Makers in Memphis are building businesses with their bare hands – often literally.
These industrious entrepreneurs take a craft and turn it into a business. They are people who craft a physical good to sell -- people who are making food, apparel, or items in small quantities, using high levels of skills and craftsmanship.
Join High Ground News, in partnership with
EPIcenter,
Made By and
Advance Memphis, for breakfast on October 7 as we explore the future of the Memphis artisan community at
Makers in the City, the next event in our series of discussions with local entrepreneurs. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at
Advance Memphis (575 Suzette) with a complimentary breakfast at 7:30am and the panel discussion at 8am.
RSVP is required.
Our panelists are:
Phillip Ashley Rix, Chef and owner of
Phillip Ashley Chocolates
Brit McDaniel, Owner of
Paper & Clay
Anton Mack, The Foundry
Peter Bassa, CEO of
Preteckt
Sheila Clark, Seamstress and Designer
The maker movement is not singular to one place. Nationally, consumers are thinking beyond big-box, off-the-shelf goods and are increasingly interested in product with a higher level of craft, a closer attention to design, and a deeper connection to an actual artisan. And they’re willing to pay for it. As of last year, more than 1.5 million artisan sellers created handmade products to be sold on the popular website, Etsy. And these craftspeople, innovators, and entrepreneurs’ designs and products are fueling economic growth across the country.
And Memphis is not missing the trend. Our city is now teeming with creative makers who offer unique furniture, home goods, food, fashion and more. But to help these makers, artisans and micro-manufacturers make the leap from idea to business, our city must foster a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community for them and work to inspire a greater appreciation of artisanship in the Memphis area. At the individual level, these businesses may be fairly small, but taken together they add up to a big impact on our local economy.
During this panel conversation, our local makers will share their stories, discuss the challenges they have faced building their businesses and explain how their needs are unique in the entrepreneurial space. As they aim to scale their business, makers are making the transition from solitary craftsperson to manager of small-scale manufacturing. Panelists will share what support our local makers need to succeed, from more spaces to live, work, show, and sell; funding and business services; training and education; and a community that champions both creativity and creative producers.
This event is free and open to the public, but please
RSVP to reserve your spot. Complimentary breakfast will be served at 7:30am with the program beginning at 8am.
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