Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Godbey
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since its creation in 2010, Indie Craft Parade has showcased work from artists, makers, and crafters. Erin Godbey, Jen Moreau, and Lib Ramos founded the festival to support artisans while generating an appreciation for all things handmade.
This event is now one of the premier craft events in the South, thanks in large part to the many supporters who join each fall as we celebrate handmade and the makers behind the goods.
Indie Craft Parade is a juried festival, ensuring it features the highest quality handmade goods year after year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As our event has grown, finding the right location has been tricky. When we started Indie Craft Parade, we hosted the festival in downtown Greenville at the Huguenot Mill, a restored textile mill. The venue was beautiful, but our event outgrew it within the first year. Without another viable option, we continued hosting the event there for 8 years. Eventually, we moved the festival to Furman University, where the festival was held for several years in their lovely facilities. In 2024, a new restored mill venue became available at Judson Mill, and that location has become the new home for Indie Craft Parade.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I co-founded Indie Craft Parade in 2010. I’ve always been detail-oriented, and enjoyed creating memorable experiences, and so ending up in event coordination was a natural path. I manage the event and venue logistics, the jurying process, and artist communication.
I’m most proud of the reputation our festival has for how we treat our artists. Our exhibitors continually tell us that our show is like no other, not only in profits but in the artist experience. We prioritize taking care of them, from the moment they check-in to load out. Whether it’s a private exhibitor lounge with snacks, to an opening night dinner, load-in help, etc.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
High quality. We attract the best artists, who make the highest quality and unique goods.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.indiecraftparade.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makersco_
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/makerscollective
