On Saturday, Nov. 7, the St. Pete Indie Market was in full swing. Dozens of vendors shaded in pop-up tents displayed their goods in a lot next to The Bends, a bar at 919 First Ave N.
Local businesses offer a variety of items at the monthly market, including original artwork, food, drinks and custom jewelry.
“We’ve been here since the beginning, when the market was just a small group of local companies. It’s wonderful to see how it’s grown,” said Marissa Silvers, 26, who crafts handmade gems and jewelry for her business Stoned and Charming.
The market was established three years ago by Rosie Williams, and has since grown to more than 60 vendors. Williams also heads the Tampa Indie Flea, which will open Nov 15. The Indie Market holds pop-up events around the holidays, which are announced on the organization’s social media pages. The market plans to move closer to Green Bench Brewing to gain more space for vendors.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page: https:#www.facebook.com/StPeteIndieMarket/
The Bluebird Books Bus is one of the market’s newest additions. Founder Mitzi Gordon, 39, recently moved the business from Tampa to St. Petersburg, and is now taking her bus around the city. The Bluebird Bus established a book exchange stand outside Studio @620, where pedestrians are encouraged to either leave a book or pick one up.
The Bluebird book exchange has also paired with non profit organization “Keep St. Pete Lit” to establish programs to help teach area residents to read and write.
The O’Berry’s Succulents stand sold a variety of plant goods at the market. (Above) St. Pete local Erica Fausette, 26, purchases one of O’Berry’s many “up-cycled” items. Owner Jamie O’Berry helped her father establish the business three years ago and participates in many markets around town.
A core vendor for the St. Petersburg area, Urban Canning Company has been established for a year and a half, according to owner and St. Petersburg native Illene Sofranko. The canning company’s selection of jammed and pickled goods can be purchased around town at the Old Southeast Market and Green Bench Brewing. Sofranko also sells her products at many of the local markets.
Heather Ware has an interesting fondness for beer – she loves to transform used bottles into candles. Under the shade, she shows off her creation of beer cans and bottles made into scented candles. The smaller candles sell for $10.
Jonathan Price, 38, looks to purchase a gem necklace from Cosmic Soul Gems shop owner Phillip Ernest, 43. Ernest has been excited to participate in the indie market for the past few months, but has been selling crystals for over three years.
