Supporting local businesses that make an effort to create sustainable goods was the theme of last Saturday’s Mindful Spring Local Maker Market held in Lac La Biche to celebrate the Earth Day weekend.
A handful of local vendors from the region sold handmade jewelry, clothing, candles and home decor at the event held at the Sir Winston Churchill Hall on the Lac La Biche causeway.
“There are a lot of cool vendors, markets and businesses that people don’t really know about in town. I really want to bring more attention to them and give them a chance after COVID," said organizer Avery Holden.
She says the market’s connection to Earth Day, which was observed last Friday, April 22, around the world, is through restoring the environment while encouraging individuals to live and lead a more sustainable life.
Holden who owns Cap and Moon, a handmade “eco-friendly” macrame and crochet apparel business, launched her services during the pandemic to pass time.
“I’ve always liked doing crafts… and then I realized that I could sell them. It kept me really occupied when things were really slow,” she said.
After utilizing her free time and creativity to make an assortment of hats, scarfs, clothing and apparel, Holden makes sure to take an approach using material that is environmentally-friendly.
“I use 100 per cent recycled cord and don’t overproduce anything or have excess,” she says, which is an important part of the future of her young business.
Future markets
Overall, the first official market showcasing her work and others was a success, she said.
“I was really nervous that no one was going to show up, but it turned out really good and I was super busy this afternoon,” she said, explaining that she hasn’t started planning another event yet, but expects to start rolling on another one soon. “It was a little stressful, but I would definitely do it again.”
In the meantime, several of the vendors also showcase their products in local venues, including the shelves of the Rustic Bean coffee shop in the Bold Center or at regional farmers’ markets and craft shows.
“I really encourage people to shop locally,” she said, “because you never really know what is in your community until you go out and explore. There are so many cool things that you can buy locally.”
