Our Mission
Connection · Community · Creativity
We believe in the power of connection, and in cultivating opportunities that bridge the gap between creatives and our community.
We believe in community and the importance of sharing knowledge, recognizing unique perspectives and empowering makers to build the opportunities to grow, thrive and succeed together.
We believe in creativity, and its transformative ability to strengthen lives, enrich communities, and connect isolated regions, particularly in Northern Ontario. At the heart of our work is a deep appreciation for the joy of making things by hand, the process of creation, and the bonds that form when we work alongside others.
By nurturing connection, community, and creativity, the mission of Makers North Collective is to support northern makers, artisans and entrepreneurs. We’re not just buying products - we’re backing dreams, building communities and putting power behind independent businesses to grow a strong north that we are proud to call home.
Our story.
In 2016, Tracy & Julieanne caught eyes from across the field of yet another empty market. It was a match made in heaven, Julieanne was feeling isolated from the northern maker community and Tracy was searching for the supporters that could turn a hobby into a real career.
After a few excited meetings they decided to host their first holiday market featuring 40 makers with a focus on Northern Ontario based handmade artisans of the highest quality. To their utter surprise and delight, there was a line up around the block to get in and that’s when they realized that if they wanted to be part of a community they had to build it themselves!
Since then Makers North has grown to feature hundreds of incredible makers from Northern Ontario and beyond, donated over $10K to northern charities and grown a community 800 makers strong.
We believe that we are strong together. Community first, always.
We believe in the joy of making things by hand.
We believe in the incredible creative community in the north.
Our Team
Julieanne Steedman
Julieanne Steedman is an artist, online educator, podcaster, and champion for her handmade community. She is passionate about supporting creatives to master the art of a thriving creative business. Julieanne lives and runs her business, Heirloom Island, in rural Northern Ontario.
Co Founder
Tracy Baker
Tracy is a mom of 4 (2 human, 2 canine), maker and college instructor. A lover of all things handmade (especially ceramics!); Tracy is an avid reader and serial creative. Seriously, there’s no craft she’s not willing to try!
She lives & runs her creative business, Yellow House, from weird & wonderful Sudbury Ontario.
Co Founder
Community + Partnerships CoordinatorMarisa Jarus
Marisa leads sponsorships and develops creative partnerships that connect local businesses with the makers community and shoppers who love buying local.
Outside of work, Marisa is rarely without her two little sidekicks, a strong coffee, and her Kindle.