Meet Julie Benoit of Maker General in Longmont

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Benoit.

Julie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Maker General is a project that Stephanie and I started brainstorming a couple of years ago. We are both from Baltimore. She moved out here first. I moved out this way with my family just about three years ago. I had no work lined up and I was like “let’s make a store/maker/workshop space happen!” After spending some time looking for retail space we were super lucky to take over the best little gem of a space in Longmont. Our original plan was to share the space with friends and be two stores under one roof kind of space. Our friends decided to leave Longmont so we had to make a quick decision to just go for it solo and here we are… coming up on our one year birthday!

So far, our experience has been pretty incredible. We have met and become pals with so many rad makers and customers. The community we have found here in Longmont is amazing and we are so happy to be a part of it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It really has been mostly smooth. I think the most frustrating thing has been the construction that went underway to a building next door. We were pretty hard to see from November until April. Fortunately, the construction is over and the restaurant is finally open and it is really beautiful and bringing folks to town and into Maker General for sure.

Maker General – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Maker General is a store for makers who are mostly working with fabric + fibers, a general store carrying basic supplies to make basic projects. We also carry a fair amount of handmade goods, handmade gifts, and plants. We offer workshops and classes as well from making your own skirt to making your own shoes. We want people to feel empowered and confident that they can make their own stuff. We have wall space where we feature a new artist each month as well.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Hmmmm. I dont know if there is anyone specific thing or moment? Honestly, I am proud of it all. I am proud that Stephanie and I created Maker General. I am proud of the store space and the way the store looks. I am proud of the products we carry. I am proud of the things that our customers make. I am proud of the things we make. I am proud of all of the friends we have made. I am stoked that we are coming up on a one year anniversary.

Contact Info:

• Address: 381 Main St.
• Website: www.makergeneral.com
• Phone: 4432261761
• Email: makergenerallongmont@gmail.com
• Instagram: makergeneral
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makergenerallongmont

Image Credit:
All photos taken by Alisha Bangham

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