The Finders Keepers Markets

The Finders Keepers Markets are much more than just a place for niche, well-made and original designer pieces. Since forming in 2008 the market has become a community that nurtures the blossoming talents of small creative businesses and a place for buyers to feel at home. We had a chat with Angela of Finders Keepers ahead of the Melbourne dates this weekend.
Hi Angela, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I’m really well thanks!  Hope you are too!  We are ramping up for our Spring / Summer season and that means we’re all very busy beavering away in the background making sure our events are awesome for our amazing stallholders and the crowds that attend.
A lot of our readers will be familiar with the Finders Keepers Markets but not its origin, how did the market come to be?
The Finders Keepers was founded in the summer of 2008 in Sydney, by young designers and friends, Brooke Johnston and Sarah Thornton. The markets quickly expanded to Brisbane in 2009, with Melbourne hosting their first event in 2010.
The aim for the market was simple; to create a supportive environment for like-minded, independent designers to sell their work. Brooke and Sarah had a vision of an event that didn’t exist at the time; somewhere they wanted to shop, which combined everything they loved under one roof.
It turns out Brooke and Sarah set something in motion that local makers and shoppers were also seeking. With zero business experience and absolutely no funding (but with massive doses of self-produced soul and hard-working heart) the markets were born.
It’s had an extreme amount of growth over the past few years, what do you see as the next big change for the market?
We are looking at branching out into new cities across the country in the very near future (and maybe even across the pond if you get my drift)!  We’re keen to ensure we support all Australian creative communities.
Showcasing local designers and creatives is a huge aspect of the market, what would you say is the main ethos of the event?
For us, the support of innovation, and the small creative businesses of the Australian maker community is paramount.  We encourage originality and creativity and our aim is to continue to inspire and connect the group of people who are working hard and having a go at living the creative professional life.  We love exciting and interesting, ethically created products, and we highly value craftsmanship in a world saturated with mass-production.
What’s the most satisfying thing about the festival from an organisers point of view?
The smiling faces in the crowds!  Hearing the “squee” of joy from visitors who are discovering the amazing designers at our events.  Seeing the community of stallholders connecting with big hugs during event bump-in is always something that makes my heart sing.
For our Melbourne attendees, are there any stalls/designers of mention that they should check out?
Every single stall is worth a look!  This time look out for your favourite Vintage stallholders in amongst the Designers.  Naomi Murrell, a well-loved community favourite will be there showcasing her new range of clothing.  Minette vs Corey create some exquisitely minimal pieces of jewellery for the discerning shopper. For homewares, it’s always worth popping by to check out the Patterson + Steele stall for beautiful planters and much more.  There’s an incredible line-up at this event, each market gets more exciting and I can’t wait to have a bit of a shop myself!
What’s your favourite thing about stepping foot into the market?
The smiling faces of the stallholders gets me every time.  At first, they all look excited, nervous and full of anticipation.  The crowds of shoppers then bring a lovely and delirious friendly exhaustion over the next couple of days, bringing down social barriers and forming serious bonds between the crew and the stallholders!
Aside from bringing lots of cash and plenty of bag space, what should attendees bring along to the markets?
A curiosity for design, an appetite for some sweet treats and refreshments, a list of people who have gift requirements (and Christmas is just around the corner too!).  And a friendly smile…. the markets are a nice place to be after all…!
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, are there any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Supporting local small creative businesses, the up and coming designers, the vintage sellers, the food artisans and emerging musicians will make you feel SO GOOD.  Chat to the stallholders and ask them about their creative process!  They’re keen to strike up a conversation and spread the word about what they do, as they are a super passionate group of people.  You’ll learn things, and you’ll feel things.  Most importantly, you’ll have an awesome time!
Photographs by Mark Lobo
When & Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne – October 2,3 & 4