Super creative Kelly Thompson is the founder, curator and brains behind local interior and lifestyle store Makers’ Mrkt.
Having worked as a photographer, commercial illustrator and multidisciplinary designer. It was Kelly’s immense admiration for the creatives she knows and a desire to do something for her community that led her to launch Makers’ Mrkt.
The colourful and design led online store offers pieces for all your interior and lifestyle needs. And when you shop at Makers’ Mrkt you are supporting small creative businesses from around the world.
Kelly’s passion for supporting traditional craft practices is evident in every piece chosen to be showcased at Makers’ Mrkt. With values that stand strongly against replica furniture, design copies and fast homewares the store only stocks the works of genuine designers with diligent manufacturing standards, sustainability and a focus on the handmade as a top priority.
When you purchase a piece from Makers’ Mrkt not only are you supporting a local business, but passionate creatives who are trying to make the design world a better and more ethical place.
Today I have the absolute privilege and pleasure of interviewing Kelly Thompson as we discuss what led her to launch Makers’ Mrkt, what creatives she currently has her eyes on and what’s next for this wonderful growing business. Read on below.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how Makers’ Mrkt came about?
At the time I decided to launch Makers’ Mrkt I’d worked as an illustrator and creative consultant for over 15 years and felt like it was time to do something outside of myself, something community-focused. I was sick of seeing queues at big box stores for disposable junk with no care for maker or environment, but also realised that it’s really hard to find talented creatives if you don’t happen to be in creative community. I launched MM really quietly with no pressure as a bit of a hobby store, but ultimately with the goal of providing an alternative, building a store where people can find numerous talents, learn more about the people and hopefully, change how they shop. There is still a very long way to go to get to scale, but it has now become my full-time job.
Makers’ Mrkt has a strong focus on sustainable, ethical design and small business creatives. Can you explain to us why this is such an important aspect of your business?
The world doesn’t need any more disposable junk, fast fashion or fast homewares and no human should suffer for another to have said junk. It’s important because people have got out of control with their consumption and complete lack of consideration as to how a vase can cost $6, people just don’t think about it and that’s a huge problem. This unethical supply chain also damages our creative community through new perceived value of products, by stealing the designs of creatives and for making people believe everything can be available instantly.
What are some of your favourite Australian brands creating fun products?
Ooh, that’s such a hard question because there are so many fun products!! I always love to see what Danielle Brustman is up to, Jordan Fleming who is coming to Mrkt soon has some very fun lighting and one of my newer Makers Hermon Blue is cooking up some very beautiful larger scale pieces right now.
What are 3 tips you would give someone who wants to build a more colourful and creative interior?
Just start, don’t overthink it or try to plan everything to perfection, go with what you’re initially drawn to and close your eyes to trends, trends never last so ask yourself what do I really like? It’s about you! Start with a paint colour, or a colourful object you’re naturally drawn to, then sit with those things for a bit and see what ideas come to you next. I’m a fan of a slow burn, collecting things when I see them and changing as I go. Remember, if you buy quality, you can always re-sell on marketplaces and put that money towards your next thing.
What are 3 simple ways to give your interiors a lift?
Paint, change the walls and everything changes!
Declutter – seeing old newspapers and stacks of magazines, or that old trophy from year 12 is really visually distracting, have a clear-out and a clean and you will feel fresh.
Rearrange! If you don’t have money to spend try rearranging your rooms, the simple act of changing your couch position or moving artwork and objects can make you see your space in a whole new way.
If you could treat yourself to any interior product right now, with no limit on budget, what would it be?
One of the many vintage 1970s chandeliers I have on my watchlist on 1st Dibs, or a large scale artwork by Jonny Niesche.
A lot of exciting things have been happening for Makers market recently? Can you tell us a little bit about what’s been going on and what’s next in the journey for you?
Last year I made a bit of a snap decision to turn part of the stockroom into a little showroom so people can come and view pieces in person. The space was never intended as a showroom, so it’s definitely temporary and not perfect, but it’s good until I find a more beautiful and permanent space. Next, I’m on the hunt for new makers and we will also be having events, shows and community focused things in the space which will be fun!