Igniting passion through an Illawarra jewellery making circle has boosted the market industry and is turning the tide away from mass-produced retail trade.
The Bulli Village Markets are held on the second Sunday of every month and is where the Illawarra community gather to purchase locally produced jewellery.
Passionate stallholder of shop Enchanted by Katerina, Katie Kavalekas makes handmade jewellery along with other knick knacks with unique designs.
“I’m motivated by using things in my back garden like flowers, shells, sand and even 100s and 1000s sprinkles,” Miss Kavalekas said.
“I’ve only been making earrings for about a year, but I love doing it.
“I’m actually here today with my Mum, Designs by Poly and she makes wood-burned cheese boards.”
Supporting market traders shines a light on those who go the extra mile to be innovative.
Newfound customer Isabella Coppola agrees that finding jewellery made from the local markets is better than buying it from a shopping mall.
“I found these earrings and after talking with the stallholder and finding out she makes them from stuff like flowers I was just like wow, that’s cool,” Miss Coppola said.
Supporting market stallholders is a chance to curb fast fashion.
“Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the highest polluting industrie,” Clean Up Australia said on its website.
The Bulli Village Markets will be held again on November 10.
The Bulli Village Markets is the place to see a vibrant group of local creativity. Held on the second Sunday of every month, product designers showcase an impressive selection of locally made products, from artisanal foods to handcrafted jewellery and homewares.