Inspired by Bea Johnson's "Zero Waste Lifestyle" TED talk, Liz started off by making the switch from plastic straws to stainless steel straws for herself and her kids. This let her to then start seeking out more sustainable swaps to make in her everyday life.
Passionate about inspiring others to strive for a zero-waste lifestyle, Liz continues to source and supply low-cost and effective eco-friendly products to make everyday swaps easier for as many people as possible.
What started off as just a straw has now become so much more, and is proof that small changes can lead to big results!
Carry on reading to learn more about Cool Straw!
Meet this week's maker, Mildred from Green Beginnings! Though Green Beginnings is only a hobby for Mildred, who works part-time in the medical field and is a full-time mom, her passion towards nurturing and caring for tropical plants is unparalleled. Her passion for plants started at a young age, and is now a passion she shares with her two young daughters.
Carry on reading to learn more about Green Beginnings!
What kind of products do you sell?
Meet this week's maker, Christina from Evelyn Pearl Bow Co!
Christina likes to be busy by nature, and this has driven the evolution of what once was a kitchen table time filler, to a full on family affair. Evelyn and Pearl are the middle names of her two daughters, which are family names from her and her husband's grandmothers, both of which who were creative, driven, and uncompromising women. These are the qualities that she wishes to instil in her girls, as well as strive to adhere by in her business.
Whether you’re rocking a messy bun or matching your little one, you’ll always have a piece to hold it all together with Christina's creations.
Carry on reading to learn more about Evelyn Pearl Bow Co!
Taking inspiration from her roots in the music community, Jewlya's unique pieces are both edgy and fun!
Carry on reading to learn more about XNinexLivesX!
Meet this week's maker, Ashleigh from Richer Design Co!
Ashleigh, her husband Dave and their 3 children reside in Cannington, Ontario, where they operate from their home-based office. Started in 2017, they offer an incredible variety of beautiful laser cut, engraved and hand-painted keepsakes to celebrate any and every occasion.
Carry on reading to learn more about Richer Design Co!
Meet this week's maker, Sarah from Stitched by Sarah! From Whitby, Ontario, Sarah is a wife and mom of 3. On top of selling a variety of handmade knit and crochet items, she also sells knitting/crochet patterns, creates YouTube tutorials, and writes blogs geared toward the knitting community.
Carry on reading to learn more about Stitched by Sarah!
What kind of products do you sell?
I hand make knit and crochet items ranging from winter accessories to home decor.
How did you get started?
I learned to crochet shortly after my daughter was born six years ago. We learned quickly after her birth that she would have special needs and require a lot of care, so returning full-time as an elementary teacher was no longer an option for us. Having made cuts to our budget I looked for ways to keep busy in the evenings and a way to relax and unwind. Soon after making things for myself and family I had requests from friends and friends of friends to purchase my items. It all went from there. Joining Markets has allowed me to take my passion to create and turn it into extra income for my family that still allows me to be at home and have flexibility to meet our needs.
Why are you a maker?
Making crochet and knit items has been an emotional outlet for me and brings me such enjoyment that it hardly feels like work. I also love to see others enjoy the items I make and seeing people take home my creations is an amazing and rewarding feeling. I create to financially support for my family, yes, but I also am a maker because I love it. I’m always learning new things in my craft and always try to produce the best quality items that I am proud of.
What inspires you?
My inspiration started from connecting with other knitters and crocheters. I still enjoy meeting with my knitting friends and learning from each other. I am now also inspired by the handmade community as a whole. Seeing the love and passion people put into their business is fuel for me and keeps me going even when I am extremely busy. My family is also a huge inspiration - their love and support for this small business has been a big reason for my success.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
I absolutely love making winter accessories - toques, ear warmers and scarves. I could make these in my sleep, but they are still my favourite thing to create. Plus, the big faux fur poms I use are all handmade by me as well!
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
I really love handmade jewelry and pottery. My jewelry and mug collection is quite extensive - ha! I also really love purchasing handmade home decor that adds a special touch to my home.
What is your most popular product?
My most popular products this past year have been toques and rainbow pillows. Two things I really enjoy making.
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I love music - to sing, to dance to and to play it! I often have the music up loud when I’m out driving. My kids are used to it now that mommy likes to jam!
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @stitchedbysarahs
Facebook: Stitched by Sarah
Meet this week's maker, Katy from Spark & Thistle! With a broad background ranging from dance and kinesiology to nutrition and environmental studies, Katy's main passion lies in creating beautiful jewelry and everything that comes with it—including being able to stay home with her kids!
Carry on reading to learn more about Spark & Thistle!
What kind of products do you sell?
Handmade, semi-precious gemstone, crystal and brass jewelry.
How did you get started?
In 2012 I had just completed 8 years of post-secondary and was unsure what to do with myself. I’ve always been into crafting, and living downtown Toronto in the textile and bead district at the time, I went to pick up some jewelry supplies from a local shop to make necklaces for friends and family for Christmas. A family member used to go shooting at the range and brought me with them. After some rounds were shot, I noticed all of the brass bullet casings on the floor and collected some. I carefully cleaned, drilled them and found crystal specimens that fit perfectly into the bullet casings, turning them into up-cycled and unique “Love Not War” pendant necklaces. Soon friends of friends were ordering them, and I decided to take the leap and open an Etsy shop. They were my best-seller for years and so much fun to make!
Why are you a maker?
I’m in my element when I’m creating. Anytime I take a break from doing something crafty or creative for a period of time, I feel disconnected and a great yearning to make something. I live to create, connect with customers and other makers and work from home, so I can also stay home with my kids. I am blessed!
What inspires you?
Nature, art and landscapes.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
That’s a difficult question! I love my statement earrings with botanical stamps.
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
My favourite product is probably my 'Paddle Your Own Canoe' sweater by Canoe & Lake. It’s gorgeous, soft, a beautiful colour and designed by a lovely local mama with an inspiring message.
What is your most popular product?
My hammered brass ‘Mama’ line of necklaces. My favourite is the ‘Mama Bird’.
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I love to cook! I had started to write a raw/vegan/vegetarian cookbook years ago (I’ve been vegetarian for 17 years). I might finish and publish that book one day!
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @sparkandthistle
Facebook: Spark & Thistle
Website: www.sparkandthistle.com
Meet this week's maker, Keeshia from Customly Wrapped Creations! CWC has come a long way since 2017, from just making items for family and friends to multiple retail locations and tons of regular customers.
Between being a mom and working her full-time job, CWC is actually what she does in her spare time, though she's also learning that days off are pretty important as well. One thing for sure though? Each and every item is designed by Keeshia and made with the most love.
Carry on reading to learn more about Customly Wrapped Creations!
What kind of products do you sell?
I specialize in baby onesies and toddler t-shirts. I also sell a variety of custom items from kid and adult aprons to custom hats and tote bags. I also carry a variety of seasonal items for personalization.
How did you get started?
I started in June of 2017. I started out with just onesies and eventually grew into doing other items as well. I wanted to make items with my daughter Aivah’s name on it. Growing up I was never able to find personalized items with my name on it, as the spelling is so unique. And then before I knew it I had customers other than my family and friends reaching out to me, and that’s how Customly Wrapped Creations was created.
Why are you a maker?
In the beginning, I needed something to keep me busy. I’ve never been one to sit around and “relax”. It slowly grew into my passion though, and now I can’t imagine where I’d be without it.
What inspires you?
My daughter, Aivah. She’s my mini me for sure. I want to show her at the end of the day, whoever is by your side you can do anything you put your mind to. It won’t come easy, but with hard work and passion you can follow your dreams.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
No matter how many different items I sell, baby onesies will always have my heart. Being a part of that celebration in welcoming a new life into this world is the best feeling.
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
This is hard as there’s so many! A couple favourites are for sure my lip balms from Blazing Bombs. I have one in my car, my room, and my work jacket. I also can’t live without my tumblers from Mei Designs. I use them daily for work and they keep my tea HOT for hours!
What is your most popular product?
Baby onesies for sure. But recently I’ve seen a lot of custom kids aprons, as well as tooth fairy bags go out the door.
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I love anything spicy and I literally put hot sauce on EVERYTHING!
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @customlywrappedcreations
Facebook: Customly Wrapped Creations
Website: www.customlywrappedcreations.ca