Check Out Jessica Malkin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Malkin

Hi Jessica, 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?
Like many, the pandemic was the catalyst to my entrepreneurship journey, but it really did not start there. For years, I worked multiple jobs in a variety of fields learning as much as I could. After receiving an MBA, I discovered a passion for business development and management, which allowed me to support local and small businesses to launch and grow. However, I was not respected, nor appreciated in my positions even with tremendous results. During a contract negotiation, I will never forget when one of my bosses told me that I was arrogant and I would never own a business. This lit a fire in my soul because the best way to motivate me is by telling me I can’t do something.

Although the beginning of my career was challenging with numerous barriers, I am appreciative of all of the experiences, good and bad, because I learned a lot about business and myself.

With my career coming to an abrupt end in 2020 and being high-risk for COVID, my professional options were limited. In August 2020, I started a YouTube channel about DIYs and home improvement, which led to a local boutique and market reaching out to me about becoming a vendor. With no direction and just ambition, I signed up for 7 art and craft shows in 2021 and worked with 8 different artisanal mediums. This is where my experience and listening skills shined.

By the end of 2021, I had my collection selected and display refined. I reviewed my sales, listened to customers and vendors, and took ample notes. Through listening and reflection, I narrowed down to my top sellers, which were concrete decor and air plants; and improved my company based on customer feedback and vendor recommendations. Since then, I have continued listening and applying this skill to enhance the customer experience and grow The Market Made with intention.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is rarely smooth, nor straight. There is never one direction for any business or business owner. You have to be able to pivot whether that is away from something, towards another, or waiting for the right time. At the very beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, my company was going to be The Market Bridal Boutique, but due to lack of funding and other roadblocks, I was unable to bring my original vision to fruition. After struggling for months and months, I decided to give up on this idea to pursue other ideas and options. However, I kept the name of the business and LLC because I knew I would return to my dream of owning a business one day. Did I know it would be because of losing my career to the pandemic? Nope, but I pivoted and was determined to make it work this time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My educational background and professional experience can best be defined as eclectic. I earned three degrees in separate fields: two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociocultural Anthropology and Spanish, then a Master of Business Administration with a healthcare emphasis. Since high school, I have worked a variety of jobs ranging from a soccer referee and coach to a sales manager at a bridal shop; from a barista to a practice manager of a physical therapy clinic. In my opinion, there is nothing in particular I specialize in or am known for besides being a jack-of-all-trades. My passions are learning, helping others, and being active, which can be reflected in my various educational achievements, careers, a multitude of hobbies and interests, and extensive community involvement. Truthfully, I am a little all over the place and I say that with a lot of pride, although many would see that negatively, because there is not one thing that sets me apart; there are many.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There is not just one favorite childhood memory. There are simple, small impressions that brought me joy when I was a kid like playing soccer and basketball, wandering the woods with the neighbors next door, looking at the night sky in the middle of winter, girl scouts and being outside with my mom, making a gingerbread house with my grandma and aunt, playing sequence with my parents, traveling with my dad, and opening mail and reading comics with my grandpa. They are glimpses of what brought and still brings me joy even to this day.

Pricing:

• You can include what you think is relevant. I just included the general descriptions/ranges below. During the spring through fall, I have a build your own section for terrariums and my concrete planters, which is very different from my Holiday Collection. If you have questions about this, please let me know!
• Build Your Own Air Plant Terrariums $15 to $30
• Handmade Concrete Decor $10 to $30
• Paint Your Own Concrete Decor Activity Kits $20-$35
• Air Plants $5 to $8

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themktmade.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarketmade
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarketMade
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEy6tqRce-kRF_GsxnU8mdw?guided_help_flow=3
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/themarketmade/