Today we’d like to introduce you to Lidia Werntz.
Hi Lidia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
MMCLT started from a genuine love for bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences. As a crafter myself, I saw there weren’t many markets in the area and those that were exceeded my budget. So, I set out to create something a little more affordable for artist just starting out or simply trying to find out if markets were for them. Then, what began as a passion for hosting and community building quickly turned into something bigger.
In the early days, I focused on creating spaces where people could connect naturally through networking, social gatherings, or creative experiences. As attendance grew and word spread, MMCLT evolved from small, grassroots events into a recognized platform where anyone can join, find a community, and kick off their small businesses.
Today, MMCLT continues to grow as a brand rooted in connection, collaboration, and creativity. What’s stayed consistent is the mission: to create experiences that feel personal, inclusive, and impactful while supporting both local talent and the broader Charlotte community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been worth it. From the very beginning, we faced pushback as almost immediately another local market actually threatened to shut us down and told me MMCLT wouldn’t last a year. Seven years later, we’re still here.
Along the way, I’ve also faced internal challenges. At one point, an employee who helped run the markets made poor decisions in an attempt to take events and start a competing market. I caught it in time and was able to address the situation, but it took a serious financial toll and almost led me to shut MMCLT down completely. It was an incredibly difficult moment. Thankfully, with the support and encouragement of my partner, a personal loan, and a hint of rebellion ( no one is taking me out), I decided to push forward.
It took a lot of hard work, long hours, and personal financial sacrifice to recover, but we came back stronger and more intentional. I’ve learned that every market, even the bad ones are a learning experience, and not every event will be seamless. What’s kept me going is the community. The support and trust from vendors, partners, and attendees have truly carried MMCLT through the hardest moments.
Today, we’re focusing on fewer events with more intention, which has been a really positive shift. The market scene isn’t what it was when we started, so each year requires adaptation. I’m constantly evolving MMCLT by adding new elements and finding ways to make our markets stand out while staying true to our roots.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MMCLT is an event and community-driven platform that specializes in curated markets and experiences designed to connect people, brands, and creatives in meaningful ways. I focus on producing thoughtfully planned events that highlight local vendors, small businesses, and creatives while creating an atmosphere that feels intentional, welcoming, elevated and most importantly, AFFORDABLE.
What MMCLT is known for is the experience, not just the market itself. From unique venues and strong vendor curation to music, layout, and flow, every detail is considered. I aim to create events that feel less transactional and more like a true community gathering. I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built with vendors and partners over the years and the trust they place in MMCLT to represent their brands well. Being able to keep vendor fees low is not always easy but is worth it knowing that we are putting money back into the local community.
What truly sets MMCLT apart is intention. I don’t believe in doing events just to do them. Each market is created with purpose, whether that’s supporting emerging businesses, introducing new concepts, or evolving with the changing market scene. I’m also proud of the resilience behind the brand as MMCLT has grown through challenges, adapted over time, and continues to evolve while staying rooted in authenticity and community.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built and the fact that MMCLT has become a space where people feel supported, seen, and excited to show up. This year, we helped launched dozens of businesses, some that have even outgrown us. Its bittersweet when vendors stop showing up, but its amazing knowing that the reason is because they’ve found bigger platforms to grow exponentially. Also, we work with a lot of non-profits. .This year alone our events helped get about twenty animals into happy, healthy, warm and loving homes. As an animal lover, this is such a huge win. Especially since this year, one of those 20 pets ended up with me!
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to operate with intention. I’m prioritizing quality over quantity and being more thoughtful about the types of events we produce and the impact they have. I have several larger-scale events planned for 2025 that I’m really excited to share soon, each designed to elevate the experience and continue pushing MMCLT forward.
So, ironically, you’ll see less events from us this year, but you’ll hear about us more as the goal has always been growth, but I want sustainable, meaningful growth. I want to keep bringing thoughtfully curated events to the city, and surrounding areas, while evolving with the community and the market scene. I’m especially looking forward to experimenting with new formats, collaborating with like-minded partners, and creating experiences that feel fresh while staying true to what MMCLT is known for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makersmarketclt.com
- Instagram: @makersmarketclt
- Facebook: @makersmarketclt.com
- Other: @makersmarketclt on tiktok
