Merry Makers Studio

True North Collaborative is a partnership of local, Minnesota brands that foster joy while making it easy and fulfilling to make socially- and environmentally-responsible purchases. Our experiential pop-ups combine merchandising with delightfully whimsical encounters, seasonal-inspired classes, and activities for all ages. We offer the opportunity to have fun while supporting small and sustainably-minded businesses, and making a positive impact on the local community.

We highlight the story of each brand we stock, demonstrating why their products are sustainable or unique and what makes them special. This allows consumers to "meet the maker" and understand the value of our offerings. It also helps to educate and enhance our guests' eco/social consciousness.

Our motto is simple:

Love Local. Experience Joy. Shop Your Values.

For our very first holiday pop-up,

we're creating a mini, magical, winter wonderland celebrating local makers and memory making. It will feature fun and interactive installations, interspersed with goods from Minnesota makers and brands that give back. 

We seek to bring back the delightful whimsy that we Minnesotans used to experience when we’d walk through the 8th floor of the downtown Minneapolis Dayton’s in December on our way to meet Santa. Since that no longer exists, this modern re-imagination of that concept adds playful twists such as Instagram-worthy vignettes and fun activities for kids and adults alike.

Our inspiration mood board hints at our plans:

This is not another makers market or craft fair. Our pop-up will be run like a standard retail store, where all goods are purchased at one register. That said, we're aiming to create more of an "experience center" than a store, taking it above and beyond a typical retail setting. On any given day, guests may have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa, make ornaments or custom holiday gifts, create a card for someone in need, or even attend a Festivus du Nord party.

We'll be Open:

• Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-6pm, Nov. 30th - Dec. 22nd
• @ Third Haus in Linden Hills: 4420 Drew Avenue, S. Minneapolis

Why we need your help:

It's our goal to make our events at the Merry Makers Studio as affordable as possible. We also want to create something truly unforgettable. Because we don't have the resources of a big department store or mall, we hope to rely on the local community to make this project a success. 

Here's  your chance to show that you love local.

Our Team:

Michaella Holden (Co-Founder & Producing Director) has nearly 20 years of experience in the event industry and has produced pop-up shops and other large events for brands ranging from Target to Cartier. Kate Carlson (Co-Founder & Creative Director) is a multi-faceted designer that handles all touch-points of a brand. After several years of agency life, she now runs her own studio. Emily Olson (Projects & Marketing Coordinator) and Jesse Saengchantha (Graphic and Digital Content Designer) round out our team with their awesome skills and make-it-happen attitudes. 

Thank you so much for your support.

We look forward to making some magic with it!