for special memories with their younger siblings, from holiday outings to helping Jenny at the chili cook-off. Their bond and teamwork continue to inspire us.
Jade has thrived in her first year of high school, making friends and exploring her passions for computers and herpetology. She has a growing collection of reptiles and amphibians, including two snakes that she calls Mister Snake and Vamanos. While she dreams of adding a tarantula to the mix, she’s still working on convincing the rest of us. Jade’s adventurous spirit extends beyond her pets to her bold style choices in style and her expanding palate, which now occasionally includes vegetables.
After enlisting in the Navy and excelling, Michael suffered a stroke, which revealed a baseball-sized brain tumor. Despite the glioblastoma diagnosis, Michael’s resilience and humor have been unwavering. Back in South Dakota for treatment, he’s surrounded by the love and support of family. His determination to overcome this challenge inspires us all as we look forward to brighter days ahead.
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the growth, love, and resilience that have defined this year. From MitchCraft’s expansion to the personal milestones of each family member, this has been a year of overcoming challenges and celebrating victories. We’re excited for 2025 and all the opportunities it will bring as we continue to craft, grow, and thrive together. We want to take a moment to thank our incredible community and customers for their ongoing patience and support throughout this transformative year. Your encouragement has been the backbone of MitchCraft’s journey, and we couldn’t have achieved any of this without you. Here’s to crafting a brighter, bolder, and more beautiful year ahead—together. Thank you for being part of our story!
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