"To us, Creatives Collective Market is more than just a market event." The Small Businesses calling for Local Support
Emily Hanna
The Creatives Collectives Market is a local and creative small business pop-up event in Belfast. Born out of a love for supporting small and an understanding of how hard it is to start out, it’s the perfect space for small businesses to thrive. The next two events are coming up very soon, with a Valentine’s Day themed market on Saturday, February 11, and a Mother’s Day themed market on Saturday, February 18! Both of these events will be held at 2 Royal Avenue and will be running from 10am to 5pm. They are most definitely not to be missed!
The Creatives Collective is run by two incredibly talented people: Lauren Kelso and Maja Szotkiewicz. Lauren and Maja both have their own small businesses that will be showcased at the upcoming markets.
Photo Credit: Lauren Kelso
Lauren is the founder of LJK Designs, a business which sells illustrated prints, cards, stationery and jewellery with designs of landmarks in Northern Ireland, nature and people. Lauren believes that having artwork in your home can brighten up your space and uplift your mood, and she loves seeing her customers enjoy her beautiful products.
Maja is the founder of Majukooo, a hand-illustrated stationery, homeware and jewellery business that helps her customers live a plantastic life! Maja’s eco-friendly products help people with their day-to-day organisation, houseplant care and with the overall feeling of being able to express the things they love through their home and their attire.
“The heart behind the event is bringing together a range of small businesses and giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell their beautiful local products in a creative space.”
I spoke to the founders to find out what can be expected from the upcoming markets.
Photo Credit: Majukooo
“We will have a variety of unique, local small businesses trading at both our upcoming events (make sure to head over to our Instagram page to learn more about each stallholder!) where you can browse and buy handmade products!”
“Shopping local is the heart of our event, as we truly believe you are supporting each seller and their family when purchasing something from their stall. You have the opportunity to vote with your money, so why not shop local? Small businesses are the backbone of the local community.”
“To us, Creatives Collective Market is more than just a market event. We love chatting to our past and future stakeholders through our group chat which is a safe space for our stallholders to ask for advice, give advice and chat about all things business.”
Aside from all the amazing stalls and talented creators, 2 Royal Avenue is a fantastic venue to check out! It’s dog-friendly, has a café promoting Arabic culture, and offers plenty of cosy seating.
The upcoming events promise plenty of local talent and a variety of stalls, so be sure to get down to browse!
Emily Hanna is a third year English Literature student and a Culture Deputy Editor for The Scoop