Maker. Artist. Small creative business owner.
Do any of these titles describe who you are and what you do? Or do you appreciate the craft they provide? If so, you’re going to want to keep an eye on this budding Cleveland and Pittsburgh -based organization. We’re excited to spread the word about The Indie Foundry and what they stand for. Detroit’s not alone in its status as a Rust Belt city, and to quote The Indie Foundry’s creators Stephanie Sheldon (a Detroit native and University of Michigan grad) and Carrie Nardini, “a rising tide lifts all ships.”
The Indie Foundry is assembling events collectively named The Rust Belt Series and we encourage you to participate!

What is The Indie Foundry all about?
It started as a conversation with between founders Carrie Nardini (www.imadeitmarket.com) and Stephanie Sheldon (www.helloparfait.com) about what their individual and common challenges were in this business (and what they would benefit from) and it grew into a full-fledged event. The organization is centered around the hope that that it will inspire more “pop-up” markets aimed at the small creatives who want to see their businesses grow, flourish and possibly even take root in their Rust Belt communities. The Indie Foundry will offer online and in-person resources, networking, workshops, traveling marketplaces and the opportunity to learn from professionals who have expertise that speaks directly to what small business owners need.
What is The Rust Belt Series?
The Rust Belt Series is a traveling Artisan Market and Networking Event, and the first one is being held in Market Square Park in Cleveland’s Ohio City Neighborhood, a real life example of how small, craft businesses are taking root and transforming the landscape of our post-industrial cities. Vendors can sell their goods across from the Historic West Side Market, meet other creatives, explore Cleveland with an after party and tour, and walk away with contacts and ideas that will allow their business to grow beyond what they are today. The Indie Foundry, made up of creative duo Stephanie Sheldon and Carrie Nardini, will be on hand to provide you with advice and tools on branding, website design, social media & copy writing, photography, and other needs that “artistpreneurs” have when launching their businesses.
When is it?
The first event in the series will be held Saturday, June 9 from 10am to 4pm in Market Square Park in The Ohio City Neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio with an after party for Vendors at Market Garden Brewery starting at 5:00
The event will also mark as a kickoff to the Open Air in Market Square Artist Market that officially begins on June 23.
How can you be a part of it?
If you’d like to be a part of this awesome first event, and many more, fill out the Vendor Application.
Is there more information? Who can you contact if you have questions?
To find out more about The Indie Foundry and the Rust Belt Series, visit indiefoundry.com. Please contact Carrie or Stephanie at indiefoundry@gmail.com if you have additional questions.