mission
In addition to good crafty fun, the Jersey City Craft Mafia aims to:
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Help its member promote their small businesses through participating in area happenings, national advertisements, and the like
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Provide ample opportunities to network with other artists and indie biz owners
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Organize selling, networking, and socializing events
With a number of various talents that we hope to amass in the Jersey City Craft Mafia, it is our hope to create an internal network of resources that our members can draw upon to benefit their businesses.
history
The first Craft Mafia was founded in 2003 by nine crafty business women in Austin, Texas. Members include Jesse Kelly-Landes, Jennifer Perkins, Vickie Howell, and Jenny Hart who have received tons of national press for their respective businesses, been featured on various television programs, and have authored books on DIY projects. The Austin Craft Mafia also runs the annual Stitch Austin craft and fashion show, which has become the industry standard for indie arts and craft events.
According to their website, “the group originally came together through a shared love for craft, DIY ethics and mutual respect. As the Craft Mafia developed it became a forum for networking, promotion and shared ideas.”
Craft Mafia organizations span the country and abroad, with chapters that include New Orleans, Longbeach, Chicago, and stretch into Canada and the United Kingdom. The Jersey City Craft Mafia is the newest addition to the family and the first in New Jersey.