London Inc. May-June 2023 - 15

entrepreneurs. There are also open studio times every
Tuesday where people can bring whatever craft project they
are working on, use materials from the free craft cupboard
and spend time with other creatives while they work on their
own pieces. And there are occasional seminars and speakers
on various topics related to starting and running a small
creative/arts business.
In addition, on the last Sunday of
every month Hello Maker hosts a
pop-up market, with a curated group
of vendors that Leedham predicts will
vary each month. The market gives
both established entrepreneurs and
dabblers an opportunity for in-person
sales and interaction with the public at
a low cost.
DIY kits and supplies, workshop
Crafting, she says, strengthens creativity, boosts confidence
and provides a platform to learn and develop new
skills. But above all, Leedham says it brings people together
and builds relationships, which is why she was so excited
to secure the 1,500 square feet of core-area, open-concept
creative space.
" AS SOON AS I WALKED INTO THIS
BUILDING, I KNEW THE VIBE WAS RIGHT.
WITH THE EXPOSED YELLOW BRICK
WALLS AND BALCONIES FACING THE
ATRIUM, IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SPACE "
-Kirstie Leedham
fees, market table rentals, sales of finished goods and event
space rental all contribute to the top line at Hello Maker, but
just as important for Leedham is her ambition to connect
likeminded people and build a maker society.
" Sporty people have sports teams and writers have cafés;
artsy people and everyday creatives also need their own
place, " Leedham reasons.
" As soon as I walked into this building, I knew the vibe
was right. With the exposed yellow brick walls and
balconies facing the atrium, it's a beautiful space, "
Leedham says. " But it was also important to me that it be
fully accessible, and in a convenient central location. I
want to be part of making downtown a place where people
want to go. "
KYM WOLFE
MAY / JUNE 2023 | londonincmagazine.ca | 15
https://www.nuvistarealty.ca/agent/1885/paul-kash http://www.londonincmagazine.ca
London Inc. May-June 2023

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