Meet Ryan Laessig

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Laessig.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Milwaukee Makers Market (M.M.M.) is a one-stop-shop small local businesses community experience. During the season, M.M.M. showcases over 50+ makers, artisans, bakers, and creatives monthly. Focusing on Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Locally Owned Small Businesses, Milwaukee Makers Market brings a special experience to the City of Milwaukee. The stories I hear at our markets show how Milwaukee is being brought together and helping push our local economy forward.

My name is Ryan Laessig, and over 10 years ago, I started Milwaukee Alt., my art and photography business. Needing to get my artwork and photography out to the public, I started participating in small craft fairs, markets, comic cons, and street festivals. Experiencing the ups and downs of these events, I learned to listen to what these small business owners are looking for and what the local patrons need and are looking for. So, I took all of this knowledge and created The “Milwaukee Makers Market.” We started with outdoor markets and worked our way to collaborating with Discovery World Museum, Ivy House MKE, and other Pop-Up shows at local sporting events, breweries, shops, and food halls.

What sets Milwaukee Makers Market apart from the other markets is the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. We strive to bring the best community experience for our patrons and small business owners. Our events are always free to attend, and everything we showcase is Made Locally by the person you are shopping from. You get to hear their story, passion, and how you might live in the same neighborhood.

M.M.M. prides itself on winning the Best Of Milwaukee Award for Best Art & Craft Fair/Makers Market in 2020, 2021, & 2022, Along with the 2023 Faces Of Milwaukee (Face of Makers Market – Ryan Laessig Milwaukee Makers Market). Milwaukee Makers Market will always push to ensure we provide our supporters and makers with a fun, safe, and community-filled environment that brings a unique experience compared to other fairs. More information about Milwaukee Makers Market can be found at www.MilwaukeeMakersMarket.com & on our social media pages under @MilwaukeeMakersMarket.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being honest about what works and what doesn’t work and treating people as human beings who are reaching to do their dream full time and supporting that mission. Most market organizers see these Small Businesses as booth numbers and payment. I see these people as my neighbors, community leaders, and local small businesses that provide me with soaps, candles, clothing, baked goods, canned veggies & jams, gifts, and so much more! I cherish every maker, baker, artist, small business owner, and supporter!

Can you share any insights related to maintaining high team morale?
Be open and honest about your mission. If you want to just put on a craft fair or market in a cool venue and make some money, then say that. But if you are truly looking to support your community and push the local economy forward, put in the extra time to ensure you provide a welcoming experience for your makers and supporters. Check on your vendors, say Hello and thank you to the people coming to your event, and be humble.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Milwaukee Makers Market has been such a great experience, and with the support of our community and patrons, we hope to continue to succeed.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the owner of Milwaukee Makers Market, I also started this Journey as an Artist and photographer, being showcased in over 200+ Gallery Exhibitions during my career. I have recently been able to do more public street art, including US41 Art Bus Shelters, Cesar Chavez Dr. Art Bus Shelter, GDNA Flowers In Bloom Mural, & the West Allis Utility Box Project “West Allis Boba / AT-AT.” I continue to teach Art at a local High School and hope to inspire the youth with my Art Ventures.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
People can support Milwaukee Makers Market by coming and experiencing one of our monthly markets and speaking with the makers and creatives that catch their eye. They can support local small businesses by making a purchase, sharing the artist’s work online, or just hearing their story about why they do what they do and how you support their dream of being a small business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MilwaukeeMakersMarket.com
• Instagram: @MilwaukeeMakersMarket
• Facebook: @MilwaukeeMakersMarket

Image Credits
Brooke Curry / Milwaukee Makers Market