Pop-up success
Wine Down Wednesdays to feature handcrafted makers, artists, creatives … and wine
‘Each Wine Down Wednesday will feature a rotating lineup of vendors so visitors will have the opportunity to shop new small businesses and products each market.’
— Lauren Jeleniewski, founder of MADE Markets
LEOMINSTER » Shopping local seems to breathe life into a community, as with a special touch of creativity and originality, local businesses can offer something other communities don’t have.
A new local market series titled Wine Down Wednesdays has been created by Lauren Jeleniewski, founder of MADE Markets, who has teamed up with Kayla Nault, owner of Sage Home Collections.
Jeleniewski decided to launch this brand-new market series, which will be hosted on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 5 to 8 p.m. now through when the outdoor market season ends in October.
The market will be held in the back lawn of Sage Home Collections, at 137 Mill St., which will be adorned with flowers and garden lighting.
Jeleniewski states she created MADE Markets, a Central Massachusetts- based event company, as thoughtfully curated pop-up markets featuring and supporting all things local.
“Our mission is to make local shopping accessible to Central Massachusetts residents through our pop-up markets,” said Jeleniewski. “We thoroughly curate markets that feature only the highest quality of handcrafted makers, artists and creatives.”
The market will feature a rotating schedule of makers, artists and creatives, delicious food offerings from Finicky Fork Catering Co. and wine and bubbles served by 90+ Cellars’ mobile rose’ truck.
Jeleniewski says the first Wine Down Wednesday, on May 18, exceeded all her expectations, “the response and feedback I received from the community was incredible.”
“I have never hosted a midweek market like this, nor have I ever hosted in the city of Leominster, so the standard was unknown,” she said. “We had a variety of local makers, artists and creatives join us to offer an epic shopping experience. Finicky Fork Catering Co. sold out of their specialty menu before the market was even over and the line for the wine truck was
never ending throughout the night.”
The launch featured Birchouse Botanicals, Rock Harbor Design, The Tragic Whale, Goldenhour Goods, Waning Crescent Soap, Maple Dragonfly Co., Plata Chalkboards, Decolores Housewares, CLN& DRTY, Set Apart Studio, Just Rosy, and The Sassy Homesteader.
“We also had local henna artist Mandy Roberge of Wicked Good Henna join us for some beautiful henna magic,” Jeleniewski said.
Jeleniewski was born and raised in Leominster, but has since lived in northeast Florida for 14 years, before moving back to New England, to the town of Groton in 2020.
She says her inspiration for the markets began when living in Florida, but with help from her friend, Nault, who she had met at a farmer’s market two years ago, she brought her love of shopping local back home.
“I am also founder and owner of Birchouse Botanicals, a vegan- based soy candle and home fragrance company, which I sell at Sage,” said Jeleniewski. “That business pushed me into the market community, and I began making contacts and connections, from there MADE Markets was born. When I moved back to Massachusetts, I knew beforehand it was something I absolutely had to continue with, it is truly my passion project.”
Jeleniewski says that part of what sets MADE Markets apart is that no two markets will ever be the same and the quality of vendors featured will be top notch.
“Each Wine Down Wednesday will feature a rotating lineup of vendors so visitors will have the opportunity to shop new small businesses and products each market,” she said. “We have a wait list of vendors that want to join us, and attendees are already asking for us to release additional dates.”
Along with Finicky Fork Catering Co. and 90+ Cellars, visitors will find the following vendors at the Wednesday, June 15, market: Birchhouse Botanicals, Rock Harbor Design, The Tragic Whale, Wicked Good Henna, Shop One Oliver, Maple Dragonfly Co., CLN& DRTY, Much Ado About Sewing, Lu & Moo Co., Set Apart Studio, Golden Hour Goods, Best Dressed Cup, and Mics Cakes & Bakes.
Nault says she is grateful for the Wine Down Wednesday events as it brings more customers into her store.
“It is just a perfect evening,” she said. “Guests will gather outside on the lawn to shop, enjoy delicious food and a glass of wine, and then come into my store to browse and shop, it’s a win-win.”
Jeleniewski believes the maker community is truly strong and powerful, “it takes a village to support one another,” she said. “We all share a passion for our business driven by the goal to reach our full potential. Market events offer small businesses the opportunity to reach a new demographic of clientele, connect and network with one another, generate income and get that brand recognition.”
Jeleniewski is happy to say this market series is both kid- and dog-friendly, “the entire family is welcomed to this fun- filled evening featuring the highest quality of handcrafted makers, artisans and creatives, supporters of all things community, and champions of small businesses.”
Find information on these markets on Instagram @ made_ markets and on Facebook @nemademarkets.