Our Story
About Vodkaleti
Formations LLC
A home for makers, dreamers, and doers — celebrating the creativity of Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities.
Our Mission
Empowering Local Creators Since Day One
Vodkaleti Formations LLC was born from a simple belief: local artists deserve a platform that values their work as much as the people who make it. We started in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with a dream to connect creative people with a community that truly cares.
Today, we celebrate the creativity of Fort Dodge and surrounding communities by giving local artists and small vendors a place where their work is seen, valued, and supported — both online and beyond.
Work With Us
Focused
Our Values
What Drives Us
Local
Focused on uplifting artists and causes right here at home in Fort Dodge and Central Iowa.
Collaborative
We co-create with makers, small brands, and community partners to amplify impact.
Purposeful
Every collection is tied to a story, a mission, or a need worth fighting for.
Community Impact
The Nonprofits We Support
A portion of proceeds from select Vodkaleti collections and campaigns goes directly to these local organizations making a real difference in our community.
The Lotus Community Project
"Finding a warm place to sleep shouldnt be an everyday stressor!"
Lotus Community Project empowers individuals and families in crisis by providing safe shelter, essential resources, and compassionate support, helping them rebuild stability, dignity, and hope for a stronger future.
📊 Vodkaleti Formations proudly supported The Lotus Project this season by donating over $500 in essential supplies and sponsoring families within the shelter to ensure they experienced a warm, joyful Christmas. Through these contributions, Vodkaleti Formations helped provide stability, comfort, and holiday cheer to individuals and families working to rebuild their lives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to compassion, community, and meaningful impact.
Partner With Us
Is Your Nonprofit a Good Fit?
We're always looking to partner with local nonprofits that align with our mission of community uplift. Reach out and let's create impact together.
Get in TouchThe Founder
Meet Shawn Halbur
& Owner
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Paramedic. Firefighter. Community Builder.
CEO & Founder — Vodkaleti Formations LLC
Shawn Halbur was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa — a community he has dedicated his life to serving in more ways than one. A 2015 graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School, Shawn's early career was rooted in care: he served as a certified nursing assistant at Friendship Haven before advancing into emergency medicine.
After earning his associate degree from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Shawn worked as an EMT with Southeast Iowa Ambulance in Iowa City, honing the discipline, compassion, and quick thinking that would define his path. In 2021, he joined the Fort Dodge Fire Department as an EMT — and eventually advanced to the role of Paramedic, serving under IAFF Local 0622, the Fort Dodge Firefighters union.
But for Shawn, service never stopped at the fire station. Deeply rooted in community, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding Vodkaleti Formations LLC — a platform born from his belief that local artists, small business owners, and makers deserve a real stage. He also founded Thrive Thread LLC and the V.F. Prints "Krocks 4 Kidz" footwear line, a youth-focused initiative that donates proceeds to support children in the community.
Today, Shawn serves as the 100% owner and driving force behind Vodkaleti Formations — a company that embodies everything he stands for: showing up, lifting others, and turning everyday people into tomorrow's success stories.
How It Works
For Artists & Shoppers
For Artists & Vendors
Share Your Work with the World
We offer a welcoming space to share your work with people who appreciate handmade, local, and meaningful. From product support to collaborative opportunities, we're here to help your creativity shine.
Apply to JoinFor Shoppers
Shop with Purpose
Every item you find here comes from someone in your community. When you shop Vodkaleti, you're supporting real people, real stories, and real impact.
Visit Marketplace