The start of something wonderful!

It all started when Heather Ratcliff of Sweet Little Stuffies approached me and asked if I would help her with some Facebook marketing for her business as the craft fairs were closed for the season due to covid-19.

I had just finished doing a neighbourhood art, craft and hobby show. I thought about it and agreed to help her out. Several other people were interested as well. I thought it would just be for a few people and several weeks.

By Christmas, we had around 30 craft vendors and small businesses in a Facebook group.

We decided to continue on into the new year, changed our name from North Delta Crafters and small businesses to North Delta Artisan and Gift Market and created a website as well NDArtMarket.ca. Today, just over 5 months later we have over 40 vendors (a few are seasonal), and a neighbourhood following on both sites.

I am so proud of each of the Vendors. It’s a challenging time to be in retail and a lot of competition. I have tried or seen most of the products. The Vendors take such pride in their production, packaging and/or service. The Vendors also donate to the group for prizes or the Sunshine Hills Community events throughout the year including the Garden Show in May and a Silent Auction for Deltassist held in October. No fee is charged for being in the group.

As a volunteer with the goal of creating community connection, it has been an amazing experience. I have been able to use my marketing background and the group that has formed is very supportive of one another.

Thank you for reading our story and I hope it continues. We started something not knowing what it was and it’s become something wonderful.

Enjoy your shopping experience!

Sweet Little Stuffies