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A market specialising in bespoke, handmade and locally sourced items is hoping to put the spotlight back on small businesses. The Creators Market started in Melbourne, but director Megan Luscombe thought it would be a good fit for regional cities. The first Ballarat market, held in October last year, was what she called “dipping a foot in the water” to determine whether it would be successful enough to turn into a quarterly event. “It went a lot better than I thought it would, considering it was absolutely pelting down with rain,” Ms Luscombe said. “It was probably one of our best markets that we’ve done and the stall holders loved it.” About 70 per cent of stall holders were from Ballarat and surrounds, while others had travelled from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. Ms Luscombe said customers drawn to the market were focused on supporting local businesses. “They are probably a bit more conscious of where they are putting their dollar, where their products are coming from and who is making them,” she said. However one of the major differences this time around will be the smaller scale of the market. “We’re rather particular about ensuring there’s a great variety of products and great quality products available so we limit the number of stall holders per category to make sure it’s not saturated with similar products,” Ms Luscombe said. “This one will be more boutique and more focused.” This will give stall holders and customers an opportunity to get to know each other and have one on one conversations, she said, with the knowledge the stalls will be back next quarter. Ms Luscombe emphasised the market was free to attend. “We want people to use that $2 to get in on one of the stall holders, you shouldn’t be charged to spend money,” she said. “There is a really great selection of local creators that are very passionate and talented, and they’re worth coming out to meet.” The market takes place at Housey Housey from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, April 22.

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