10 Things I've Learned After 10 Years of Little Modern Market

Welcome to The Local Edit.

We recently celebrated 10 years of Little Modern Market, and it felt like the perfect moment to pause and reflect. It also felt fitting that the very first story shared here wouldn’t be about shopping, markets, or business.

Instead, it’s about people.

Because that’s what Little Modern Market has always been about.

What began in 2016 as a small local shopping event in Calgary, has grown into a community of shoppers, makers, artists, small business owners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have helped shape Little Modern Market into what it is today.

Over the years, I’ve learned countless lessons, but these are the ten that stand out most.

1. Community Will Always Matter More Than Competition

One of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed over the years is the way local businesses support one another.

I’ve watched vendors become friends, collaborate on projects, celebrate each other’s successes, and show up during difficult times. Community isn’t something you can manufacture—it’s something that grows when people genuinely care about one another.

2. Every Business Has a Story

From the outside, it’s easy to see a logo, a product, or a beautiful booth display.

What you don’t always see are the late nights, early mornings, family sacrifices, risks, and determination behind each business.

Every vendor has a story, and those stories are what make local markets so special.

3. People Want to Feel Connected

In a world where so much happens online, people are craving connection.

Markets give people the opportunity to slow down, have conversations, meet the person behind the product, and feel connected to their community in a meaningful way.

4. Shopping Local Has a Bigger Impact Than Most People Realize

Every purchase made from a local business has a ripple effect.

You’re supporting families, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and helping entrepreneurs continue doing what they love.

It’s never just a transaction.

5. Small Businesses Are Some of the Most Resilient People You’ll Ever Meet

Over the past decade, I’ve watched business owners navigate challenges, uncertainty, changing markets, and personal hardships.

Yet they continue to show up with creativity, passion, and determination.

Their resilience inspires me every day.

6. The Best Markets Aren’t Just About Shopping

Some of my favourite memories have nothing to do with sales or purchases made.

They’re the conversations, reunions, introductions, and moments of connection that happen throughout the day.

Those are the things people remember long after the market ends.

7. Giving Back Makes Everything More Meaningful

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact our community has made together.

Since 2022, Little Modern Market shoppers have helped raise thousands of dollars and donate thousands of pounds of goods to local charitable organizations.

It’s proof that small actions, when multiplied by a community, can make a big difference.

8. Growth Rarely Looks the Way You Expect

There have been seasons of growth, seasons of uncertainty, and seasons of learning.

Some of our biggest opportunities came from taking chances and being willing to adapt when things didn’t go according to plan.

9. People Remember How You Make Them Feel

Long after a market is over, people may forget what they purchased, but they’ll remember how they felt.

Creating a welcoming, positive, and supportive environment has always mattered more to me than simply hosting an event.

10. How Little Modern Market Changed My Perspective On Community

When I look back on the last decade, what stands out most isn’t the number of events, vendors, or attendees.

It’s the people.

The vendors who trusted us with their businesses.

The shoppers who chose to support local.

The family members behind-the-scenes, who worked tirelessly to bring each event to life.

The friends and supporters who believed in the vision long before it became what it is today.

Little Modern Market was never just about creating a place to shop.

It was about creating a place to connect.

And that’s still what drives everything we do today.

If there’s one thing these past ten years have taught me, it’s that community is built one conversation, one connection, and one act of support at a time.

Thank You

If you’ve ever attended a market, applied as a vendor, volunteered, shared a post, donated to a charity partner, or encouraged someone to shop local, thank you.

You are part of this story.

And as we look toward the next chapter, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.

Here’s to community, connection, and supporting local.

— Melissa