Check Out Shyle Lyons’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shyle Lyons. 

Hi Shyle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My husband and I both grew up in Grand Haven and moved to San Diego shortly after we got married. We moved back to Grand Haven after our son was born in 2012. We now have two kids, Crosby, 10, and Stevie, 7, and a dog, Rey, and cat, Leia. 

I’m on mission to create incredible gatherings while supporting local makers. As a former social worker turned small-business owner who often sold products at events, I dreamt of markets that could be more fun for all — the vendors, the attendees, and the community as a whole. West Michigan has so many amazing gathering locations and is bursting with creativity. What if a curated group of awesome makers could pop up around our beautiful state in family-friendly atmospheres; fun for all ages and life stages? What if the events could be full of live music (one of my passions!) and feature delicious local food vendors? And hey, why not a bar!? 

With that vision in mind, I created the first Merchants and Makers (M+M) event in 2017. Its success made me realize how much fun I had planning it and the void in our community it filled. Why not do it again? I scouted locations and deepened relationships with makers, venues, bands, and food trucks. I recruited my former Hope College roommate + friend to do branding. I organized all aspects of event production and learned over time what shoppers wanted and what makers craved: fun, ease, quality local products… and community over competition! M+M continued to gain momentum as community members and makers alike loved the vibe — shoppers found unique products they wanted, and makers found a kind, supportive community & a platform where their businesses flourished. Today I’m beyond grateful to continue to grow our market and brand. The number of events has increased every year since that initial event, and our team is growing! 

I am also the City of Grand Haven’s Social Media Manager. I am very passionate about sharing what is happening in our town with the community effectively. I am also the social media manager for a local business that has been around for 50 years – Marüshka! 

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?
There has been a lot of learning what is best for EVERYONE. Makers, shoppers, community members. But we have gotten though it with clear communication. I love to problem-solve with others and come up with solutions that work for all of us! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I guess I gave you the whole work spiel already – but I really believe what sets us apart is we CARE about each person we work with. I want to see each person succeed and feel supported. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I have always LOVED people. I am a true extrovert and a seven on the Enneagram. I love animals, being outside, and traveling. As a kid, I was always the ‘mom’ to everyone – taking care of everyone. I have a younger brother, Max, and grew up in the township with goats, chickens, pigeons, and riding horses. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.merchantsandmakers.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/merchants.and.makers
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/merchantsandmakers

Image Credits
Abbey Moore Photo