Maker’s Market

Feb 14

Sumner, Iowa (pop. 2,021) is our featured rural community this week! We'll be sharing stories throughout the week from local leaders and business owners who are making an impact here.

Today's guest blog post is from Sally Smith, owner of Maker’s Market. Filled with goods from several "makers," this store has hand crafted, repurposed, unique, and shabby chic home decor and gift items.

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Maker’s Market was born in the fall of 2015. It started as two dreamers dreaming and within a matter of hours resulted in an open storefront with keys in hand. An adventure filled with literal sweat, blood. and tears but resulted in the most creative and fulfilling outcome.

With loads of help and determination, a duo of two dedicated gals took an outdated hidden gem and turned it into a store that exudes character, charm, and a creative atmosphere. What used to be red carpet and drop ceilings transformed into beautiful weathered hardwood floors, original tile ceilings, and exposed brick walls. What better way to fill the storefront than with unique local and handcrafted home goods from artisans all over the country, highlighting the talents of Iowa and our local neck of the woods. A true maker’s market.

As word of mouth spread and social media helped us expand, we are thrilled to have repeat customers come from hours and even states away! As the years have passed (8!), Maker’s Market has grown to support more local artists and products made in the USA. Maker’s Market has expanded to include classes in store — Evergreen Make and Take is a favorite — as well as furniture, home décor, seasonal items, gift items, women’s clothing, accessories, and more. This constant growth would not be possible without the massive amount of support Maker’s Market receives time and time again. We are consistently overwhelmed with gratitude at the amount of support we receive from our hometown and beyond.

Maker’s Market has the privilege of being smack dab in the middle of town in Sumner, Iowa. A town that is filled with family-friendly energy, new ideas, and growing with families and businesses alike. Owner Sally Smith has built her life here, with a husband born and raised in this small town filled with charm, a family raised riding bikes in the streets she now has a storefront along, with roots that have been here for as long as she can remember. What better way to grow a business than in your own neighborhood, filled with possibilities and town spirit?

Maker’s Market’s favorite part of being in business is, yes, the fun of finding new treasures to add to the store and the seasonal overhaul the store gets many times a year, but the customers most of all! It is truly an honor to get to know the patrons that visit and the family atmosphere that occurs within the four walls of Maker’s Market. Whether you come in to have help picking out the perfect gift for a friend or an outfit for a sunny day, you will always leave with a smile. Our hope is that you love Sumner as much as we do.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Maker’s Market!

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