Local Spotlight: Makers Mercantile & Studio
New Studio in Downtown
Gathered around the idea of supporting the beautiful downtown area and the local artisans who make our community so colorful, this new studio collective exists to unite the artist with the art lover.
Though shared business ownership may be daunting for some, the five co-owners of the new Makers Mercantile & Studio in downtown Greeley feel empowered by the shared responsibility. Perhaps that’s because they recognized a shared vision before their venture even began. Originally these creatives met locally at business and craft events while selling their various handmade wares. Though they all have different artisan talents, they realized they all longed for a more permanent place to sell their work, a place to give other artisans a storefront to do the same and a space where they could host workshops and classes. With their complementary skills and experiences, they seized the opportunity to build a collective together.
Mike Herbst, a veritable MacGyver, is excellent at fixing just about anything. Jen Frein is the bookkeeper extraordinaire, Deb O’Dell creates the visuals, Jessica Marshall handles the marketing, PR and website. And, Sally Otto with her previous experience as a programmer and technology teacher, handles the POS/inventory system while keeping an eye on the big picture.
Although their business model is very similar to a standard artist co-op, it has a few differences that lend convenience and accessibility for makers who are just testing the waters when it comes to selling their work:
The inventory and integrated sales software automates merchandise and sales tracking.
Because there are five owners to staff the register, artists do not need to work in the gallery as part of their vendor agreement.
Lease agreements are month-to-month after the first six months so that the artist and the business have the ability to assess whether the partnership is a good fit.
Artists can rent out a full booth (8’x4’ for $120/month), a half booth (4’x4’ for $60/month), or a shelf ($20+/month) with additional pricing options for placement at the front of the shop. Offering graduated investment, makes participation possible for artists at all stages of their careers.
Artists have creative freedom to decorate their booths as they wish, though there are a few community guidelines to create cohesion in the atmosphere.
The business takes only a 15% commission on all sales to cover overhead. (This includes cleaning, credit card processing, maintenance, and memberships to the Chambers of Commerce…)
Young Entrepreneurs under age 18 get a free shelf space to sell their creations.
So far the business has hit the ground running, with the over 70 vendor spaces booked until 2024! However, there are still opportunities this year to utilize their makers’ studio space–to attend or teach workshops.
Check out their events calendars to find classes covering everything from cupcake decoration, to macrame, to butterfly spreading!
Or if you are interested in teaching a creative course, contact the Makers Mercantile for more information.
Whether you are an artisan looking for a space to sell your goods, a crafting instructor looking for a place to teach, a curious creative looking for a chance to learn or a shopper looking for something unique and handmade by a local, this lovely little shop is worth a visit!
“We really want to encourage folks to come downtown with a little something for everyone. So far the business has exceeded our expectations in sales and, more importantly, in relationships,” Sally said.
by: Dana Buckingham