As the Valentine’s season approaches, the air is filled with ways to give back to loved ones. This past weekend, the Roxy venue at Mahall’s invited more than 40 vendors to share their love and creativity with the Lakewood community through its annual Valentine’s Day market.
The event ran from Friday night through Saturday afternoon, featuring vendors selling trinkets like jewelry, custom-made magnets, handmade clothes and bags.
“It’s just so lovely to see everyone be more loving and grateful for the people in their lives that they care about. I think this event embodies what Valentine’s Day is all about, especially with all the different businesses available and shoppers walking around,” said shopper Emma Penney.
In addition to the diverse lineup of vendors, the Roxy enhanced the Valentine’s atmosphere by providing guests with themed food, drink and fresh flowers to enjoy. With so many options available, attendees could roam, check out new businesses and have a good time with other Lakewood residents.
“It’s a great way to get your name out there, and if anything, you’re meeting other people who do similar things to you,” said Jacie Bivins, founder of Jacie’s Gems. Her business features customized, bedazzled phone cases and trinkets adorned with colorful gems. “You can also learn new ways to market yourself or new skills.”
Along with Jacie’s Gems, the Valentine’s Day market hosted businesses such as The Guardians Grove, New Wave Thrifts and Sage Moth Creations. Each vendor brought something unique to the event, allowing shoppers to experience a wide range of styles and products and to branch out into new areas of creativity.
“I like talking to people that I’ve seen more than once. I’m starting to get familiar with people who purchase, and learning about what people like to read. It always gets me inspired for the next market,” says Kaitlin Stanaitis, founder of Kait’s Creative Studio and Blind Dates With A Book.
Stanaitis shares her passion through providing book recommendations paired with “goodies.” The customer goes in blind to which book they’ll be reading, while being treated to tea bags, bookmarks, stickers, annotations and face masks, all picked and placed by Stanaitis.
“Anyone loves an excuse to buy something for themselves. I feel like you can be super solo and single and have a great night by yourself,” Stanaitis said. “If you’re a couple shopping, this is a great kind of last-minute gift—it’s very customizable.”
With books curated for all ages, Blind Dates With A Book truly reflects the uniqueness of each vendor. The handmade products showcase the hard work and dedication of each vendor, and how events like this in Lakewood are crucial for their businesses.
“My favorite part of this event was getting to see little bits and pieces of the event and what people had brought, especially in a space like Mahall’s. I thought it was really cool, and it was a nice event to bring the community together,” Penney said.
As a Lakewood staple, Mahall’s offers so many other fun opportunities alongside its markets. The space is best known for its 20-lane bowling alley, concert venue for local bands, lounge and dining area and the Roxy venue, curated for any event.
As the weekend came to an end, the Roxy venue was left with the energy of pure excitement for the Valentine’s Day season. Events like this continue to highlight the many talents of small businesses throughout the Lakewood and Cleveland area. The support of local creators makes it a fun seasonal event, but a meaningful time of talent and togetherness.
