HASTINGS‑ON‑HUDSON, N.Y. – This weekend the streets of Main Street came alive as Make Your Market marked its fifth anniversary. Founded by local jewelry maker Melissa Panszi Riebe, the pop‑up marketplace provides a dedicated space for independent creators to display handmade goods and connect directly with neighbors.
From community roots to a permanent roof
“It wasn’t a space per se. It was a community,” Panszi Riebe told reporters. “All I did with the store is I put a roof over it.” The market began as an informal gathering of makers who shared a love of craft and a desire for a supportive environment. Over five years it has grown into a curated event featuring 84 makers selected for both product quality and the stories behind their work.
Walking down Main Street, visitors can browse candles, toys, lotions, glassware and a wide array of jewelry. The market’s emphasis on personal narrative resonates with many participants, who see the venue as a launchpad for their small‑business dreams.
Maker stories that inspire
Lauren Franklin, owner of FizzlePop Puppet Shop, recalled how a simple hobby turned into a thriving venture. “I started sewing these little finger puppets for my daughter when she was a baby, and it just kinda snowballed from there,” she said, marveling at the excitement of seeing strangers eager to purchase her creations.
Dora Witte, who runs Weelamond, highlighted the market’s role in supporting artisans beyond the village. “I collaborated with Native American artisans at the Navajo reservation. The sales and support from this product go to fair pay at the reservation,” she explained, underscoring the marketplace’s broader impact on ethical sourcing.
For Keeshagaye Whitter, founder of Emollient, the market offered a path to healthier living. Diagnosed with eczema, she turned to her Jamaican heritage of plant‑based remedies and began formulating her own skin‑care line. “I decided that I am not gonna take steroids and medications for the rest of my life,” she said, noting how the market gave her a platform to share her natural solutions.
Denesha McDonald, owner of Neesh Co., expressed how the experience fuels future ambitions. “My goal or one of my dreams is to have a boutique,” she said, adding that the market’s supportive atmosphere makes those aspirations feel attainable.
Community praise for the market’s founder
Participants repeatedly praised Panszi Riebe for her dedication to small‑business growth. “She’s always lifting people up and connecting people,” Franklin noted. Witte added, “I’m really proud to be a part of this community.” McDonald echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s nice to have someone who believes in your work. When you have someone else curating all these makers, it makes you believe in yourself on a different level.”
For Panszi Riebe, the market’s mission extends beyond commerce. “It’s about the people, and it’s about the people who walk in, and it’s about the people who are here, and it’s a connection,” she said. “Diversity and being together, it just is. We don’t have to define it; we just have to come together.”
Looking ahead
As Make Your Market looks to its next five years, the organizers plan to expand the roster of makers and deepen partnerships with local schools and community groups. The market’s success illustrates how a grassroots initiative, rooted in faith, family values, and individual liberty, can foster economic opportunity while strengthening the social fabric of Hastings‑on‑Hudson.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
