Market for Makers Chicago
Market for Makers has graced the city with a two-day event! The event featured different vendors showcasing their products and work. Some included bath salts, apparel, jewelry, candles, and prints. Read below to get your questions about the event answered and to see which parts of Market for Makers Chicago was my favorite!
General vs. VIP Tickets
There are two ticket options offered for Market for Makers Chicago: General Admission and VIP. GA tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door. VIP tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Aside from price, there are a few other differences between the two. General Admission includes a free Market for Makers tote bag (it’s really cute!), flower crown making, and access to view all of the event’s Makers (vendors). VIP includes the same perks of General Admission plus early admission (11am), one drink ticket (there is a bar on the first floor by the photo ops), extra flowers for flower crown making (4 flower choices instead of 2), and the choice of a VIP tote bag or a ‘Selfmade’ mug. I went with the mug!
My Favorite Vendors
All of the Makers at the event were top notch. They did a great job of choosing what companies were there! The space was packed, so we tried to view all of the booths that we could. I liked them all! There were a few, however, that I LOVED. They included Earth Based Body, The Tipsy Gardener, XO Marshmallow, Cago Supply Co., Bohemian Reves, Harper + Ari, and Bloomwolf Studio. Most booths took card, but I would bring cash just in case.
DIY Flower Crown Station
The best perk of this event, whether General Admission or VIP, was making your own flower crown. I thought this was a really cute idea and it defiantly made the event unique! Instead of just browsing the different booths, eating, and going home, the DIY flower crown station created an experience to partake in. A+ for Market for Makers. There are a few things, however, to note for this area. The flower crown station is on the second floor towards the back. There were not a lot of tables to create your crown on, so some – like ourselves – found a window sill to work on. General Admission get their choice of two different flowers, four for VIP. Flower tape and wires are provided to create your crown and can be found at the tables. I recommend sticking with the daisies, the carnations did not stay very well!
The Photo Ops
There were some great photo backdrops on the first floor of the event space. All of them were fairly close to one another and didn’t have too long of a wait. Each had a ring light where you could take your own photo and send it to yourself via email or phone number. Make sure it sends! I would have someone take your picture on your phone just in case!
The Food
Like any good event, food is involved. All of the vendors, photo ops, and the bar were located inside. However, outside held three food trucks for dining options. 5411 Empanadas – one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago – Da Pizza Dude, and Mexi Tacos were all in attendance. They took cash and card. Seating and high tables were limited, but thankfully the sun was shining and the weather was great to stand!
What I Bought
While there were a lot of cute items, I chose only a couple to take home with me. These goodies included a sample size of Detox bath soak from Earth Based Body and Rose Gold Rosé marshmallows from XO Marshmallow. Read below to learn more about each!
XO Marshmallow
I first had a taste of XO Marshmallow’s deliciousness back in December at the Maëlle Beauty’s Holiday Soirée. They literally have the best marshmallows around. Their booth at Market for Makers Chicago showcased a variety of signature and newer flavors. Because I can’t resist rosé or sparkles, I bought a box of their Rose Gold Rosé marshmallows. It has edible rose gold glitter on top!
Earth Based Body
Earth Based Body, an unknown company to me before this event, had an aesthetically pleasing array of bath salt soaks, body cream, and more. I’m a huge fan of bath salt and use hot baths as a form of relaxation every week, so I was all about their bath soaks. There were a handful of great choices, but I went with a sample size of the Detox soak (full size found online here) containing black lava salt, activated charcoal, sea salts, and an arrangement of herbs and roots.
My Thoughts
Overall, the event was awesome! I absolutely loved it and would go again. Unless you really want a special tote or mug, no need to splurge on the VIP ticket. I promise you’ll have just as much fun with GA since the flower crown station – the best perk of the event – is included with both. Every good event has solid photo ops, so I was pleased that this one had a few to show off your flower crown. Although there wasn’t really anywhere left to sit, I really liked that there were food truck options. Shopping makes me hungry! All of the Makers had eye-catching products and I’m really happy with my take-home purchases.
