New pop-up market to support the Coast's best artisans

A leading market in Coolum is skating towards Alexandra Headland on a mission to support the Coast's best artisans.

HANDMADE LOVE: Katie May from Wylde Magnolia and an interested customer at a past Sunshine Coast Collective Market. Picture: Contributed

A LEADING market in Coolum is skating towards Alexandra Headland on a mission to support the Coast's best artisans.

Sunshine Coast Collective Market stallholders have inspired a love of handmade items in Coolum residents for the past three years.

Yet owners Kelsey and Matthew Cheetham decided it was time for the Alex Skate Park to be filled with the buzzing market vibe.

Mrs Cheetham said their main platform was to offer "local artisans a place to showcase their work”.

"We want to create a community of support,” she said.

"Everyone who has a stall is so creative and is really genuine. They have such a passion for what they're selling so that's what sets us apart.”

The stallholders in particular are what makes their creative experience "not just your average market”, Mrs Cheetham said.

"It's so inspiring to see these local people build on their passions despite what they have going on in their lives.

"To see what other people are doing with their craft is so great. It shows if you have an idea or passion, it's possible to take it further.”

Ensuring no mass produced or cheap, imported products are found at the stalls was important to the couple.

"I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing at the moment, but everyone seems so interested in where something comes from and how they're made,” she said.

"There's a focus on sustainability and uniqueness which is great to see.”

The pop-up Sunshine Coast Collective Market day will be on July 6 from 7am, featuring multiple stalls, live music and food.

Head to their Facebook page for more information.