Meet the Team: Hayley Matthews-Jones, Founder
To kick off our ‘Meet the Team’ feature we’ve interviewed our founder, Hayley Matthews-Jones.
Hayley is from London, where market squares are a way of life. Her local market in Greenwich is a World Heritage site, hosting some of London’s most creative designers and makers every weekend. She received her Foundation in Art & Design from Central Saint Martins, and her BA in Silversmithing & Metalwork from Camberwell College of Arts. While pursuing her degree, she coordinated fundraisers and art exhibitions, and her career as an event planner was born. She moved to Minneapolis in 2008, and in 2015 established Minneapolis Craft Market.
Let’s take a step inside Hayley’s method to her madness with a little Q&A.
Fair Anita. Photo: Kianna Notermann
What do you love about the Twin Cities craft community?
It’s such a creative, forward-thinking metro area, but with the feel of a smaller town. It’s somewhere that building community and creating a network is possible in a way that isn’t possible in every city.
Where did the idea for the craft market come from?
After moving here in 2008, I really just missed London’s markets. It’s such a key part of life in England, with every town square having a busy marketplace selling produce, meat, clothing, art, antiques - all kinds of goodies. I wanted to bring some of that street culture to life here in Minneapolis, so started the craft market in 2015, and added Minneapolis Vintage Market in 2018.
What should someone expect from the event if they’ve never shopped a craft market before?
You’ll find handmade work including jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, home decor, baby/kids goods, apparel and more. No two markets are the same, our vendor list is different every single time which means you can visit us every weekend and always find something new!
How much of your time does putting together the Minneapolis Craft Market take up?
I run Minneapolis Craft Market and Minneapolis Vintage Market full-time. I started it alongside my day job, but by early 2017 it had grown to the point that it needed my full-time attention. Between our two markets we host more than 120 events per year, and I also have two daughters, aged 5 and 2 so there’s plenty to keep me busy!
Marisa Martinez Jewelry. Photo: Kianna Notermann
Are you surprised at how successful this event has become?
I always knew that the Twin Cities had a gap in the market for this type of event, but I don’t think I fully grasped the breadth of artists that live here, and have been so happy that Minnesotans have been so excited to support the local creative community by shopping at the market.
Anything we should look forward to for upcoming holiday markets?
We have so many exciting events happening this season. A few I’m particularly excited about are:
Holidazzle in Loring Park
View the full list of upcoming events here.