Dayton Wellness Collective

I first discovered Val from her instagram feed sugarcampshop. I had seen her merch around Dayton over the past year; her boldly printed bandanas that were artfully displayed at trendy local boutiques. But at the end of 2025, I was finally able to put a face to the name when I came across one of her insta reels. I could tell right away she was a creative soul. Her eyes conveyed a balance of authentic empathy and underlying rage as she posted about her small business against the backdrop of the fall of our democracy. I hopped over to her profile and found several more videos that fit that same vibe. One video detailed how she was getting ready for a local protest and how she, though scared, prepared a checklist of things to bring and things not to bring (in case counter-protestors made things unsafe for everyone) Another video showed her speaking into the camera, admitting that even though it is easy to fall into despair in times like these, she would resist by not succumbing to the overwhelming urge to mentally check out. Both times her unique bandanas were proudly displayed, each with a powerful message of resistance and/or persistence. I immediately gave her page a follow and reached out to see if she would like to collaborate on a future event.

Val accepted and the planning process began. We were talking about craftivism and how beautifully it strings together community through events (especially those offered here in the Dayton Area). She decided to do craftivist bracelets for her featured segment, using strips of upcycled bandanas and bowls full of letter beads. Several months later, on the evening of the April Moon Swoon, she came early to set up her table and her crafts. We were chatting about her upcoming trip to Salem where she and @fortheloveofthreadandplants were going to vend at the Fiber Witch Festival and she showed me all of the witchy bandanas that she prepped for that event (I eagerly bought one, of course). And after our relaxing guided meditation and gentle yoga class, we all sat around Val and listened to her craftivism presentation that she had created on paper to look like the punk zines of the early to mid 90s. 

Val is a true steward of the community. Between her business that combines aesthetics with political dissent and her volunteer work with Gem City Action, she definitely walks the walk of being a shining light when times feel dark. 

Check her out on instagram @sugarcampshop

or her website sugarcampdaytono.com