HI! I’m Mel and I the co-founder and director of the Collectif Creatif MTL. I’ve been organizing markets for makers for 11 years.
If you're anything like us, you've probably done the circuit of craft markets. You've seen the good, the not-so-good, and the "uh, am I even in the right place?"
We get it.
And that's exactly why when we started organizing markets in 2014 under the EtsyMTL banner, we decided to do things a little differently, a little more... us.
So, what exactly makes a Collectif Créatif MTL market stand out from the crowd?
Well, grab the hot (or cold!) beverage of your choice and let's dive in!
We Were Makers First (and we've got the booth setup scars to prove it)
Before we were organizing, we were vending. Our co-founder, Michelle had her own nature-inspired resin jewelry business (it’s on hiatus for now). I used to have a company called Matelélé that sold one-of-a-kind screenprinted baby bibs and other children’s accessories. Kristina still runs Veni Etiam Photography and sells home decor products derived from her colorful travel photography. Greg has been around markets for the past decade helping out as floor manager and on various behind-the-scenes tasks.
Michelle and I actually met during a market on the West Island where MLM vendors and talented artisans were mixed together and we only had a handful of clients walk in. We've participated in countless markets across Canada. We've sweated, we've laughed, we've definitely panicked when we forgot the extension cord (it happens!). This means we genuinely know what works, what's frustrating, and what makes you want to come back. We're not just offering "tips"; we're offering "been-there, done-that, bought-the-t-shirt-and-then-sold-our-own-t-shirt" wisdom to help you shine as an entrepreneur.Community is Our Middle Name (Seriously, we're basically matchmakers for makers)
We're genuinely invested in making connections and strengthening our creative community. Forget competition; we're all about friendly collaboration. We even take personalities and interests into account when creating our floorplan. Imagine: your booth neighbour might become your next amazing collaborator or your best market buddy. No more feeling like you're all alone on a deserted island; welcome to the Collectif Créatif family!Your Success is Our Success (no, really, we cheer louder than a Swiftie at the Eras Tour.)
We don't just accept you into our markets to fill an empty space or to invoice you. We pour our hearts and souls into making sure your experience is a winning one. We obsess over your sales, we celebrate your victories, and we're always there to offer support. Because when you shine, we shine too (even if we're usually in the background, taking photos, creating content and probably eating some baked goods that one of our amazing vendors gave us to prevent us from crashing).We're Promotion Powerhouses (consider us your market hype team)
Ever been to a market where only your booth neighbour knew it was happening? Not on our watch! We go all out with promotion. We hire and work hand-in-hand with a fantastic PR company, Tok Communications, to reach a massive audience and we have the media portfolio and stats to prove it!
We post like it's our job (because it is!), we plaster the neighbourhood with posters, and we might even send smoke signals (kidding... for now). Our goal? For your booth to be buzzing so you can turn our traffic into your sales!We've Got Amazing Partners (because nobody should live in a vacuum)
Organizing exceptional markets isn't a solo gig. We believe in the power of collaboration! Thanks to our incredible partners like the SDA (Société de développement Angus) , the SDC Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, and many others, we can create one-of-a-kind markets in stunning architectural venues that truly impact the community. It's proof that together, we're stronger and more creative!We Curate Thoughtfully (no two editions are ever the same)
We take our curation process seriously – it's not just about filling spots! We receive around 400 applications for each market, and while we can only select about 170 vendors per edition, this allows us to thoughtfully curate every single event. We aim to make each edition different from the last, ensuring every weekend offers a fresh and unique experience for both our visitors and vendors. This means we often have to say no to top-quality makers we absolutely adore (trust me: we cry) but we have feedback from shoppers that they appreciate the diversity. It's about variety, discovery, and showcasing the best of local talent!It's All About the Vibe (Think Birthday Party, But with More Handmade Goodies!)
Our markets are a party! We infuse every event with our hearts and souls (and sweat, and sometimes tears), and trust us, it shows. Every Collectif Créatif market feels like a giant birthday bash where everyone's invited. We want our visitors to mingle, make new friends, take fun pics at our photobooth or with Tube Guy, play a friendly game of connect four, learn about the person behind the product and leave with smiles and bags full of amazing local treasures, of course!They're Drop-Dead Gorgeous (prepare to be wowed by our venues!)
We don't just pick a spot; we pick a destination. We meticulously select breathtaking venues that elevate the entire market experience. Think the historic charm of Locoshop Angus (a former train repair shop, now a stunning space full of offices, cafes, restaurants and local shops!), the grandeur of the Denise Pelletier Theatre (a magnificent theatre steeped in history), the vastness of the Verdun Auditorium, or even the iconic Windsor Station in the pulsing heart of downtown Montreal (yes, we're dreaming of doing it again!). We want our vendors and visitors to feel like tourists in their own city, discovering hidden gems and beautiful architecture while shopping for products made locally with love and care by real human beings ♥ .We Give Back (because spreading good is our jam!)
Our markets aren't just about commerce; they're about compassion and inclusivity. Every chance we get, we raise funds for Le Phare, Enfants et Familles. They're an incredible organization providing respite and palliative care to children with life-threatening illnesses and support to their families. It's truly inspiring work, and we're proud to contribute every chance we get.A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats (your success ripples through the community!)
When we organize a market, it's not just our vendors who benefit. Hundreds of makers and thousands of visitors flock to our events, creating a ripple effect. This brings a huge boost to surrounding businesses: local cafés, restaurants, and shops all reap the rewards. We're creating vibrant hubs that uplift entire neighbourhoods.We're Just Good People (no crypto bros or get-rich-quick schemes here!)
Let's be clear: we aren't driven by shady schemes or low morals. We've been doing this for the past 11 years because we care. We care deeply about local businesses, the incredible humans behind every product, the diversity of our multicultural community, and the powerful impact that shopping local has on our economy.
We believe in building something meaningful, one amazing market at a time.
So, the next time you're looking for the market to showcase your work, remember: we're not just organizers. We're you. And we can't wait to welcome you into our community!