WHO ARE WE?
Wellington Creative Markets Ltd (AKA Wellington Creative) was set up to:
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Helping artists, designers and small businesses to thrive
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Creating a tangible experience of the ‘Creative Capital’
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Helping people find a work/life balance doing what they love
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Be an example of a sustainable (environmentally, economically, structurally, socially) business, so the company can operate long term serving the community through the points above
Wellington Creative does this by creating high quality, repeatable opportunities for artists, designers and small businesses to take advantage of, such as:
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The Wellington Underground Market
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The Wellington Christmas Markets
The journey so far...
In 2007 finding retail space to sell your creative goods, other than seven day per week retail, was a little more difficult than it needed to be. Having moved across the ditch from Australia to the “Creative Capital” Wendy Jasper was surprised to find no weekly markets other than the fruit and veggie type. She teamed up with friend and work colleague Helena Tobin and the pair determined to create a buzzing platform for the abundant creativity they saw in Wellington.
After two years of hard work setting up the business, securing a venue, and a keen selection of creative locals (many of whom are still at the market today) the Wellington Underground Market was born on the waterfront, just in time for the summer sun and fresh Wellington breezes of December 2009.
Since the conception of the business idea in 2007, Wellington Creative has come a long way. It is now the trusted authority on markets in Wellington and a 2016 Angus & Associates study found 1 in 4 tourists came to Wellington or stayed longer because of the Underground Market. It is also Wellington's only retail business incubator and has acted as a springboard for many businesses over the years who have gone on to exporting, wholesaling and/or full time retail.
“The benefits are much more than making sales: you can learn how to best sell your product, assess your pricing, product reception and identify your product strengths and weaknesses. The market is wonderful to be part of!” Anna, Zamm Lights
Wellington Creative has expanded both in staff (it now employs five additional staff members plus other contractors) and in its endeavours. The RoseTree stall at the market each weeks sells items Wendy and Helena (and their staff) make and design alongside that of other creative locals. In 2014 they launched their next venture on the Wellington Waterfront, the much loved Wellington Pop Up Village, a collection of design shops in shipping containers. The Pop Up Villages have grown from strength to strength providing a valuable stepping stone for small business to experience full time retail for short periods. The Pop Up Villages have expanded from just the summer offering, to other times as well.
Wendy and Helena had a clear vision when they started Wellington Creative. Both having been in business before and also having young children at the time, they insisted from day one that work life balance (for them and their staff) was essential for the long term sustainability of the company. They also wanted to ensure that what they created, could continue to operate and serve the community, long after they were no longer a part of it.
Yes there are other initiatives in the pipeline, watch this space!
“We are always looking for new opportunities to connect Wellington artists with shoppers in a fun and creative way. Making a living from your creativity really is feasible, we see it happening every day.”
- Helena
“I love living in Wellington, it's such a creative city and the business opportunities seem endless. We have literally just dipped our toes in the water, we have so many more opportunities still to develop. Exciting times indeed!”
- Wendy
By shopping at Wellington Underground Market, you are helping artists and local small businesses to thrive. Thank you!
Helena Tobin & Wendy Jasper, Directors
IN THE MEDIA
"Hard yards pay off as craft
market proves tourism hit"
The Waikato Times &
The Dominion Post
12/09/2016
Read more...
"Compostable
cutlery part of plan to
make Wellington's market
waste free"
The Dom Post / stuff.co.nz
19/12/2017