Shop Local

On an overcast December Saturday afternoon, over 20 artists and local businesses are gathered in Heritage Hall at 3102 Main Street. Music that is decidedly not Christmasy plays in the background. Unique handmade products from people across Vancouver ranging from jewelry to ceramics, fashion and art decorate the room, as does the large Christmas tree in the corner. Visitors stop at each, moving from one vendor to another, looking at the products, and asking questions. There are mostly smiles.

It is a scene that Janna Hurtzig has planned and prepared for months, confirming and promoting artists, booking venues, branding, getting the word out. Her goal: To bring together high quality local artists and crafters to sell their products and connect with the community at the First Pick Handmade Holiday market.

Janna Hurtzig, curator and founder of the First Pick Handmade market

Janna Hurtzig, curator and founder of the First Pick Handmade market

"I want to connect the consumer to the people who are making things so that we have a better appreciation," she says. “I want them to understand that it's a lot of work that goes into making all of these things and it's a skill in a lot of cases that we don't even think about.”

The market has been run since the fall of 2017 providing opportunities for small businesses to sell items through the fall and winter.

people interact with business owners and items

"When you support local businesses, you are supporting real people"
Daniela Franken, co-owner of Vyda Jewlery

Hurtzig who also owns Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere where she makes mittens, gloves, and hats from recycled materials understands the challenges of small business owners and artists today. This drives her passion for connecting other local businesses with customers and building community.

"A small business in Vancouver — in anywhere— is really tough and we need to support each other," she says.

First Pick Handmade is just one of many markets for local businesses around Vancouver this season. Other markets include Made in the 604, VHS market, Vancouver Etsy Collective and many others.

"When you support local businesses, you are supporting real people," says Daniela Franken, co-owner of Vyda Jewelry. She designs her jewelry pieces in Vancouver, and sources the 92.5 percent pure silver from Mexican artisans. She runs the business with her husband Vivek Vyas.

Many small business owners began their businesses as a hobby or out of a passion for creating the items they love.

"I don't really see myself as a business owner, '' says Rachel Hoi, a ceramic artist and owner of studio 1212. "It’s something that I do for fun –and you collect a lot of stuff, so either you give it to friends or you start selling."

A selection of items from Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere

Janna Hurtzig (left) interacts with a client

Ceramics created by Rachel Hoi on display at the Made in the 604 pop up market

Business owners enjoy the local markets because it provides an opportunity to connect with people who buy their products as many start out online.

"I'm getting out there meeting the community that is open to wearing Meeko Athletics," says founder Kristina Popova who created Meeko Athletics, an activewear line that encourages people to be open about their mental health struggles. "It's really nice to meet those people"

Ogechukwu Ajibe, founder of Oge Ajibe, a fashion brand agrees.

For Ajigbe who started her business in 2018, this was her second time at the First Pick Handmade pop-up market. Although 90 percent of her sales are online, she loves the markets.

"Getting to meet people, them touching my clothing, telling me how they feel about it, is very good and encouraging," she says.