Community Highlights: Meet Taylor McGee of Curated Craft Market

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McGee.

Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been creating for as long as I can remember! I grew up in a family of artists and creative people, who really cultivated my interest in art from the time I was a kid. It was also at a young age that I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit. The first craft market I can remember attending was when I was in middle school. I thought it was so cool that artists were making and selling their artwork – and from there I became determined to do the same! My first side hustle was on the track during gym – I started selling personalized domino charms to my classmates. This was just the beginning of my journey to figure out how I could make money by making art!

I grew up in Fuquay-Varina, NC. I had some really amazing art teachers in high school who gave me opportunities to create art in my local community and got me thinking about what I wanted to study in college. I had always dreamed of going to a fancy art school and becoming an artist, but I didn’t know what that actually meant. All I knew is that I wanted to have a creative job. I ended up studying Art Education at Meredith College in Raleigh. While it wasn’t what I had planned, it’s a decision I am so grateful for. At Meredith, I discovered my love for teaching and sharing art, and found my niche as a weaver.

Throughout college, I explored every side of being an artist that I could. I taught workshops, sold and exhibited my artwork, worked for the campus gallery, and took an internship at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where I learned about Arts Administration! I decided that I wanted to pursue this as a job, with the hopes of working in an education department of a local arts organization, but again life had other plans. I graduated, got married, and started a job as a middle school art teacher. This was short-lived… Three months later, I started my current job at Artspace in downtown Raleigh – working for the education department.

Through working at Artspace, I began to meet some incredible artists and entrepreneurs. It was in 2020, during the pandemic, that I started thinking about running my own art market. In that time of isolation, I wanted to find a way to support and connect artists, and build up a creative community. At the start of 2021, I was given my golden opportunity! My husband works for a local coffee shop, Cultivate Coffee Roasters, and the owners asked me if I would be interested in starting and running a small market there. And… Curated Craft Market was born in March of 2021!

With the help of my family, supportive husband, and an amazing community of artists, we have run three markets this year, with three more scheduled for November and December – including a market at a brand new location! I am so blessed to be surrounded by such supportive and creative people. This journey would not be possible without them!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
While a lot of things have seemingly fallen into place, it hasn’t come without hard work and overcoming a lot of fear and doubt! I spent years taking every opportunity that came my way. This helped me find direction and build relationships that have guided me to where I am today, but that hustle also left me burnt out and discouraged at times.

At a certain point, I had to learn to give myself permission to say no, and prioritize the opportunities that most aligned with my goals for my art, business, and life. As a people pleaser, this is difficult for me, and I have by no means perfected this – I am currently working a full-time job, running my small business, and still trying to find time to create my own artwork – but I am working hard to define what I really want in the end.

I think the other struggle for me has been having patience with myself and my business. I have lots of dreams for how I hope my business will grow, and I have to focus on all I have accomplished rather than everything I have yet to do! With social media, it’s so easy to get caught up in comparison with how well branded or how big of following other businesses have. However, I am learning that it is okay to take my time and celebrate every little victory because it means that growth is happening, even if it’s slower than I would like at times!

I really have found so much joy throughout this entire process, even on the hard days, because I am working towards something that I am really excited and passionate about.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Curated Craft Market is an artisan pop-up market that is sharing the love of art, music, and community in Fuquay-Varina, NC. We showcase the talent of local artists, makers, and unique small businesses who create handmade goods and original artworks with a story. CCM invites others to be a part of our community by attending our thoughtfully curated markets!

Our name says a lot about us. We work hard to truly curate the market experience for both artists and attendees. We focus on highlighting artists and makers who create handmade work that shows exceptional craftsmanship and that is truly unique. When you attend our market, you are going to meet artists who are creating beautiful things in a wide array of mediums.

What makes our market special is that it’s personal! As an artist and business owner myself, I understand the hard work it takes to show up at markets and run a small business. My goal is to make the market experience as easy and positive as possible for our artisans.

We believe in community and there are many ways to become part of ours! You can apply to be an artisan in our markets or attend our events. We also love supporting local musicians and have paid opportunities for musicians to play at all of our markets!

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am not a risk-taker by nature… I am a practical, over-thinker. I’ve spent a lot of my life playing it safe, and deciding to start Curated Craft Market was probably one of the bigger risks I’ve taken. While I think it’s a good thing to think before you take big risks (I love a good pros and cons list), there are also times when you just have to have faith, especially when it comes to pursuing your passions!

I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by people who believe in me and who have pushed me to take the leap. When it comes to taking risks, it is important to find people, or a person, who is going to reassure you on those days when you’re doubting yourself. So far, it’s been such a rewarding decision to open my business and it’s re-sparked my belief in being able to make my living as an artist/business owner. I’m really excited to see where it goes!

Pricing:

• Application Fee/$5
• Market Fees/Vary ($65-$75)

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: curatedcraftmarket.com
• Instagram: @curatedcraftmarket
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curatedcraftmarket