It began online during lockdown to help local businesses stay afloat.
In the height of Covid, local business owner Danielle Parker-Jessop started the Facebook group Meersbrook Makers to connect local businesses and lockdown shoppers.
It has since grown to over a thousand members, each hoping for a spot at the in-person market at Meersbrook United Reformed Church this Saturday.
Organiser and owner of Miroo Jewellery, Mrs Parker-Jessop, 37, said: “There was so much demand, we could have filled the space five times.
“All the makers are amazing. We were completely blown away by the quality.”
Over 20 makers will be taking part in the event, selling everything from prints and jewellery to cakes and bringing together the local crafting community.
Jodie Frost, 39, owner of handmade hat business Fizzieducks, said: “It’s about local small businesses so everyone coming to sell at the market knows the area and the people, and is invested in making it a great community event.”
The local community has always been at the centre of Meersbrook Makers, as the organiser said: “A good amount of my income comes from markets, so last year when we couldn’t do them it was a real hit.”
Hence, the Miroo jewellery owner made the Facebook group “to help people who were missing the money.”
“It was definitely a boost. It was great to know you were selling locally and definitely had a positive impact.”
Mrs Frost said: “Fizzieducks didn’t even exist this time last year and that’s a lot to do with the encouragement, support and love from the Meersbrook Makers group.”
The makers hope that the market will remain a platform for the Sheffield craft community to grow.
Shoppers can find this weekend’s market at Meersbrook United Reformed Church from 11am to 4pm.
For more information, click here.
