Winnipeg Punk Rock Flea Market

Basic Information

Business Name: Winnipeg Punk Rock Flea Market
Website: www.winnipegpunkrockfleamarket.com
Established: 2022

Questions answered by: Em Curry (founder) 

Social Media

About Them

Can you please fully explain your business or product line?

The WPRFM is a curated market that will be filled with local makers, artisans, vintage sellers, records, comics, and all kinds of weird & wonderful stuff. We are providing a platform for those makers who don’t fit the mold to sell their wares to hopefully make some money. 

We have an incredible sponsor, Hi-Tone Records, that is going to be selling records at the market. They have also helped us with a raffle to benefit Manitoba Harm Reduction with a bunch of our makers donating some really great stuff to include in the prize pack. 

The focus is on creating a low-barrier experience for vendors and patrons. Every effort has been made to be as inclusive and accessible as possible to create an awesome experience for anyone who wants to attend. The punk rock in the name is all about creating community, supporting folx who believe in the DIY ethos, and anyone looking for something unique. Our motto is “shop local, shop weird”. 

With the Winnipeg local maker community continuing to grow, what is the most important thing you’d like potential customers of your company to know?

There is so much incredible talent in Winnipeg and I am so inspired by what I have seen. I think it’s more important than ever to shop locally and support the community.  Winnipeg is a great place and supporting the things that make it unique will only help us grow and build on what we already have. 

What inspired you to start your business?

I left Winnipeg for a while and when I got back, I noticed that some of my favourite places had closed or changed significantly. I missed the community of punks getting together at the record store or at the local punk show. We went to a lot of different craft shows and although there were lots of beautiful things, they just didn’t have the vibe or style that I gravitate toward. I have always been into alternative & punk music, have always loved to hunt for vintage stuff, had weird art all over my walls, and never gave up my doc martens. 

Having been to other Punk Rock Flea Markets, I was pretty sure this was something exciting that I could bring to the city and a lot of people would be interested in it. I really wanted to give some of the makers that were doing something weird & wonderful space to show off their creations.

What was the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome?

I think really just my own inner critic and mean voice. I have ADHD but have learned a lot of organizational hacks and have loved doing this, so it’s been easy to stay motivated.

What has been your biggest success as a maker?

I think the fact that I actually went for it is a huge success. No matter what happens, I am incredibly proud that I made the effort to do something new & exciting in Winnipeg.

As for my biggest success with the market, we received 140 applications, which was just beyond anything I could have ever expected. I also built the website myself, which was something I never thought I could do

Do you have any advice that you would pass on to someone hoping to start up their own business or product line?

First, do some research: is your idea original or meeting a need? Once you have that unique idea, don’t overthink it. There is never going to be an absolutely perfect time or a perfect way to do it. Accept that you are going to make some mistakes along the way and remember that the best thing you can do is learn from them.  

I also know I struggle with some organizational things, so I built that into my process immediately with spreadsheets, due dates on my calendars, and a lot of things to make sure I stay on track. If you have an area that you know is a blind spot, make sure that you create tools to help you manage that. 

My final piece of advice is even if your friends are volunteering to help, offer to pay them and create a contract. It doesn’t have to be fancy and, though it sounds so cliche, it’s better to keep business and friendship separate. You should always expect to pay for services if you are asking for someone to provide you with something, whether it’s advice or physical services.

Please share any upcoming events as well as the best place(s) for people to purchase your product!

The WPRFM is on April 2, 2023, at Valour Community Club and tickets are $5.00 on Eventbrite. We are going to have over 30 vendors and a live DJ! We are also in the planning process of summer & fall events.