New craft company breaks six figures in sales

UNIVERSITY PARK — Craft company Maker Forte has reported it broke six figures in sales during its first quarter in operation. 

Maker Forte, based in east Manatee County in University Park, launched in mid-September 2020 with a collection of craft products. According to a press release, the company's early success surpassed the team's goals. 

Maker Forte sets itself apart in the craft industry by focusing on collaborations and unique chemistries. 

“…we wanted to bring fresh and modern ideas with new themes such as American Sign Language stamps, underrepresented holidays and a range of collaborative ideas," says CEO Alexandra Stapleton-Smith in a statement. 

Maker Forte can be found on shopping TV in the United Kingdom. It aims to enter the U.S. shopping TV market later in the year. 

New product releases from the company include a set of tools and paper-crafting concepts for beginners and experienced crafters. The release says cardmaking has been a large growth sector during the pandemic. It also says the pandemic has led to greater demand for crafting products in general 

“…as we move into a new environment in 2021, we will focus on building community among crafters with free monthly events and a ticketed quarterly virtual retreat where crafters are treated to two full days of crafting and made to feel part of the family," says Stapleton-Smith. 

Maker Forte is planning a monthly release schedule of additional products. The company manufactures the majority of its products in-house, allowing it to shift quickly to react to trends. Maker Forte expects to grow its capacity and capabilities in 2021.