Milwaukee: After losing her inventory in a car explosion, MaKenzie Huchthausen launched 414Flea, a thriving vintage and makers market. Offering workshops and fostering inclusivity, it has become a community favourite, attracting attention from notable figures and promoting sustainability through its events.
MaKenzie Huchthausen’s journey took an unexpected turn when her car exploded, destroying her inventory as a full-time clothing seller. However, instead of retreating from her entrepreneurial aspirations, Huchthausen leveraged this challenge to create 414Flea, a vintage and makers market designed for sellers, makers, and buyers in Milwaukee. This initiative not only serves as a shopping venue but also hosts creative workshops and events aimed at fostering community involvement.
After relocating from Oshkosh to Milwaukee—following a breakup and her search for a roommate—Huchthausen found herself questioning her next steps. Struggling to find markets that resonated with her interests in Milwaukee motivated her to establish 414Flea. Initially from Two Rivers, a small town near Sheboygan, she had been reselling thrifted clothing since high school, influenced by her late mother, who also engaged in selling. Her connection to this vocation remains strong, as she sees her ongoing efforts as a way to honour her mother’s legacy.
At just 22 years old, Huchthausen is closing her individual reselling shop, Apt. 206 Thrifts, to focus on managing 414Flea, which has seen consistent growth since its inception in 2021. The immediate success of the market came as a surprise even to her. “I cried,” she shared, highlighting the emotional significance of the project.
Over the past three years, 414Flea has become a staple in the local market scene, regularly hosting events that feature between 30 to 80 vendors. Following last summer’s successful takeover of Zócalo Food Truck Park in Walker’s Point, the market has established itself as a monthly gathering on the first Sunday of every month.
Vendors seeking to participate in the markets apply via 414Flea’s website, with a balanced ratio of 50/50 between vintage clothing sellers—those aged 20 years or older—and makers of handmade items. Huchthausen emphasises the importance of diversity in the vendor lineup to ensure a unique experience for customers.
In addition to the marketplace, 414Flea also offers maker-led workshops, such as a pendant painting class with Anna Ellie Art, providing artisans with an opportunity to expand their crafts while earning income, as they receive a significant portion of the proceeds.
Aiming to create a “third space” that diverges from conventional work or home settings, Huchthausen fosters an environment where individuals can feel included and engage in social interactions without financial pressure. This concept is exemplified by 414Flea’s collaboration with Girls Who Walk Milwaukee for a free art night held in August.
Huchthausen keeps prices at her events lower than those of other markets to maximise accessibility. Entry to the markets is free for customers, and she plans to introduce a sliding scale for vendor participation fees to further lower financial barriers. Previous efforts have included half-booths for those unable to afford a full space, ensuring the market remains open to as many sellers as possible.
A focus on sustainability and affordability also encompasses quarterly clothing swaps, where unsold items are donated to local charities. A recent pay-what-you-can clothing swap and book drive at Anodyne Coffee resulted in leftover items being donated to organisations such as Pathfinders and Father Gene’s.
The inclusivity that Huchthausen promotes has cultivated a strong sense of community among vendors. “I’ve heard from vendors that it’s created a really big sense of community,” she noted. Many vendors return to each market event, developing friendships and connections through their shared experiences.
The sense of community fostered by 414Flea has attracted the attention of notable figures, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player for the Milwaukee Bucks, and TikTok influencer Alix Earle, who was seen purchasing from the market in the summer of 2023.
The upcoming 414Flea event is titled Scrap and Yap, scheduled for February 19 at Sugar Maple. It promises to be a free evening of crafting, encouraging attendees to work on projects while socialising. For future announcements and updates, followers can keep track via Instagram.
Source: Noah Wire Services
