Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Laessig. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ryan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Milwaukee Makers Market (M.M.M.) is a one-stop-shop small local businesses community experience.
During the season M.M.M. showcases over 50+ makers, artisans, bakers, and creatives each month.
Focusing on Woman, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Locally Owned Small Businesses; Milwaukee Makers Market brings a special experience to the City of Milwaukee. The stories I hear at our markets are what really show how Milwaukee is being brought together and helping push our local economy forward.
Ryan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Ryan Laessig and over 10 years ago I started Milwaukee Alt. which is my art and photography business. Needing to get my artwork and photography out to the public I started participating in small craft fairs, markets, comic cons, and street festivals. Experiencing the ups and downs of these events I learned to listen to what these small business owners are really looking for and what the local patrons need and are looking for too. So I took all of this knowledge and decided to create The “Milwaukee Makers Market” we started with outdoor markets and worked our way to collaborating with Discovery World Museum, Ivy House MKE Wedding Venue, and other Pop Up shows at sporting events, breweries, shops, and food halls.
What sets Milwaukee Makers Market apart from the other markets is the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into it. We strive to bring the best community experience for our patrons and small business owners. Our events are ALWAYS free to attend and everything we showcase is Made Locally by the person you are shopping from. You get to hear their story, their passion, and how you might even live in the same neighborhood.
M.M.M. prides itself on winning the Best Of Milwaukee Award for Best Art & Craft Fair/Makers Market in 2020, 2021, & 2022
Milwaukee Makers Market will always push to make sure we provide our supporters and makers with a fun, safe, and community filled environment that brings a unique experience compared to other fairs.
More information about Milwaukee Makers Market can be found at www.MilwaukeeMakersMarket.com
& on our social media pages under @MilwaukeeMakersMarket
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being honest about what works, what doesn’t work, and treating people as human beings are are reaching to do their dream full time and supporting that mission. I feel most market organizers just see these Small Businesses are as booth number and a payment. I see these people as my neighbors, my community leaders, my local small business that provides me soaps, candles, clothing, baked goods, canned veggies & jams, gifts, along with so much more!
I cherish each and every maker, baker, artist, small business owner, and supporter!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I recommend being open and honest about your mission. If you are looking to just put on a craft fair or market in a cool venue and make some money then just say that. But if you are truly looking to support your community and push the local economy forward then put in the extra time to make sure you are providing a welcoming experience for your makers and supporters. Check on your vendors, say Hello & Thank you to the people coming to your event, and most of all be humble.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MilwaukeeMakersMarket.com
- Instagram: @MilwaukeeMakersMarket
- Facebook: Milwaukee Makers Market
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-laessig-b97110211/
- Other: Find Us On Instagram & Facebook
Image Credits
All images provided by Milwaukee Makers Market