We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Higley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I currently handle all of my own social media. I keep posting to multiple platforms to a minimum and keep it simple with allowing my Instagram posts to automatically post directly to Facebook. I also upload Reels to TikTok, or post an original TikTok, every now and then. My social media account is a lot different than most other small businesses in my area. I utilize professional quality backdrops for product photos and utilize Reels on Instagram. Reels on Instagram get the most traction for me.

I like to have fun when I make Reels for Instagram. I find an audio clip I like, or think is funny, and can relate back to my business. The funnier ones tend to get the biggest engagement.

I made the choice to do my own social media for a few reasons; I cannot afford to hire someone else to run it for me and I generally have fun and really enjoy posting. Sometimes, it can become just another task I have to do, but I really try to switch up my content and just have fun with it.

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 own a storefront called Wisconsin Makers Market where I sell handmade products from over 100 Wisconsin artisans on consignment. Wisconsin Makers Market goes beyond typical consignment to create an experience in addition to selling products. I offer artisans a few options on how to sell their products in store so they can choose what is best for them and their business. Nothing in the store is mass produced and therefore many items are one-of-a-kind.

I also partner with local food and drink vendors to offer locally made snacks and drinks, such as tea, mocktails, toffee and more. The store has seating for patrons to utilize for eating/drinking, working, or just spending time with others.

Wisconsin Makers Market hosts workshops and classes, such as author readings, mommy + me classes, DIY workshops, and more. WMM also organizes local vendor markets that partner with local non-profit organizations to raise money through a raffle.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Wisconsin Makers Market looks a bit different today then it did in my first Business Plan draft. I have big dreams and goals for this business and am the type of person that wants to just jump all in once I have made a decision. However, you can’t always do that in business. I had to decide what the main focus of the business was and work everything else around that; hoping to expand and bring back those other elements in the future.

The store is coming up on it’s one-year anniversary and it has changed so much during this year. Each month I learned more about what worked best for this business, its customers, and its vendors and made changes accordingly. Sometimes, my changes weren’t welcomed, and that’s okay. Not everyone will love every change.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I decided to open the storefront, there was a grant available in Wisconsin for new businesses opening in downtown locations throughout the state. I luckily qualified for that, which was a huge help to get started. My husband and I also took out a HELOC to cover the rest of the start up costs. Being that the business is not even a year old, I am still finding ways to help finance business needs, cut costs, etc.    

Contact Info:

• Website: wisconsinmakersmarket.com
• Instagram: @wisconsinmakersmarket
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinmakersmarket
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wisconsin-makers-market-no-title

Image Credits
Photo of me: Leslie Duffy Photography All other photos: Wisconsin Makers Market