Support The Makers

Passionately championing, discovering and exhibiting makers, creatives & independents

Upcoming events.

Founder Carmen Chalmers, smiling in front of a large pink bauble.

Who we are

Support The Makers is a community founded by Carmen Chalmers, born from her love of handmade colour, textiles, and accessories made by local makers in her native South Africa. After moving to Edinburgh, she set out to connect with local creatives and in doing so, created a space to celebrate them.

Today, we host vibrant local makers markets and supportive workshops and events that help makers grow, connect, and share their work. We’re proud to promote sustainable, handmade goods and to keep community at the heart of everything we do.

Beyond hosting local makers markets and workshops, Support The Makers also offers consultancy services for those looking to establish creative spaces that combine gallery, retail, studio, and event elements.

A Word From Our Makers

  • Kirsty Simpson, Simpson & Co

    Carmen is, as her business name suggests, truly passionate about supporting makers. I have been lucky to work with her since early in my small business journey, and Carmen has been very generous with her experience and advice.

    I have taken part in a lot of Support the Makers markets and they are always fun and well organised. Carmen really cares about her makers and that everyone has a good day of trading. What's more, I have met a great, supportive community of other makers through my involvement with STM.

    Being self employed can be lonely, so it has been wonderful to make these important connections.

  • Kiki Blum, End Of Terrace Trading

    Support the Makers is full of heart and passion for the hand-crafted, locally made, independent businesses.

    At the core of Support The Makers is a desire to promote makers like me, and give us a strong platform from which to go from strength to strength.

    The physical markets are busy events, well organised, promoted and diverse. It’s all down to a single person who drives this community with enthusiasm, love and commitment.

    Carmen is always on fire and I love her excitement for makers like me.

  • Dylan Naylor, Leafy Lad

    I did my very first market with Carmen as one of her young makers. I was really nervous but Carmen was amazing and helped me before and on the day.

    The other makers kept checking in on me too and I had a great time. Because of the confidence she gave me I went on to do other events in 2023, and I'm excited to be doing lots more in 2024 and beyond.

    The only bad thing was I ended up spending lots of my money at the other stalls because they were amazing!!

  • Jane Gray, Jane Gray Designs

    Support the Makers truly lives up to the name as Carmen provides unwavering support to makers like me. Carmen’s dedication to promoting and nurturing the maker community is evident in every aspect of the craft fairs.

    From the application process to the event organization, Support the Makers ensures clarity and openness, making it easy for artisans to understand and navigate. This transparency fosters trust and confidence among participants, which is invaluable in the creative community.

    Support the Makers goes above and beyond in providing assistance and resources to help makers thrive. Whether it's through promotional efforts, or creating a welcoming atmosphere at the fairs, Carmen consistently demonstrates her commitment to the success of artisans.