Join us in dreaming big!

HYPHAE: Makers Market
& Skills Studio

Building on the success of Yet Another Queer Pop-Up Market, we’re dreaming big! HYPHAE: Makers Market & Skills Studio will be the first 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-centered creative retail and workshop space in Western Massachusetts.

Our goal is to build authentic, intersectional connection while helping to cultivate financial success for creatives within our community through:

• A consignment-based retail store featuring high-quality, handmade products at a variety of price points. This supports locally-based financial success for our makers.

• Skill-based creative workshops that provide financially and physically accessible space to expand skill-based offerings in the region that are led by/created for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community.

• Business-building offerings for creatives, with an inclusive and welcoming set of services geared toward individuals who are newer to building a creative business and who may feel overwhelmed by larger organizations.

• Public-facing special events for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community and our allies to gather.

• Workshop rental space per hour for mission/vision-aligned businesses and individuals to host their own meetings and workshops at an accessible rate.

Who is behind HYPHAE?

M Rudder (they/them), Co-Founder
Partnership & Programming Lead

M has lived in Western Massachusetts for 13+ years, Their work has been shown along the East Coast and has been purchased locally, nationally, and internationally. Their studio – To Encounter Belonging – is a regular fixture in the Yet Another Queer Pop-Up Markets. They have over 20 years of experience in program and partnership development across the arts, educational and non-profit sectors. Additionally, they hold an M.Sc. in Applied Conflict Studies with a specialty in Organizational Development.

In their historical role with YAQPUM, they lead partnerships and sponsorships engagement, day-of-event planning and implementation, social media management, and steward administrative details. As part of the HYPHAE team, M will lead our fundraising strategy, and partnership and programming efforts that leverage the wide network of connections we have made in Western Mass.

Jey Weisgerber (they/them), Co-Founder
Marketing & Inventory Lead

Jey has lived in the Valley for nearly 10 years, relocating from the Midwest. A visual designer by trade, they started Found & Faded in 2023, making hand-dyed clothing and accessories, which has expanded to block prints and kitschy gifts for the inner child. They have more than 20 years of experience in cross-functional communications, marketing, and event planning, with a formal background in journalism and writing.

In their historical role at YAQPUM, they lead website, email, and CRM management, vendor mapping and communications, and advertising/design. As part of the HYPHAE team, Jey will lead marketing and inventory-related efforts like vendor communication and the POS system.