Columbia’s Midlands Artisans Market: A Treasure Trove of Local Talent
So, if you found yourself wandering around Columbia, South Carolina this weekend and were looking to do some shopping, you were in luck! The beautiful Sesquicentennial State Park transformed into a lively hub, thanks to the buzzing Midlands Artisans Market. Vendors from all corners of creativity set up shop, offering not just products, but also the fascinating stories behind them.
Handcrafted Masterpieces in the Spotlight
One of the standout vendors was Cross and Nail Leathers, run by the dynamic duo, Paul and Susan Haynes. Their five-year-old business has already made a name for itself, specializing in everything from custom wallet designs to innovative air tag wallets. Paul passionately shared, “The process is cutting these out, most of them are by hand. Some of them have dyes, and I use the heavy-duty stitching because that’s usually where a wallet’s gonna break down.” Talk about dedication!
The couple was thrilled to be at the market and mentioned that orders were already pouring in for Christmas gifts. “We’re already getting orders for some wallets for gifts for Christmas already,” Paul noted. “If you’re thinking about placing an order, the sooner, the better because it takes a while to do this—cut it out, hand stitch it.”
Fresh Faces and New Beginnings
Among the colorful tents was a newcomer, Valerie Traylor, owner of Swank on Ya, a self-care boutique that’s all about handmade products encouraging self-care. Valerie moved to South Carolina about a year ago and jumped right into launching her business. “I’m so excited to showcase all my handmade products here,” she said enthusiastically. “Magnesium using it topically is something that can help, and I make that product by hand.” It’s clear she’s passionate about promoting wellness!
A Community Gathering Like No Other
The sense of community at the Midlands Artisans Market was palpable. Shoppers, like local patron Nakia Roberson, expressed a sense of joy that comes from supporting small businesses. “It’s always a great idea for the state and cities to support those who do what they love. It’s usually really good to have that feeling because you know somebody’s gonna come and buy it,” Nakia mentioned. “And most of the time, they come back and get it from you, so it can be a Christmas gift.”
With everyone from eager shoppers to passionate vendors, it felt more like a celebration than just another market. The smiles were contagious, and the connection between the artisans and the community created a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Local Love Fuels the Market
What makes events like these worthwhile is the fantastic public support. Like Nakia pointed out, many vendors have their products displayed in homes across Columbia. “It’s a phenomenal feeling to be able to have your stuff displayed in somebody else’s house,” she explained, highlighting the sense of accomplishment that comes from sharing creative work with others.
As we wrapped up our little adventure through this unique market, it became clear that Columbia’s Midlands Artisans Market isn’t just a shopping destination — it’s a melting pot of creativity, community spirit, and a showcase of local talent. So, if you missed out this time, keep an eye out for the next event and dive into the vibrant local scene! You’ll discover not only stunning products but also the stories and heart behind them.
