Started in Rochester, NY in 2017, Squirrel Hill Design and Craft aims to connect people to a sense of place. Erin has been making wood topographic maps since her senior year at The Evergreen State College in 2016. She named the business after her favorite hill, Squirrel Hill.
When she moved back to her hometown of Pittsburgh she expanded the collection to include landmark accessories like pins and stickers to add additional context to the maps.
While reconnecting to her roots she has embraced a variety of materials like cork and wool felt to increase the tactile nature of the maps. As a fan of miniature railroads like the one at the Carnegie Science Center, she brings in materials like faux foliage to add more depth to the maps.
As a small business owner and nature lover, finding ethical domestic suppliers is an important part of the business. All the wood used is FSC Certified - this ensures its coming from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. She does her best to create as little waste as possible through creative reuse and recycling of materials.
Through her work as an entrepreneur she has become well versed in everything from digital marketing, product development, project management, to pop up shops.
