Marketspace was built by makers, for makers.

Before organizing events, Kim and Kevin Kraemer were makers themselves setting up at local markets and selling their handmade children’s growth charts.

Their story started with Cozy Gray House, the Etsy shop they opened in 2014 after a DIY growth chart project for their twins turned into something friends, family, and eventually customers wanted for their own homes. Kim had always loved design and DIY projects. Kevin had always pictured himself owning an Etsy shop one day, even if he had not quite figured out the product yet. Together, they created a hand-painted growth chart that matched their own style, and the prototype was a success.

Friends and family showed support for their handcrafted growth charts, and soon the orders started coming in. By Christmas, Kim and Kevin had shipped their work as far as Oregon.

From there, they looked for ways to grow the business in person at New Jersey craft markets. What they found was that many markets were not built with makers in mind. The events were there, but the support, communication, promotion, and care for the people behind the tables often were not.

That epiphany changed everything.

Kim and Kevin realized there was a real need for thoughtfully curated markets where handmade work was respected, shoppers felt excited, and vendors were not left guessing. They wanted to create events that helped makers get in front of the right people and sell their work in spaces that felt organized, professional, and approachable.

Our events are strongest when they bring together functional, giftable handmade work - the kind of pieces people actually use, give, display proudly, and come back for again. These products range from cozy candles to a favorite piece of jewelry, interestingly carved wood to ceramics that serve a purpose.

We also believe there is room for higher-end handmade work at the right events, with the right audience and setting. Not every market is the same, and not every product belongs in every space. That is why we curate with intention looking at product mix, audience fit, seasonality, price point, and the overall experience we are creating. We pride ourselves on being transparent and put the vendor perspective first.

We are not trying to be the most prestigious craft show. We are trying to build markets where handmade work is whole-heartedly appreciated and makers feel supported.