By Carol Z. Shane
The Holiday Season has come and gone.
Okay, fine, you knew that.
But you might be surprised to know how well your fellow Makers did, and what some of them think about independent artisans in the brand-spanking-New Year of 2021.
With Big Box websites rife with problems — delays, back orders, unreliable shipping timelines — and the awareness that many small businesses are trying to stay afloat, many holiday shoppers chose to show their love for family and friends by shopping small. Crystal Dempsey, who crafts sophisticated, original macrame pieces at Love Me Knot Designs, says, “I have seen a trend of people making a conscious effort to buy local.” And Laurie Kay of Monsters Made with Love says, “I believe that many people are buying from individuals and small businesses, especially with us all staying closer to home.”
With the vaccine, things are looking up pandemic-wise, but for a while at least the smart money’s still on staying in your own bubble as much as possible.
“The time to shop local is all the time!” says Anne Templeton of The Maker City, and if you haven’t submitted for the Monday Marketplace, now’s your chance. It’s free publicity, access to a new audience, and an activity for buyers who are suffering from cabin fever, all rolled into one. It takes place weekly on Instagram, every Monday from 8am to 8pm. And you, the seller, keep 100% of the winning bid. Go here to learn more and apply for the 2021 Marketplace.
As for what people bought over the holidays — well, holiday finery, obviously, but Stephanie Milberry of French Twist noticed an uptick in kitchen items — specifically, pot holders on music note fabric. Remember, people have been cooking at home a lot more than usual in the last year. They probably still are!
Personal care items were also very popular.
But the makers of The Maker City come in a dizzying array of categories, and that’s a real strength. “Remember,” says Templeton, “Makers are not just crafters — they are custom manufacturers who can help with remodels, musicians whose lyrics give all the feels, photographers who capture powerful moments.” Whatever your goods or services are, someone out there needs them, and can find them on The Maker City Directory 365 days a year!
“Creatives think outside the box and are natural problem solvers,” says Kay. “Hang in there! Do what you love and where your heart takes you; it’s usually down the road you were intended to be on.”
Kelly Sullivan of Kspots Ceramics agrees. “I do firmly believe that Makers will always be valued and appreciated regardless of the economy. Stay the course and keep doing what you love! Things are going to get better!”
“I have always thought that Knoxville had a really special community that surrounds Makers and local businesses, and I believe that even more now!” says Dempsey. ”To all my fellow makers out there, we are in this together. We are a community of individual artists and Makers but we are also a community that knows how to show up for one another. Keep creating and keep taking care of yourself.”