Support Urban Craft Uprising during COVID-19
As with so many many businesses, COVID-19 will have a serious impact on our own small business for a long while. UCU was born over 15 years ago in an effort to support creative small businesses. Since its inception, there have been so many changes, so much growth, and a lot of learning. We (Lindsey and Kristen) have been running UCU for the past ten years just the two of us and it has been a challenge but we have LOVED every minute of it. In 2019 alone, we grew our roster to over 35 events, and were able to hire our wonderful assistant, and we feel so grateful for that. We know this often comes as a surprise to many, but UCU (and all 35+ events that we organize each year with only) is primarily managed by us three, and under normal circumstances, it is a full-time job for us.
Ever since this virus has really taken hold of our communities these past few weeks, we have honestly had the rug pulled out from under us. We have had to refund money to vendors and campers for shows and events that we've had to cancel, while much of the money we typically put towards those cancelled events (such as advertising, venue deposits, etc.) has already been spent. Typically at this time of year we can rely on application and booth fees to provide the cash flow we need to fund the shows that take place later in the season, as our revenue comes 100% from vendor booth fees and sponsorships. That is no longer happening.
We have never had to ask our community for this type of help before, but we would appreciate anything that you're able to contribute to help cover our operating costs and keep us running until we're able to bring back the events that you all know and love. Rest assured, we are working as hard as we can to keep the infrastructure of our business intact so that we can hopefully weather this storm together and come out on the other side. We can't wait to see you again in person, and in the meantime we truly appreciate anything you're able to give.
Thank you so much!
- Kristen & Lindsey
Donor Wall16
Jamie | $25
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Colleen Laing | $10
Sorry to hear about the disruption to your business model! UCU is part of our family holiday tradition!! XOXO
Leslie | $15
My friends and I have been coming to both Seattle Center shows for years and will miss our outing this summer! Keep up the good work with the Small Mall, and we hope to see you (maybe outdoors?) sometime in the not-too-distant future.
Asa Herrman | $100
Jennifer | $100
I love you guys.
REBEKAH JARAMILLO
KRISTEN & LINDSEY, YOU BOTH DO SO MUCH FOR THE MAKER COMMUNITY AND I HATE THAT YOU ARE HURTING & STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
BATHE | $25
Leeanna | $100
UCU is a pillar of the Seattle area Handmade scene and I love shopping and vending at your events! Hang in there and we’ll see you after all this mess is under control.
Steven
Hey guys, hang in there. I know our business went down hard and fast. We are just limping along. We wanted to support you given all the support UCU has given us with providing avenues to get our product in the public eye. Wish we could do more. We are working to reinvent the SAKU business model for the new world order. Cheers, Steven
Olander Earthworks | $75
We love you guys! UCU is hands-down our fave event we look forward to each year. Your attitudes, your disposition, the energy you put into everything you do, the happy hours you put on for vendors after the shows, even down to the music you play at events- simply put, you guys rock. Hang in there!
Joe Wirtheim | $100
Hang in there! I think we'll come roaring back as soon as the coast is clear.
Marisa
Maija | $100
Bridget | $25
UCU helps makes dreams a reality, and I wouldn't have started my business this year if it hadn't been for everything you do to support small businesses!! I hope everyone who's been touched by your company dontates at least a $1... it all makes a difference! I look forward to doing my first craft fair in the near future... hang in there!! :-)
Claire
I wish I could support with a larger donation during this unprecedented time. Stay home, stay healthy.
Erin | $25
I’m a huge fan of UCU!!! Remember I ❤️ Rummage? Ahh takes me back. Thank you for coordinating so much incredible creativity. We will get through this - together.