If you follow me on Instagram, you will know I am a huge fan of Mary Portas of Mary Queen of Shops. As soon as I first saw her show, I knew I wanted to do what she was doing for all small businesses (and not just shops).
For the uninitiated, Mary Portas is a guru in brand communication and retail. Her show sees her transforming retail outlets that have lost their way. She has truly innovative marketing ideas and income generating adjacencies. The last episode I saw she helped two Brighton locals funk up their clothing store by commissioning fashion students to showcase their designs in the shop.
Suffice to say her approach has had a huge influence on how I run my business. I endeavour to offer the same type of out-of-the-box ideas. It’s also super cool when someone I know comes up with one of these ideas too!
So I was super amped to hear that my friends at Hypmotive Hub in Marrickville are hosting a Unique Marketplace event in the lead up to Christmas. I decided to chat to them about their event and let you in on it.
Hypmotive Hub, 155 Marrickville Road
The Unique Marketplace is on Saturday November 18th and Sunday November 19th from 10 until 4 at their shopfront at 155 Marrickville Road Marrickville.
Event goers will get the opportunity to meet 10 of the 50 artisans whose works are sold at Hypmotive. What’s cooler than getting original gifts for all of your loved ones? Having met the creator! It doesn’t get more unique than that!
Who will be there you ask?
YOKO KAWADA DESIGN – Yoko is a Sydney based home and interior maker whose works feature penny tiles from the Tajimi region in Japan. Ask her about her recent trip to her penny tile suppliers.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL – John Shepherdson creates one-of-a-kind lighting using recycled engineering parts. Ask him about the rifle light. I know I will be.
METAL BY MITCH – Liz Mitchell is a local silversmith who creates her trademarked range of sterling silver jewellery in reuleaux shapes. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her at a prior event and I’ve no doubt you’ll fall in love with the jewellery and her style as soon as you see it.
I AM ROCK – I am Rock is a Sydney based designer of statement and sacred jewellery which celebrates divinity and creativity. Ask her about what the pieces represent and where she draws inspiration from.
I am Rock
PTKBX BY JOHN WATTS – John uses gouache, a vibrant pigment, in his artworks. He’s inspired by geek culture and draws inspiration from Japanese creative culture. I love his print “Noodlegram”.
QUENTIN DRON – Quentin is a Sydney-based French artist. He creates multimedia, original artworks, tee shirts and tote bags. Check out his History Series and ask him which is his favourite era.
ARTISANS BUNGALOW are locally made, small batch bath and body products designed to give you a spa experience without having to venture out of your home. They are all natural and organic. I’m keen to find out how they come up with the recipes for their products.
Artisan’s Bungalow Hand and Body Lotion
THE PICKARDS are based in inner west Sydney and create mini artworks out of chocolate wrapper foil, recycled glass and tape which they mount on transparencies to create what they call “jewels for the walls.” They are indeed. I love how they are inspired by vintage educational books, as I have a collection of them too. (See their work in the lead image at the top of this post).
RED SKY AT NIGHT has created a range of sterling silver jewellery with gems and mandalas. They are handcrafted in Sydney and I’m keen to find out what the different mandalas represent.
LAST TUESDAY have a range of Australian leather goods. Although made to a few standard designs, each piece is unique because of the use of offcuts.
Last Tuesday
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
With purchases of $50 or more, Renee and Jake will mix you up a barista made coffee. Food, drinks, shopping. That’s got to be a perfect day?
RSVPs to the event will help make the day even better, and are necessary to be in the draw for the door prizes and more. Book here and see the Facebook page here
As well as wares from all the featured designers, there will also be products available from Hypmotive’s curated range.
PRICES range from $6 for home and interior products (such as concrete tea light holders), $15 for jewellery pieces, ceramics from $25 (such as hand thrown cups), and clothing from $30.
Hope to meet you there!
Eliza