Hidden Gems: Meet Jennifer Kirkland of Makers + Markets ATL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Kirkland.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First of all, thank you so much for allowing me to share my story with Voyage ATL. I have always enjoyed learning about so many of our local hidden gems! It’s an honor to be here.

I started out as a small business curating gift collections filled with an assortment of handmade items I would purchase at local artisan and farmers markets throughout Metro Atlanta. Over time, I found that I enjoyed building the relationships with the vendors I would meet, and sharing their products with others, more than the actual selling of the gift baskets.

I became somewhat of a resource to makers since I was visiting multiple markets each weekend. I was able to share feedback regarding foot traffic, sales, most popular products, demographics, organization, etc. at each event based on the conversations I was having with the vendors. Because I wasn’t able to visit all the markets, after all there are so many in and around Atlanta every weekend, I decided it would be best to create a Facebook group where everyone could share their own experiences with one another. I also allowed organizers and handmade brick-and-mortars (in Georgia) to join the group so the makers would have access to more opportunities in the area and vice versa.

From there, I created an Instagram page and began reposting products from the makers in our Facebook group. This eventually led to virtual markets on Instagram, which was a great way to collab with multiple makers. This is when I realized that we can really boost the handmade community outside of markets – we just need to come together, focus on the community as a whole, and not be afraid to try something new together.

I took this opportunity to create an online directory, offering makers a membership to join our online community where they could share their story, list products, and get featured on our socials. I began accepting members in May of 2023. This was a huge investment for me both financially and time-wise, and the biggest risk yet, but I felt that there was a need for something like this in our area.

There was no blueprint for what we were doing. We were basically building this new concept and just hoping for the best. I had never been that nervous in my entire life. When those first few members registered, I was beyond thrilled! And I’m happy to say that many of them are still active members today!

Last September (2024), we hosted our first market. It went better than expected! We immediately planned a Holiday Market, and then a Spring Market, and then a Summer Series, and we have a few more lined up for later this year. This has been a wonderful way to establish ourselves in the community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has absolutely not been a smooth road. Building a business it tough, and you need to have the passion to back it up.

I used to let others sway my judgement a lot – even if I didn’t agree with what they were saying. I felt that I didn’t have the experience to be making these decisions. But, every time I did that, I failed. I should have trusted my gut. It’s okay to listen to other peoples’ ideas, but ultimately, it’s your business and you need to run it the way you want to from the get go.

My members are my number one priority. If they’re not happy, I’m not happy. I’m pretty old school when it comes to customer service. This is a blessing, but a curse. I’ve had to learn that I can’t please everybody and that some people are worth “letting go” no matter how badly I want to support them.

Don’t get too comfortable. I think you can ask any business owner about this. As soon as you think you have everything running smoothly, that’s when everything gets turned upside-down. This year I have faced my biggest challenge yet. However, with this, I have grown tremendously and have found other opportunities that I would have never found without that struggle. In fact, I am doing things now that I would have never thought possible even six months ago.

Everything is trial and error, and not every member has the patience and understanding to stick it out. And I can’t say I blame them! As we continue to evolve, I am always very transparent with my members – that we may or may not succeed with each step we take. However, we will we learn and we will grow and come out stronger. And we have proven that time and time again. I would have never imagined that we would be where we are today, and I have my members to thank for that. We are a team, and I couldn’t do this without them.

As you know, we’re big fans of Makers + Markets ATL. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Makers + Markets ATL is a multi-faceted company that can benefit every single person in our community. Which one are you?

SHOPPER: “Where can I buy local handmade gifts?” I see this question pop-up in groups all the time! Visit our website to search our directory. Scroll our Instagram page for thousands of local handmade gifts. Check out our Events tab on our website to see where you can shop our makers in person each week. There are so many opportunities to shop local. And if all else fails, you can email me (Jennifer Kirkland) at jen.kirkland@outlook.com. I’m happy to help you find what you’re looking for!

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION: Would you like to host a private market for your company or organization? We offer market planning services that cater to your needs. We bring the market to you!

HANDMADE VENDOR: Are you a maker? There are so many ways you can get involved in your local maker community!

1) Join one of our memberships to get listed in our online directory. We will also be launching some new memberships later this year that will benefit our makers + markets community. Stay tuned!

2) Check out our Facebook group to connect with other local makers, organizers, and handmade shops. This is also a fantastic (searchable) resource for learning more about local markets.

3) Vend with us! Follow us on Eventeny to be notified when future applications are published.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I can’t say I have a favorite childhood memory. I had an unusual upbringing because I spent the school year in MI with my mom, and then spent most of the summer and holidays in CA with my dad.

Of course, when I was with my dad we did all the “big” exciting things to make up for all the lost time during the school year. However, those aren’t the things I really remember. It’s the small moments, like swimming at the neighborhood pool and getting gummy worms at concessions during the swim break, taking walks to the local park, and always stopping to get doughnuts and chocolate milk on the way to the airport.

My favorite moments with my mom are dancing around the house when we heard a good song on the radio. (I remember the first time I heard the song “Vogue” by Madonna and thought it was the greatest song ever!) Singing in the car and picking up developed rolls of film at the local Meijer are a few favorites as well.

It’s the little moments that always stuck with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makersandmarketsatl.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makersandmarketsatl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makersandmarketsATL/
• Other: https://www.eventeny.com/company/mmatl

Image Credits
E. Signe Photography