Independent Style Market (aka ISM ) began as a series of handmade shows held in 2010 and 2011 that were sponsored by the Memphis Melange Etsy Team, a group of local makers who connected on Etsy.com, the premier site for All Things Handmade.

The team was formed in November 2010 with 1 member and today we have over 200 members from all over the Midsouth. The team includes sewers, painters, knitters, photographers, graphic designers, milliners, furniture makers, jewelers and much more! To borrow a phrase from localist Abe Schwab - if we can't make it, you probably don't need it!

Over the past 3 years we've produced 4 handmade events and produced the highly successful Indie Style Market @ MemShop Popup at Overton Square in December 2012. We also opened a Valentine's Day Popup in Chickasaw Crossing February 2013.

We envision the Memphis of the Future as a thriving city where economic opportunities are available across all socioeconomic levels, enabled by technology and good information. We want Memphis to be firing on all cylinders economically. Known not just for our social history, music, or food . . .but also known as a city full of indie product designers, homegrown manufacturing, and creative entrepreneurs.

 

Our Team

Tonya - Chief Creative Engineer

Mary - Chief Business Engineer

 

Our Vision for 2013

Our next challenge for 2013 is to Go Big with an urban market with space for retail, offices, and education/networking space.

The retail market will feature 50+ local brands giving the community a one-stop shopping destination to pickup the brands they normally can only purchase online or at local festivals. We would like to see EVERY indie brand in the Midsouth sold at the market because we know there's strength in numbers. Not just one jewelry line but 20. Not just a single kid's clothing brand but 5. WIth this strategy, we will add value to more customers than if we had a limited selection.

The office spaces will be affordable spaces around 100 sq.ft. suitable for graphic designers, event planners, and other creative entrepreneurs who need a place to work and meet with clients.

The education/networking space will be used for DIY classes, seminars, and other events to grow the creative entrepreneur community. In this space we will also have a fully stocked resource room.

Our Goals

• To provide a venue where makers and consumers of indie/handmade goods can intersect and do business
• To foster creativity in everyday people by teaching them skills such as sewing that they can use to produce their own goods
• To inspire the creative community to leverage the internet  & social networking to launch new businesses
• To provide the Midsouth community with a fun, family-friendly, educational, & entertaining experience