Live Simply with Simple Things Curated in the Catskills

Live simply and embrace slow moments in the Hudson Valley with Kaaterskill Market. Kaaterskill Market is a small business in the quaint village of Catskill, NY. It is curated with intention by founder and shop owner, Katie Hartsough. Katie loves the shopkeeper lifestyle. She finds joy in the simplest moments while opening the shop. “ The opening routine is grounding so I try not to rush though it so I can savor the peace in each task. I bring out our wooden sign, the vintage display rack a neighbor found for us at a barn sale that we fill with baskets, I flip the open sign, light our signature candle, turn on the music. I love sweeping the sidewalk, sweeping away the daily spiderwebs from the entrance and saying hello to the neighbors walking by,” said Katie.

The decision to embrace a slower lifestyle in the Catskills started after years of working in the fashion industry. During the beginning of her career, fashion felt very personal to her. Her career began in fashion design. She worked at the brand, Free People, for over a decade. From there, she managed a large design team at an accessories company, and worked with some of the most well-known retailers in the industry. “It was about self-expression, and my obsession with trends seemed like a discovery of culture. I learned so much about business, design, craft, and production. I had worked with small workshops in the New York garment district and visited big factories in China. I had my own accessories line and was selling to some fantastic shops,” she said.

However, overtime it no longer felt right for her. She longed to launch a business that promotes a lifestyle of tranquility and peace. “ I wanted to focus on something more enduring. Something rooted in craftsmanship and meaning, offering products that solved small, everyday problems and helped reduce friction in people’s lives,” she said. That’s when Kaaterskill Market was born. 

Kaaterskill Market is known for their sustainable homeware and gifts, curated by Katie herself. The curated collection of products are made of natural materials, local to the Hudson Valley region and handmade with fair trade. Their baskets in particular are one of the most popular products. Katie’s approach to the design of the baskets is to refine and perfect classic designs. They’re functional, yet intricately crafted hand-weaved baskets. Each basket is made to order in small batches by women in Morocco, and they’re made from natural plant material like date palms and reeds. “It took a really long time to find the right artisan partner to make our own Kaaterskill Market baskets. It’s only been about six months since we started our branded baskets and to get started, I’m focusing on a few perfected shapes. We started with our version of the French Market Tote which is a very classic style. People love the double handle so they can carry it on their shoulder, hands-free when shopping or bringing towels down to the lake or laundry up the stairs. The leather straps are super strong with reinforced crisscross stitching in an attractive pattern,” she said. 

You’ll find Katie most often with the Classic French Market Tote. She uses it daily, packing it full with her laptop and daily essentials. “I love how I can throw EVERYTHING in there, it stays upright in the car, and I can carry it easily.” There is a basket for anything, adding functionality and beauty to your lifestyle. “In my house, you’ll see baskets everywhere. I have a basket to hide my hair dryer. A basket for my pajamas so I can re-wear them a few times before washing. A basket for my white and delicate laundry. A basket for potatoes and onions in the kitchen. A basket for beanies, hats and gloves in the entryway,” she said.  Their newest basket is called the Cutie Gift Basket. “It’s the perfect size to pack up a few sweet gifts like a candle, a card, maybe a tin of tea and a ceramic mug. And then the basket itself is part if the gift and so functional in the kitchen or bathroom for storage. Or you can re-gift it filled with your own special things,” she said.

Shop the curated collection of Kaaterskill Market in person, or online and live simply with simple things.