A spot for jewelry and handmade goods

Makers Hive makes its debut in Little Italy earlier this year

Jun 19, 2024

BY SHAREE ALUKO

Vanda Costa recently opened Maker’s Hive in McCauley. | Rebekah Brunham

If you like to accessorize, what better way to do it than to add some jewelry to your personal collection? Located in Little Italy in the Piazza, the Makers Hive offers a one-stop solution to your jewelry needs and other essential items. After opening its doors to customers in February, the Makers Hive has welcomed a collective of local creators.

“We are a family run business by three generations of girls: Me, my 69-year-old mother, and my 13-year-old daughter,” says the Hive’s owner, Vanda Costa.

Costa, who was raised between Portugal and Edmonton, has been a jewelry maker for over 20 years. For the past 10 years, she’s been organizing craft shows in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan.

The store carries a wide selection of items including art, jewelry, home goods, pet supplies, clothing, and bath and body items. Shoppers can definitely find something to purchase within their budget because prices range from as low as $3 to $2,200.

The dream of opening Makers Hive has been long standing. Costa says, “We have been wanting to open the store for many years but something always happened that would set us back. In 2020, it was COVID. But in 2023, we finally started actively looking for a space to open.”

Shopping at your local stores is a great way to contribute to your community. Supporting entrepreneurship also produces a thriving business community. According to Key Small Business Statistics 2022 by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 97 per cent of businesses in Canada are small businesses and Alberta has the second highest number of businesses. Without small businesses, Canada’s vibrant economy would be non-existent.

“Shopping locally ensures most of the money you spend remains within the community,” says Costa. “And, honestly, Amazon doesn't support your local softball team, or your kid’s Taekwondo tournament. It's the small local shops that buy the uniform and support your raffles.”