article by Jessica Renstrom | photos by Littles + Bigs Photography

What began as a single mom’s dream has blossomed into one of Billings’ most unique small business hubs. The Maker’s Market is more than just a store - it’s a vibrant community of over 100 local makers, vintage vendors, and youth entrepreneurs, all sharing a common mission: to create, connect, and thrive together.

After years of doing craft shows with her son, Victoria Eichel (now owner of the Maker’s Market) recognized a need for a shared space where makers could sell their products year-round without the high costs and logistical stress of traveling and booth fees. “There really wasn’t a big enough space for locals to get under one roof,” she explains. Leaving her career in healthcare, Victoria dove headfirst into bringing the Maker’s Market to life.

UNIQUE AND ANTIQUE

Initially, only half of the building was open to handmade goods. But in August of 2024, the Market expanded, welcoming vintage and antique dealers and launching what is now known as the Antique Warehouse. “Now the makers have little mini stores within the Market,” she says, and it’s working beautifully. The mix of handmade, vintage, and “dopamine décor” creates an experience where visitors seldom leave empty-handed.

The success of the Market is rooted in its flexibility and commitment to the people behind the products. “Not everyone checks the same boxes,” Victoria remarks. The Market doesn’t operate on a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it tailors arrangements for each vendor to keep makers sustainable and successful.

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

That success goes both ways: “If they’re not successful, the store is not successful,” Victoria emphasizes. This people- first approach is what led the Maker’s Market to earn the 2024 Montana Retailer of the Year award. “It was in my five-year plan, and I would have never imagined that we could have achieved that in the first six months,” Victora says, still surprised and proud.

Today, the Market features more than 160 local brands, offering everything from handcrafted cutting boards and tasty snacks to handcrafted jewelry and all-natural beauty products. Many of these makers also give back to the community in other meaningful ways: some are teachers, police officers, UPS workers, and even daycare providers. Youth entrepreneurs, such as the owner’s son, who launched his own dog treat company at just 11 years old, are also part of the lineup. Plans are underway to partner with local schools to involve even more young creators.

THE FUTURE FOR MAKERS

Looking ahead, the next big step is shipping. “Makers often struggle with the cost of shipping,” Victoria states, “but if we do it for 100 people at once, it brings costs down and makes it manageable.” Plans are also underway for more live sales and interactive social media to extend the Market’s reach beyond Montana, while still celebrating local craftsmanship. And for makers wondering if there’s a place for them in the Market? The answer is a resounding “yes.”

SHOPPING LOCAL

As the holiday season approaches, the Maker’s Market encourages shoppers to think local. For busy families and thoughtful gift-givers alike, the Market offers a one-stop shop for meaningful, Montana-made items, all under one roof.

This holiday season, choose to spend on gifts that fuel small businesses. The Maker’s Market in Billings offers handmade goods and local creativity you won’t find anywhere else. After all, it’s not just a market – it’s a community.

“When you shop at the Maker’s Market, your money stays in your zip code,” It makes an impact right here in our economy and in our community.” -VICTORIA EICHEL

Originally printed in the November 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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