London Met designers and makers begin testing and trading
The University’s Student Enterprise team launched new opportunity for creative students and graduates
Date: 5 December 2023
London Metropolitan University’s Student Enterprise Team recently organised and led Makers Market.
The programme gives students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain real-world experience testing and trading their handmade design products either at a popular East London market, on campus or online aims to support students and graduates in launching their own small creative businesses
Previously run over the past 10 years as an annual Christmas market, the Student Enterprise Team decided to update the programme. Makers Market now allows the team to expand the opportunity, by offering multiple in-person and online selling opportunities throughout the year.
Over 40 students and graduates applied to take part in Makers Market with their design products this year. With their biggest cohort size to date, the Student Enterprise Team increased the number of sellers taking part at The Old Truman Brewery’s Sunday Upmarket, which took place on Sunday 3 December. London Met hosted a mix of new and returning student and graduate sellers on-campus market in The Rocket on Tuesday 5 December, and our Online Makers Market Shop launched on 30 November, and features a collection of sellers’ online stores.
All of our London Met Makers Market sellers have brought and sold a fantastic range of products to the markets this year, including handcrafted fine jewellery, unique illustrations and art prints, personalised clothing items, bespoke homeware and other design products.
To help students and graduates get the most out of the Makers Market, the Student Enterprise Team ran a series of online and in-person training sessions; covering topics like accurately pricing products, setting up online stores and social media promotion, product displays, and speaking to customers.
Our talented online sellers and their handcrafted jewellery, fashion accessories, homeware items are still available online. We invite you to visit the Makers Market Online Shop.
Hear from our London Met Makers Market sellers
Evelina Sarupiciute, a Photography BA graduate from London Met’s School of Art, Architecture and Design took part in Makers Market this year after recently launching Figly, her handmade jewellery brand. Evelina creates a range of fine jewellery specially for those with allergies and sensitive skin.
On her experience taking part in Makers Market, Evelina told us “The market was a perfect opportunity for me to try selling at markets and seeing what people like, what sells the most, and what customers say about my products. It was my first experience selling jewellery I have made myself, and it motivates me to apply for more markets and get my product out there. Makers Market was an amazing opportunity and I’m so happy I was able to take part”
“The Student Enterprise Team offered so much support, so I felt positive about the whole experience. Which allowed me to attend without a fear of failure and focus on my brand. I would highly recommend other London Met students and graduates apply to take part in the next Makers Market.”
Figly’s jewellery pieces are made using freshwater pearls, real crystals and gems, and are handed to customers in eco-friendly, handmade packaging. Figly is on a wonderfully positive mission to add sparkle to one’s daily life while also promoting healthy body images.
Sendi Bruma, an illustration graduate, who makes a range of homeware items, including keychains, trays, and bookmarks fashioned from resin took part in the market for a second year.
As a returning seller of our London Met markets, Sendi told us “I am feeling extremely blessed to take part in London Met Makers Market organised by the Student Enterprise team! Elizabeth and Jon are the most kind and helpful organisers and guided us through all the steps to become super confident in our abilities to sell our own artworks.”
When describing her experience at the market, Sendi says, “We learn so much from the physical markets, we connect with our customers, create relationships, networking, sharing market experiences between other student and graduate sellers.”