Meet Jessica Malkin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Malkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Market Made has had several different iterations; and the key element to what it has become today is listening, watching, and taking notes. My company’s journey has been unique because it was not created around a good idea, but around the idea of being a good business. During the pandemic, I lost my management career due to being high-risk to Covid. Since I cannot sit still, I started a YouTube channel about our home projects and DIYs. An artisan market organizer and local boutique saw my channel and asked me to make my own collection for them. In 2021, I participated in 7 art and craft shows over the year and worked with several different mediums (woodworking, sublimation mugs, clay, concrete, and more). That year, I tracked my sales, collected customer and vendor feedback, and paid attention to customer behavior and trends. It helped me narrow down to my top selling mediums, concrete; and later, I added air plants. Since then, I started designing a collection and have continued to test different products since.
One of the most important elements of my business idea is that I did not want to just sell handmade retail, but also provide handmade experiences, which is why I offer a build your own section at my shows for build your own terrariums and planters on-the-spot.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like many, the pandemic was the catalyst to my entrepreneurship journey, but it really did not start there. For years, I worked with local small businesses to either launch and grow them as an entry-level employee then manager. My original expertise was in the wedding industry and bridal sales, but that later transitioned into retail management and business development.

However, I was not respected, nor appreciated in many of my roles. During a contract negotiation, I will never forget when one of my bosses told me that I was arrogant and I would never own a business while ironically enough, I was running their business. This lit a fire in my soul because the best way to motivate me is by telling me I can’t do something.

Although the beginning of my career was challenging with numerous barriers, I am appreciative of all of the mistakes I have made and all of the experiences, the good and bad alike, because I learned a lot about business, life, and myself.

My life’s journey has been an odd one between career set backs, having a rare lung condition, and being late-diagnosed ADHD. I have realized that life is too short. So, I choose to fill this life with humor, empathy, and curiosity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting specifically during the summer, I would take them to the Felt Mansion and hike to the beach from there or hike the state trails, then go to downtown Saugatuck. We also would go to Food Truck Fridays at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids and hangout or bike ride in Millennium Park.

During the fall, my favorite experience is Robinette’s and hiking the trails behind the orchard. Provin Trails is my year-round favorite hike, which is right down the road from Robinettes. We also would do a bike ride on the White Pine Trail from Riverside Park to downtown Rockford, grab a beer and burger, then bike back.

If it is during the winter, I love Friday night Griffin’s games for $2 beer and hot dogs. If it is during Christmas Time, the Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market because I would bring my best friend to work with me and pay her in beer and Raclettes.

Other Honorable Mentions and Potential Spots to Visit: GRAM, Frederick Meijer Gardens, Lucy’s Cafe is one of my favorite brunch spots, Iker’s Tacos (Previously La Huasteca) is my favorite Mexican spot, Brewery Vivant, Frosty Boy, ArtPrize, World of Winter, and looking up any type of event on ExperienceGR.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mom, Charlene, definitely needs a shout out and has been a crucial person in this business journey from providing feedback, to hand-painting ornaments for the Christkindl Markt, and volunteering at shows! She is extremely helpful AND extremely talented!

My husband, Jeff, is the best. He is my grounding force and the person who always encourages me, brainstorms with me, and challenges me to dip deeper. Not only that, he helps at shows or within the business whenever he can.

Other Honorable Mentions:
Jessica Harris of Wildcrest Studios who was my wedding photographer, turned product photographer. During her slow season, she will help me at larger shows.
My Aunt Margie who has convention experience, which was very helpful advice and volunteered at shows.
SpringGR – a local non-profit with their small business accelerator program that was amazing.
A TON of kind and helpful vendors, event organizers, and customers!

Website: themktmade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarketmade

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarketMade

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEy6tqRce-kRF_GsxnU8mdw?guided_help_flow=3

Image Credits
Jessica Harris at Wildcrest Studios (most of the photos) & Sydney Marie Photography (for the paint your concrete decor kit photo)