About the Founder
So… who is behind Australian Makers Marketplace?
Hi! My name is Karol, and I am the human behind Australia’s growing Makers Marketplace.
I have a little human of my own who holds many titles within the business- Director of First Impressions, Marketing Manager, Taste Tester (sometimes!), Food Critic and Tech Support. An upgrade to Master Milkshake maker quickly followed, when we opened our Cafe + Pantry in January 2022.
I grew up in Lithgow - think 1970’s & 80’s- a small(ish), regional town.
We were always travelling somewhere for something. We travelled for family gatherings and functions, and ‘drop in visits’ were a thing. Visiting family and friends back then, 40 + years ago, meant turn up unannounced - if they were home, you were in luck- you were welcomed and entertained (picture gathering around the ‘larger than you’d ever need’ dining table with a clear plastic covering over the tablecloth or crocheted doily!. There was no question that you would be fed (and hydrated) - even if you weren’t hungry- there was always a gourmet spread of your dreams!
From salami to spec, cheese & dips, olives, roasted peppers, cabbage salad, thick crusty bread, and sweets - Turkish delight, baklava, and halva. There was always an endless supply of authentic Eastern European fare to be enjoyed.
I’ve always been a bit of a ‘dream big’ type of girl. The allure of the ‘big smoke’, the ‘bright lights and big city’ had me dreaming for more. So off I went to explore. I immersed myself into my professional roles within the Real Estate and Retail industries, working my way up from the bottom, and always strived to provide the best customer service I knew.
I still believe that ‘honesty is the best policy’, ‘communication is key’ and good old-fashioned ‘getting to know you’ banter always helps along the way.
First side-hustle - Mouse and Me Co. - providing gourmet grazing boxes and Cheese Celebration Cakes. Expanding on this idea a couple of years later, The Roving Deli & Co. was born- and we started attending regional markets near and far. Menu options included regional produce- salami, cheese, olives, honey, and sourdough. Market life was busy with a lot of early starts and fun set-ups in rain and snow, but there was no better feeling than meeting so many amazing customers, hearing their stories, and creating friendships with like-minded vendors along the way.
Then came Monkey Creek Cafe & Pantry- a beautiful destination, located on the cusp of the Blue Mountains in Dargan. Combining my passion for great food and Aussie retail, we created a welcoming space where you could EAT, STAY, SHOP & PLAY!
Bring us to now, (after ‘getting cold feet’ just after C came too visit, & closing the cafe in May 2023), our online store has once again been re-imagined to include places to stay & things to do- enhancing the visitor experience is our passion!
Why All-Australian?
Why not! We have so much to offer. Australian Makers Marketplace showcases fabulous Australian Makers and Designers, hosts & experiences- our movers and shakers mirror the ethos of our brand and showcase the heart and soul of theirs.
Trust plays a key role in all of this, and one of the reasons I have told you my story today. It helps to know who you are dealing with and where your money is being spent.
Welcome to our home-grown shopping destination, - our online store is ALWAYS open, and WE would like to invite you to come on in and enjoy what there is on offer.
I may be one, but WE are many.
Karol x