Today we’d like to introduce you to Caity Hare.
Hi Caity, 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?
Cryptid Creatives was begun from a desire to support artists and makers in sharing their creations and growing their businesses. As a child I loved the arts festivals in my hometown, making sure to visit every vendor stall and see all the different creations. I was always blown away and lifted by the talent and beauty in their work, and inspired to become a creator myself. After moving to Atlanta, I began hosting pop-up markets to support my own art and the work of awesome local makers I was meeting as I entered the community. From there, things grew, and now we host monthly events with a rotating selection of amazing local vendors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The greatest challenge overall is only being able to select a portion of makers from the many wonderful applications we receive. Unfortunately all events have space limitations, and when booking a wide variety of goods, arts, and styles of craft, we cannot always accept every applicant. Looking through all the amazing creations and the huge array of talent on hand in our town always blows me away, and it is truly almost impossible to choose at times!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cryptid Creatives?
Since 2018, the small markets we organized have ebbed and flowed in size, and we have been able to collaborate with awesome local groups like the Community Farmer’s Markets, The Bakery, and Heck.house! We began incorporating a free for all ages craft zone at our events in 2020, to encourage all who attend to expand their creativity and have some fun. Recently we have grown that station and begun hosting craft and community nights, where folks can gather outside of the market environment.
The goal in all our events is to create a fun and safe for all space where we not only sell our creations, but build connections and support for one another. Our markets feature a wide range of handmade goods, arts, crafts, treats, and more. We welcome anyone to join us and stroll the stalls!
How do you think about luck?
It often feels like most of being an artist and a small business owner is luck! Our makers come out and brave risks of wind, pollen, rain, and sunburn, just to name a few foes, and we all find it worth it for the luck of meeting new connections, finding locations where our work speaks to the shoppers, and chances to learn something new every event.
Often each sale feels like a stroke of luck – someone connecting with your creations and giving something you have worked hard to create a new home is an amazing feeling. When art is considered a luxury good by many, we are grateful to our customers for recognizing the effort, care, and time put into being makers, and supporting our efforts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Linktr.ee/cryptidcreatives
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cryptidcreatives
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/cryptidcreativescollective
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/cryptidcreatives.bsky.social
Image Credits
Photos by Caitlin Hare.
