Two years ago Latrobe Valley caterer Stacey Savage decided it was time to be her own boss after 15 years of making food in a Traralgon cafe.
She realised there was a gap in a market already flooded by big elaborate birthday cakes, for more affordable and basic cakes such as sponges.
“It’s been a big lesson in the way things are done in a business,” she said.
She now bakes cakes, slices, cookies and more at her company Nosh and Nibble, and is a member of Support Local Gippsland group which unites likeminded people to share advice through firsthand experience.
Ms Savage said starting her own business had been “a bit daunting”, however the local support she received through the group was really helpful in her endeavour.
Fourteen people in the Support Local Gippsland group are organising the Gippsland Makers Market which will be held this weekend to showcase the many small businesses in the region.
Last year the group organised three markets in Traralgon over winter, however this year there will only be one “bigger and better” market in Warragul.
Ms Savage said she was expecting 5000 people to come from across the region, and even from Melbourne and Bairnsdale, to Lardner Park.
“There’s a real lack of winter markets, so we’re just to trying to fill that void for people who like to go out and do markets and that sort of stuff,” she said.
Gippsland artisans, bakers and artists will sell their wares at the market, and there will be workshops for learning skills such as making posies and flower crowns.
The market will feature a dedicated area for children, with colouring games and face painting.
Ms Savage said the event was affiliated with a not-for-profit organisation called Olivia’s Place.
“They provide baby goods and stuff like that for underprivileged mothers who are struggling, whether it be for clothes or nappies or car seats,” Ms Savage said.
“They’re coming along and selling tote bags we’ve got made up.”
Gippsland Makers Market will be at Lardner Park, Warragul on Sunday, 23 July from 10am to 4pm.
Visit gippslandmakersmarket.com.au for more information.
