Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hanna Ross. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Hanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for HandCraftedMarket was born out of equal parts frustration and inspiration. As a small business owner myself, I was constantly on the lookout for markets that felt intentional—events that weren’t just a row of tables, but a curated experience where every vendor felt valued and every shopper felt inspired. What I found instead were disorganized events with inconsistent foot traffic, poor communication, and little support for the vendors who were pouring their hearts into their work.

So I decided to build what I wished existed.

HandCraftedMarket started with the simple belief that markets should be more than just transactional—they should be community-driven, beautifully branded, and thoughtfully run. I wanted to create spaces where makers could thrive, connect, and be proud of where they were showcasing their work. I knew if I focused on quality over quantity, if I elevated the experience for both vendors and guests, people would notice—and they did.

What made this endeavor worthwhile was the feedback: the messages from vendors who sold out for the first time, the shoppers who discovered their favorite new small business, the collaborations that blossomed because of our events. I wasn’t just filling a gap—I was building a network, a brand, and a vibe that didn’t exist before.

At its core, HandCraftedMarket is a love letter to small business. And that’s what keeps me excited every single day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Hanna Ross, the founder and organizer behind HandCraftedMarket, a Charlotte-based pop-up market series that exists to uplift small businesses through curated, community-focused events. I wear a lot of hats—event planner, brand strategist, vendor cheerleader—but at the heart of everything I do is a love for helping makers shine.

I got into this industry almost by accident. As a small business owner myself, I was vending at markets and constantly running into the same frustrations—disorganized setups, low foot traffic, lack of communication, and very little focus on creating a quality experience. It didn’t take long for me to realize there was a need for something better, something more intentional. So I decided to build it myself.

HandCraftedMarket hosts seasonal and specialty markets that showcase a variety of local vendors—from handmade goods and vintage finds to small-batch food, art, apparel, and more. Every event is designed with both the vendor and the shopper in mind. We’re not just setting up booths—we’re crafting an experience, with strong branding, strategic locations, clear communication, and a true sense of community.

What sets us apart is that we care. This isn’t just a side hustle or a quick weekend gig. I take time to thoughtfully curate each vendor list, promote vendors as individuals, and create an environment where people want to return—whether they’re selling or shopping. We’re also proudly vendor-first: we don’t overbook, we don’t cut corners, and we’re always trying to evolve based on feedback.

I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built—vendors return event after event, and shoppers follow us from one location to the next. HandCraftedMarket has become a name people recognize, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s this: small businesses are the heart of our communities, and when you support HandCraftedMarket, you’re not just attending an event—you’re investing in dozens of dreams at once.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that success has to look a certain way. Early on, I thought being taken seriously meant fitting into traditional business molds—polished perfection, formal branding, rigid processes. I spent way too much time trying to make HandCraftedMarket look like everyone else’s version of “legit,” rather than trusting the vision that felt most true to me.

The turning point came when I stopped chasing what I thought a “real” market organizer should be and started leaning into what made mine different—warmth, personality, flexibility, community focus. I stopped over-polishing our branding and started prioritizing human connection. I let the brand have a voice—one that sounded like me—and it completely changed how people responded.

That unlearning created space for authenticity, and that authenticity built trust. It taught me that you don’t have to follow a cookie-cutter business model to be successful. You just have to show up, keep your promises, and care deeply about what you’re building. That’s the kind of business people remember—and return to.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

For HandCraftedMarket, staying connected with our community isn’t just a strategy—it’s part of the experience. I keep in touch with both vendors and shoppers through consistent, genuine communication. That means regularly updated email newsletters, behind-the-scenes Instagram stories, personal DMs, and check-ins that aren’t just about logistics—they’re about people.

On the vendor side, I make it a point to be responsive, transparent, and encouraging. I don’t just send out mass emails—I follow up, I check in, and I treat vendors like collaborators, not just participants. That sense of partnership builds trust, which is the foundation of loyalty.

For shoppers and followers, I focus on sharing content that feels personal and meaningful—whether it’s showcasing vendors, highlighting upcoming events, or just showing the real-life moments behind the scenes. I try to keep the tone approachable and human, because that’s what makes people feel like they’re part of something.

What’s kept our community coming back event after event isn’t just the quality of our markets—it’s the relationships. People want to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. If you can do that consistently, brand loyalty follows naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://HandCraftedMarketCLT.net
• Instagram: Handcraftedmarketclt
• Facebook: Handcraftedmarketclt

Image Credits

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