What's the Story: Everett Makers Market

The Everett Makers Market has been consistently putting on great events all year and bringing the arts community together. We asked them a few questions about all the awesomeness they've been up to.

Lets start with some basics. Who are you and how did you end up in Everett?

We are Kristen and Matt Keenan and we moved to Everett back in 2006 from San Francisco. Matt took a job over at Boeing and I took a job with the Zumiez Home Office here in Everett. We initially chose to live in Everett over Seattle because of the proximity to work and easy access to the surrounding areas. We decided to stay in Everett because we love the availability of historic craftsman homes and the beautiful historic neighborhoods.

So what is this, "Everett Makers Market" thing all about?

The Everett Makers Market is a place to meet the people who make awesome products that you can't find anywhere else. Each market features a different mix of makers who bring products such as pottery, art, coffee, planters, knives, jewelry, skin care products, candles, leather goods, blankets and toys just to name a few. Our goal is to have something new at each market; making it the perfect place to pick up a gift or simply to treat yo'self!

You also own your own business, right?

Yes, we own Vertical Gardens Northwest. We offer a variety of living wall garden products for both indoor and outdoor use. You can buy a complete kit or have something custom built to fit your space. We also offer a variety of geometric hanging planters made of glass and metal as well as porcelain wall pockets to display a air plants and succulents. We have something for everyone – from small living ornaments to large garden systems suitable for commercial growing. Our goal is to provide opportunities for people to start growing even if they don't have a lot of space.

Was that your inspiration for starting the Makers Market?

We started the Everett Makers Market after seeing a demand from local makers who wanted access to the local Everett retail environment, as well as Everett residents looking for fun things to do downtown. Our goal is to provide a pop-up venue for local makers and customers to meet in-person in downtown Everett instead of just buying and selling online. The Market has become a community event and not just place to shop. Ultimately, we want people to come out and enjoy all the new exciting things downtown Everett has to offer. The Makers Market provides economic opportunity for both our Makers and surrounding downtown Everett businesses.

How long ago did you start the Makers Market?

We launched back in December 2015. We've been running as often as we can and look forward to our next event August 27th which will be in conjunction with the Everett Food Truck Festival.

Have you been happy with how the market has gone so far?

We are happy as we have found that people in the community are very receptive to the market vibe and have been enjoying our events. We are not here to just try and "sell stuff". We enjoy finding people in our community making cool and unique items that you can't just go and buy at any store. We see the Makers Market as a way to present local makers and their products to our community. Our customers are excited to come check out the market and feel good about their purchases because they can see how it was made and meet the person who made it.

We dig the name, "Makers Market." Did you come up with that, or is it something people are doing in other areas, too?

We can't take credit for the term "Makers Market" as it is becoming a global phenomena. I think many people are bored with mass-market goods that are disposal and cheaply made. Why not buy something locally made that will last?

What's your criteria for choosing a "Maker?"

You have to be a licensed small business owner who makes something fresh and unique. We are looking for products that you can't just go an buy at a national retail chain. That's about all there is to it.

Who should go to the Everett Makers Market?

Anyone looking to connect with their local community and meet some awesome people making cool stuff. It is a relaxing family friendly event and all are welcome. We aim to have price points that suit all lifestyles and you don't have to feel compelled to buy. Feel free to come check it out and have a good time!

Do you see any big changes for the Makers Market in the future? Any big goals?

We look forward to continuing to bring the community events year round. We play it by ear and do not have a set schedule for the whole year. Each market is a bit of a social experiment so we figure out what works and adapt as needed. This allows us to keep the market fresh and exciting. In the future, we would like to pair the Everett Makers Market with other local events. We had a blast working with Sno-Isle Food Co-op for the block party last month and look forward to working with the Everett Food Truck Festival on August 27th.. We'd love to work with local building owners and host pop ups all around town to maintain a year round calendar.

Who are some of your favorite Makers?

We love and support all of our makers equally. Our favorite Makers are people who put love and thought into the products they make. – ensuring both quality of goods and a great aesthetic are captured in their products. A maker that understands retail and how to present their wares and interface with the public.

What do you think of the Everett art scene? Is it getting better?

I think the Everett art scene is awesome. I highly recommend checking out the many art and music events that Everett has to offer. I feel like the city is a huge contributor and supports its growth. I think the more the community works together and supports each other we can continue to grow into something even more amazing!

Anything else you want to add? Where can people get more information about the Makers Market?

I just want to say thank you to all that have supported us in this venture. We look forward to seeing you all and meeting more of you at our future events. If you would like to stay up to date with what we're doing please like us on Facebook and Instagram. If you want to apply to be a vendor or wanna drop us a line you can email us at: everettmakersmarket@gmail.com

Thanks so much to Kristen for doing this mini interview with us! We love what the Makers Market is doing for the Everett community. Make sure you come check out the next Everett Makers Market event that will be running alongside the Everett Food Truck Festival just after the Bubble Run on Saturday August 27th.

See you there!

Garret + Tyler
Everett Advocates + Realtors

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