Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronen Glimer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ronen. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Artists & Fleas was born of Amy and my love of markets and the thrill of the hunt and revealing the stories behind the “stuff.” What honestly was born as a result of a “what if” and a desire to solve a problem – to create a place where creatives, makers, collectors, and hobbyists could come together in an environment that was rich on vibe, community and collaboration, for a weekend day to show and sell – gradually evolved into a place where thousands of creators and makers and emerging retailers would be able to test their product, meet their market and spread their wings.
So much of our story as the market is intrinsically tied to the story of the creative and entrepreneurial communities we’ve worked with. We’ve responded to changes in the landscape and our neighborhoods to try and create opportunities that work as much for the individuals that come set up shop as they do for the communities of shoppers that frequent the markets. Our decision to create an Artists & Fleas in LA in late 2013 (opening up in the Arts District in May 2014) was itself the result of connections we had with some of our original Williamsburg, Brooklyn artists who moved cross-country.
While LA has long been the land of fleas and fairs and festivals, we wondered what might happen if we were to take our unique take on marketplaces – one that brought creators and collectors together and did so in a way that offered them a consistent place to set up and show and sell. The Arts District in early 2014 reminded us a ton of Williamsburg in the early 2000s — it was vibey and indie and hip. But it was also a bit seedy and desolate.
The echoes in the streets excited us. And that excitement fueled our launch on Mateo until the space we occupied was sold, and we decided it was time to hit the beach and find an area that felt urban (read: where people can walk) but also uniquely LA (read: palm trees and historically bohemian). Venice has been a welcome home ever since, and we’re constantly thrilled to meet locals from the community who welcome us with open arms – it feels like we are part of a rich, evolving tradition. And we’re excited to grow that tradition.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At the end of the day, we are in the business of creating opportunities – we work with and support small-business entrepreneurs and creatives. It’s a unique individual that feels compelled to create and get her or his work out into the world.
That very act of making something and putting yourself out there is a brave act. And it’s usually made at the hands of someone who thinks for herself or himself and does not want to answer to anyone. That bravery is something we never forget. At the same time, we remind ourselves that we have a lot of personalities to balance and we also have a responsibility to our community – of makers and merchants as well as shoppers and seekers.
Sometimes, that responsibility to the greater good requires us to make decisions that affect individuals in ways that they do not like. Those are some of the toughest calls to make. But in 15 years, we’ve seen a lot, and we are proud of the legacy that we are creating and the opportunities we have created, together, with countless creators from across the country and around the world.
Artists & Fleas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Artists & Fleas creates and curates marketplaces where independent artists, designers, makers, and collectors can set up shop and get their creations in front of a consumer/shopping audience.
We look to create intimate shopping experiences that bring together makers of a wide range of products, price points and tastes in exciting neighborhoods that allow for Artists & Fleas to become entrenched in the community in which we reside.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To us, success is about having an impact on people, whether it’s in providing an opportunity and a place for creative people to earn a living or being a place where shoppers discover something with a story, something that becomes part of their personal story. All of that feels like the stuff of legacy, and it’s what drives us in what we do and how we make decisions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artistsandfleas.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
John Henry Baliton and Alexandre Ayer
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
