The Working Hands of Bellingham
The often overlooked but essential contributors to our city
Story and photos by Sophie Cadran
Hands tell stories — of passion, skill, dedication and a life spent shaping the world in small but meaningful ways. In Bellingham, where craft and community intertwine, the imprint of working hands is everywhere.
The moment you step into downtown, you're engaging with the labor of countless artisans, makers and workers. A visit to Raven Bakery for a loaf of bread or a pastry supports not just the bakers, but also local suppliers like Fairhaven Flour Mill, K'ul Chocolate and the Frontier Co-op. Every touchpoint in your day carries the mark of skilled hands — often unnoticed, yet essential to our city.
This photo essay captures only a handful of Bellingham’s working hands, but I hope it sparks a deeper awareness of the people behind the goods and services you rely on daily. Their hands shape the fabric of this city — one careful movement at a time. Bellingham wouldn’t be what it is without them, so take a moment to recognize, support and thank the working hands that keep this community thriving.
BACKCOUNTRY ESSENTIALS: As Bellingham skiers and snowboarders make their way to Mt. Baker, Kegan Thompson, head ski technician at Backcountry Essentials, carefully performs a base repair on a rental ski. Using p-tex plastic and a small flame, he melts the material to fill in minor cracks, ensuring a smooth ride on the slopes.
ASLAN BREWING CO.: On a mid-February evening, hungry customers trickle into Aslan Brewing Company, filling the space with lively conversation. A small group laughs together at a window-side table, their voices adding to the pub’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Behind the bar, staff member Madison Sorden pours one of Aslan’s signature craft brews.
CAFE BLUE: Amidst the Monday afternoon rush, Eugenia Palko, a barista at Cafe Blue, holds her ground behind the espresso bar, expertly crafting drinks for a steady stream of smiling customers. With practiced grace, she pours a delicate leaf atop a latte before swiftly moving on to her next order.
MUD CERAMICS: Large tables and pottery wheels are scattered across the studio floor at MUD Ceramics, where Sam Friesen, a teacher and studio technician, carefully shapes what will become a tall ceramic vase. As members trickle in, shaking off the cold February rain, they quietly immerse themselves in their projects, their expressions softening as they become absorbed in the creative process.
RAVEN BAKERY: Late morning sunbeams catch flour dancing through the air at Raven Bakery, where Founder Sophie Williams carefully shapes loaves of the bakery’s beloved Mountain Rye. Smiles spread across the faces of customers as the sweet aroma of Valentine's Day pastries warmly welcomes them inside.
CHAMELEON TATTOO AND PIERCING: Piercer Racheal Taylor carefully pierces customer Alex Enriquez’s tragus. During piercings, Taylor uses a small magnet beneath her latex gloves to hold the jewelry on her hand, allowing for convenient and quick access when ready to insert. On a typical day, Taylor performs an average of 30 piercings when working solo. As for Enriquez, they plan to add an eyebrow and tongue piercing in the future.
NORTHWEST YARNS: Sunlight streams through a stained-glass flower, casting colorful beams onto a 25-year-old floor loom where Northwest Yarns staff member Kels Mordecai carefully warps hand-dyed, 100% wool yarn — a meticulous first step in crafting a 4-by-6-foot blanket. Outside, passersby slow at the shop's tall windows, drawn in by the rhythmic process. Though often seen as tedious, warping is a meditative ritual for Mordecai and their favorite part of weaving.
KZAX 94.9 LP FM: Deep within the historic Bellingham National Bank Building sits KZAX Radio, a low-power community station and branch of Make.Shift Art Space. During Sunday afternoon streaming, Music Director Ry Stockdill carefully adjusts the faders on the broadcast board, which allows them to balance soundtracks and switch between microphones and automation channels. KZAX amplifies the creativity of local DJs, syndicated media and a diverse music lineup ranging from blues to heavy metal.