WBC at SSU hosts Ignite Appalachia Maker Market

Last month, the ECDI Women’s Business Center of Central Appalachia at SSU hosted the first Ignite Appalachia Maker Market. The event was held on 3rd Street outside of the beautiful Shawnee State campus.

Dozens of vendors attended the market, selling all sorts of wares such as handmade soaps, potted plants, antiques, clothing, and baked goods. Many of the vendors expressed excitement at the opportunity to sell their products after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ive actually been making my soap at home for about 10 years, but I really started selling it about two or three years ago,” said the co-owner of Run Amok Farms in Piketon, Ohio. “It kind of became a hobby during the pandemic.”

While the maker market featured vendors of all different backgrounds and experience levels, it proved to be a good opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with consumers. For shoppers, the market created a one-stop shop for Mother’s Day goodies.

“This was a great inaugural event,” said Derrick Parker, Program Coordinator at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub. “Kelly (O’Bryant) and Bonnie (Barker) did a fantastic job getting everything organized. The Hub is always glad to partner on anything the WBC of Central Appalachia does. And, importantly, it gives the community yet another opportunity to come together here in Portsmouth.”

The WBC of Central Appalachia at SSU plans to make the Market a bi-annual event. The next one will be held in the fall. Check out the event website for more updates.