I met today’s entrepreneur in her shop and I just loved her energy and invited her to be on the podcast on the spot! In this episode, Anna Romo, the co-owner of the Chicago Maker’s Pop Up Shop, located at 2064 N Damen Avenue discusses starting the pop-up store for Chicago-based crafters and makers with her business partner Monica Little back in November 2020.

They have such a unique business model, not only selling locally handmade items but also helping the entrepreneurs behind the products succeed in getting their business up and running. We also dig into the details on their engagement, training, and services they offer their maker community and what all is involved in participating in their shop and community. And finally, we dig into their exciting details about expanding this holiday season to a location in West Town and Wicker Park over the next month or so. Without further ado, please enjoy this episode with Anna Romo of the Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop!

In Anna Romo’s interview we discuss:

• Meeting her business partner Monica Little while collaborating to help grow their crafting businesses, Virtue Alchemy Candle Co and Plant Based Beauty
• Starting Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop with Monica in November 2020 as pandemic pivot
• Getting the store up and running in a week’s time so they could be ready for the holiday season
• Support from the community and the media
• Pandemic related capacity restrictions putting a damper on “meet the makers” and pivoting to an online format
• How the Chicago Makers Pop Up helps makers get their businesses up and running and profitable
• How makers get featured in the shop and what is involved in participating; benefits of being a member of the community
• Hosting pop up markets outside of the shop on Damen
• Expanding to two additional pop up shops this holiday season! Their new location in West Town opens October 6th at 1821 W Chicago Avenue and Wicker Park at 1279 N Milwaukee Ave opens on November 1

Anna’s nominations

• All Things Coops Beauty – soap & body care products with maker CeCe Cooper
• Mad Harriet Ceramics – ceramic cups, bowls, and dishes with maker Dale Frances
• Maia Salsa – Mexican culinary salsas & marinades with makers Claudia & Juan Carlos Ibañez 

Chicago Makers Pop Up
2064 N Damen Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60647

1821 W. Chicago Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
chicagomakerspopupshop@gmail.com