Studies continue to find that the majority of consumers love to shop, while also feeling responsibility to society and the environment. In addition, the Made in America movement has gained momentum as a cornerstone of building a sustainable economy. Buying from small/family owned businesses, and manufacturers has become the answer to building stronger communities and saving the environment. People want to feel good about their shopping choices without feeling deprived of certain goods or products they desire.

That’s where the idea for Meet Your Makers came from. I believe the synergistic power of local, small-scale production and commerce can better our lives, our communities, and the planet.

The challenge for consumers however, is not only finding the businesses that meet these criteria but also having those products readily available for purchase. On the other hand, small businesses face an uphill battle trying to get off the ground on small budgets and a lack of support. Meet Your Makers will help fill this gap by providing a consistent platform for consumers and businesses to “meet.”

My mission is two-fold: 1) to provide an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to sell their original work and goods directly to the consumer and 2) to provide an opportunity for consumers to feel good about shopping while supporting emerging entrepreneurs and worthwhile causes in a fun outdoor environment.

It’s an all around (people, planet, profit) win-win-win!

Markets will be held at Plaza Veracruz Park in Santa Barbara- conveniently located next to the popular Saturday Farmer’s Market. They will consist of independent makers (artists, artisans, designers, crafters, well-crafted food) and other small creative businesses that engage in sustainable, socially and environmentally responsible practices.

Santa Barbara is an urban center of creative indie-entrepreneurship, style-consciousness, and environmental-consciousness and thus is the perfect stage for a market of this kind. Meet Your Makers is in the early stages of development, but I’m excited by MYM’s potential to positively impact the community. Future plans include: a summer and fall season, an expanded website and blog, and much more!

###

Meet Your Makers (MYM), a series of weekly markets that strives to help connect small creative and sustainable businesses in the area with the conscious-shopping community.

MYM Summer Season

July 6, 20 / August 3, 17, 31 / September 14

Plaza Veracruz Park, Downtown Santa Barbara / 9am-2pm / Open to the public and free to attend!

Call For Vendors

Now taking applications from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Los Angeles residents and anyone else wanting to sell their consciously made goods directly to consumers in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara.

$30 one-time application fee

Booth fees vary by participation

Deadline to apply for first market and/or entire season is: JUNE 14

here for more information.

Email: info@meetyourmakers.org

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.