Wisconsin Makers Market | 106 E. Grand Ave | 715-514-4040 | wisconsinmakersmarket@gmail.com
We made a stop recently to Wisconsin Makers Market at 106 E Grand Ave, and left on a high – a literal sugar high – after picking up some hot chocolate mix from Spooner-based Mayana Chocolates, some toffee from Eau Claire-based Just a Taste Toffee, and some peppermint bark fudge from Valley Fudge & Candy, a Coon Valley, WI maker.
Our quick stop was a tour de Wisco that pushed us to the brink of diabetic shock.
Even if you’re not interested in eating like Elf, Wisconsin Makers Market features an impressive collection of handmade goods from a wide range of exclusively Wisconsin makers. Jewelry, wall art, candles, handmade cards and paper products, beauty products, pet toys, home décor and much more can be found at the store.
It would be hard not to leave with some enthusiasm about Wisconsin makers after browsing the selection – Wisconsinites are making some really cool stuff! And if you aren’t enthusiastic about Wisconsin producers and makers after talking with owner Chelsea Higley, you’re just dead inside.
“I wanted to create a collaborative space, where Wisconsin small businesses could showcase their work right here in the Chippewa Valley,” says Chelsea.
The shop sells on consignment, and also hosts a rotating selection of vendor pop up booths – providing additional marketing support for participating businesses. Wisconsin Makers Market also hosts a variety of workshops, classes and events that are open to the public.
Staying true to their roots, they also host vendor fairs/markets at various points in the year.
“Vendor markets are how we got started, and we plan to grow these engagements to become community events with shopping, food, and music,” says Chelsea.
It’s very clear that Wisconsin Makers Market is a supportive place for small businesses to build success, and their Young Entrepreneur program is another way they help foster that entrepreneurial spirit. The program hosts pop ups on the third and fourth Sundays of the month that feature businesses run by kids ages 5-17. When we visited, Chelsea was working on plans to expand the program to a series of outdoor markets this summer that also feature these young entrepreneurs and their ventures.
Shop online, try out a subscription box, sign up for a class, or just make plans to stop by and explore the store – you’ll leave with an appreciation for our creative Wisconsin makers… and maybe in need of a nap after your sugar rush.