What's the Story: Milltown Makers
When we found out our friend, Matt Moses (who is an Everett area artist, entrepreneur, owner of ELPIS&WOOD, and all around fantastic human) was starting a new website about Everett area artists, we knew we had to interrogate him immediately.
We asked Matt a few questions about his new creative endeavor. Here's the scoop.
You just launched a new website called, "Milltown Makers," right?
Yes, it’s finally happening!
What's this Milltown Maker's stuff all about?
Well, simply put, the Milltown Makers website will feature talented up and coming independent artists, designers and craftsmen who are doing something unique in and around Everett.
What's the goal?
For now we’ll just be exploring different ways of bringing interesting exposure to the creative industries that are emerging in the Everett area.
Who's it for?
Anyone who cares about the local entrepreneurial spirit behind local creative companies. It’ll be an avenue for folks to find out about who’s making what locally, how it’s made, and where to find the makers and/or their goods.
How'd you get the name?
Milltown is a nod to the gritty hardworking roots of Everett, and Makers is a word that defines a broad array of creative disciplines.
Is it only local makers?
It’ll mostly be local, but there will certainly be room to feature some inspiring folks doing stuff elsewhere. Our area has had some talent that have relocated elsewhere and I have plans on getting stories from those peeps as well.
How do you choose which makers to feature?
It’s really natural at this point. Make friends and see what they create. I’m drawn to Makers who are practicing their craft seriously: melding together creativity, style, quality, hustle and commerce.
Who cares about makers?
I think everyone cares! Whether directly or indirectly people do care - Makers are a critical part of the cultural fabric in any urban city.
Who are some up and coming local makers?
Gabi and Melissa of Whole Mama Herbal Co. here in Everett.
Becca of 5 Lines Pottery out in Sultan.
Josh of BookGrain Journals in Everett.
Any upcoming makers you'll be featuring that you're particularly excited about?
That's tough because I dig all the interviews so far. But if I must choose it would be Pablo of Amigo Arts, super nice dude and he is constantly making something rad. Also, Erik of Aesir Meadery, his personal story and the process behind his wine is intriguing.
My Aunt Ethel knits jewelry, can she be a featured maker?
Sure, but only if Aunt Ethel is straight killin’ the knitted jewelry game.
You guys make beautiful handmade furniture over at ELPIS&WOOD. Which we know keeps you plenty busy. Why invest time and energy into promoting other local makers?
I like to see others succeed. The more of that happening the better our town gets. Everett is rich with potential and has the chance to really solidify the creative small business community and attract other unique small businesses to plant their roots here. That’s totally worth investing time and energy into.
Where do you see the maker culture heading in general?
I’ve seen the growing “creative industry” developing for years now. Being in it myself, I noticed people are tired of mass produced goods. It’s a disconnected purchase. It lacks something personal; a story and a face. People want more local quality goods, food and services.
That’s where Makers come in and re-establish that relationship. And it’ll only continue to grow as people become more aware of the value in it. By supporting local creatives you invest into much more than a good or service, you invest into what makes our area interesting.
How do you feel about the Everett area maker culture?
It’s here. It exists. But it’s totally in the infancy stages. All the pieces are present for something rad, and it’s developing day to day.
What's one thing you enjoy about interviewing makers?
I get to see their story from a fresh perspective and I get to ask questions and get answers I think people would find interesting.
We'll end by stealing the same question you end your interviews with. What one piece of advice would you offer to aspiring makers?
Find a mentor as soon as possible. Even if they're not in the direct field you're looking to go into. There are a lot of Makers that want to share and hand down what they’ve learned, and their experience will help you tremendously at whatever stage you might be at.
Cheers!
Editor's Note
We're blown away with how awesome Milltown Maker's turned out. It's beautiful, inspiring & the exact type of thing we're stoked to see happening in Everett. Go check out Matt's awesome new site. Subscribe + enjoy. www.MilltownMakers.com
