Opening Up Entrepreneurship

FROM MARKET TO MORTAR: Wisconsin Maker's Market Opens Store

the popular local vendor market opened a brick-and-mortar location on July 1

Thomas DeLapp, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

MOVIN' THE MARKET. The popular Wisconsin Maker's Market now has a shop downtown Eau Claire.
MOVIN' THE MARKET. The popular Wisconsin Maker's Market now has a shop in downtown Eau Claire.

After running popular vendor markets in different locations, the Wisconsin Makers Market opened a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Eau Claire on July 1, ready to sell local goods.

Chelsea Higley started the Wisconsin Makers Market virtually in 2020, helping to sell the products of her small business, Essential Healing, along with other small, local businesses. Soon, though, Higley realized she preferred helping other small businesses and makers more than selling herself.

“I’m really passionate about creating,” Higley said, “but I’m just so, so passionate about helping others be seen.” 

Now, Higley will be able to advocate and help other makers even more. The Wisconsin Makers Market storefront will open on East Grand Avenue, and host a variety of products, creators, and even classes.

Not to worry – the beloved vendor markets will continue, and vendors will also be given the opportunity to host a month-long pop-up shop within the market, a small space being dedicated only to that vendor for the month.  Of course, there will be general consignment as well: everything local.

“The point of the Wisconsin Makers Market is connecting local makers with the community, getting them seen,” she said. “I was put into that position as a local artist, of not getting reach, so I know its importance."

The store even features seating, perfect to relax with a friend over drinks and snacks (local too, of course). The store’s variety is all to encourage shopping local and spending time connecting with local vendors.

“When you shop small, you’re putting money back into the community, and it's that excitement that something you made, put your heart and soul into, is loved by someone else,” Higley said. “That’s irreplaceable. I want to bring that to our community more.”


Visit Wisconsin Makers Market at 106 E Grand Ave., Eau Claire, and learn more info at wisconsinmakersmarket.com.