Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing the stories of Woodstock’s unsung heroes, the industrious visionaries who toil away behind the scenes, molding and shaping our community into something truly extraordinary. Today, I want to introduce you to a special place in the heart of our beloved city — Made Mercantile.
Settled among the classic brick facades of Woodstock’s Main Street, Made Mercantile is more than a workspace; it’s a hothouse for creativity, a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship for Woodstock’s makers. This bustling coworking space, supported by the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority, offers local makers a platform to develop, produce and test their products in a retail setting, paving the way for them to scale up their businesses.
When you step inside Made Mercantile, you immediately are greeted by creativity and vibrancy. The buzz of activity, the clinking of tools, the murmur of collaboration — it offers a glimpse into the beating heart of Woodstock’s creative industry. You’ll find everything from funky handmade jewelry by Bamabelle, fine-art screen printing by Blue Elixir Press and unique resin accessories from Peachy Buckeye, to comforting homemade scents by Cherokee Rose Candle Co.
One of the things that truly sets Made Mercantile apart is its profound commitment to community. It isn’t just a place for artisans to ply their crafts; it’s a place where ideas are exchanged, where collaborations are born, where budding entrepreneurs find the guidance and support they need to transform their passions into profitable businesses.
And the success stories are testament to the effectiveness of this model — just ask Nate from Alpine Leather, who managed to open his first brick-and-mortar storefront thanks to the increased revenue from the space.
The space is managed by Woodstock’s own Madison Beaulieu, who is sure to put a smile on your face. She also owns a member business, Beau Paper Co., which produces letterpress-printed, hand-painted stationery that is sure to wow the recipient of your next card or letter. Her experience as a member of the community and a leader in the space continues to drive it forward.
Made Mercantile is not just about fostering the growth of small businesses; it’s about driving the growth of our community as a whole. Every product developed, every business launched, every success story contributes to the vibrancy and economic success of Woodstock, making our city a richer, more diverse and more interesting place to live.
You can visit Made Mercantile at 8632 Main St. Thursdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. With great locally made products and unique class and event offerings, I’m confident that this will rank among your favorite downtown Woodstock stops. By supporting local entrepreneurs, you not only contribute to the community, but also gain a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity that thrive in our great city. Who knows? You might even be inspired to join the ranks of these innovative pioneers and leave your mark on Woodstock’s flourishing creative scene.
— Mayor Michael Caldwell
– Michael Caldwell is the 31st mayor of Woodstock, a retired state legislator, member of the Georgia Technology Authority, partner at Black Airplane, husband to Katie, and father to Oliver, Elizabeth and Charlotte.
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