Inside Maker Mart on Gandy Street with Laura

Independent spaces that champion local creativity give the city a distinct heartbeat. In this feature, we visit Maker Mart to talk with manager Laura about providing a physical platform for Southwest artists and building a welcoming community hub.

Part of the Exeter Phoenix, Maker Mart operates as an independent showcase dedicated entirely to regional talent:

"This is Maker Mart. We are an independent shop that does crafts & gifts all from local artists in the Southwest, part of Exeter Phoenix."

Since opening six years ago, the shop has grown to support a diverse mix of creators ranging from full-time professionals to dedicated hobbyists:

"So in the shop we've got 136 makers at the moment. Some people are full-time professionals, some people are just hobbyists. It's a complete mix. So what do we do is we facilitate a space for people so they can come & sell their stuff."

The criteria for selection are focused on originality and craftsmanship, keeping the space inspiring for both makers and visitors alike:

"Our criteria is things that are either handmade or independently designed... It's about people coming in & getting inspired."

Reflecting on what makes running the shop so rewarding, Laura shares her appreciation for the daily engagement with customers and creators:

"It's the range of people I meet & this is customers and also makers. We meet so many people & it's so, so nice to have that engagement."

Looking toward the future, the team's primary goal is to grow community awareness and share the incredible work of local artists far and wide:

"Getting more awareness about who we are & what we do... everything we're doing is just trying to grow that community."