Behind every successful Made With Love Market there is a person who is working tirelessly long before the "doors" (well tents) open. As the market organizer, Bailey wears many hats—coordinator, promoter, problem solver, and community builder. Not to mention her full time job as the marketing manager for Equator Coffee.
Bailey is passionate about supporting small businesses and fostering a creative community. Her dedication provides local artists and makers with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and share their craftsmanship with a wider audience. Through her hard work and commitment, the Made With Love Market becomes more than a place to shop—it becomes a celebration of creativity, connection, and the people who make it all possible.
So grab your favourite drink (coffee anyone?), and join us as we chat with the mastermind behind the market!
- What inspired hosting a handmade market at Equator?
Back in 2023, Equator celebrated 25 years of business, and during that year we put on one special event at each location to celebrate. The Almonte event was our first market with two lines of vendors that only took up half the parking lot! It was successful and fun and so in 2024 it was formed into our first Made with Love Market by a talented summer intern and myself. This year is our first year with two markets, and this upcoming one is full, which is amazing to see.
- If you could describe this market in three words, what would they be?
Community, Care and Coffee (of course)!
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How does the market fit into Equator’s community goals?
We are always aiming to be a community-focused business, whether it be locally through those right in front of us or globally through farming communities. Our goal is to “Equate” coffee to more than just a cup in our hand but to a farmer’s livelihood, a barista’s daily life, our local community, and so many other areas/people along the way. This market is just one of the many ways we are able to invest in and share coffee with our community!
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What's the most unique item you've seen at any of the markets held so far?
There are so many amazing items but I think one of the most unique items I have seen would be balloon flower bouquets from our friends at Super Lucky Events! Giant balloon bouquets - I mean how cool is that!
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How do you select the vendors who participate?
We hate saying no, but spots are limited! We only take a few of every type of craft in order to keep variety and make sure we are not over saturated with one type of artisan. The best way to get a spot is to sign up early (we post about the market in early April)! Besides space limitations, our only rules are family friendly and that care is put into the craft!
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What has been the biggest challenge in organizing the market?
Honestly, it is a well oiled machine after doing it for a few years now, but if I had to choose something it would be managing people's expectations and keeping my lawn signs pegged down across Almonte (yes I know that sounds silly) - they love to fall over and blow away haha!
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What has been the most rewarding part of running the market?
Being able to bring community to our shop and being able to take good care of our vendors on the day of the event. I LOVE it when a vendor or customer says they had a good day and enjoyed themselves!
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Are there any plans to expand or introduce new things in future markets?
Right now we are taking it year by year because we are a small team, but if there is a high enough demand we may have to try out some other dates or plans in the future!
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What advice would you give to other cafés interested in hosting events?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to host an event would be - care about your vendors and care about the details. These are the two things that make the experience great for your customers so you can’t afford not to care!
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What's one thing people shouldn't miss before leaving the market?
You should definitely go get your photo taken at Tracy’s Photography booth #22! She is doing really cute print out photo strips for a small fee with fun props! It’s the perfect market keepsake for you and a friend to take home!
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What's your favourite drink or snack from the café while browsing the market?
I am a sucker for anything with oatmilk, which is perfect because our friends at Oatbox are coming down from Montreal to give out samples and give anyone who orders an oat-based beverage 20% off their drink! It’s a win-win!
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Any other things you want to add?
We are so excited to see you there!