Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jen Taler.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, I am where I am because of my family.
My parents were really dedicated to making sure my sisters and I had the best possible future. They were incredibly loving, supportive, and always instilled in us that anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard enough for it.
Along with my parents, my sisters have also always been huge supporters and guiding lights when things have been tough. Knowing I’ve always had their support has given me the belief and strength to try.
With that support system, I had the confidence to leave my hometown and take risks in my career. I found myself immediately in spaces and businesses that were startups, creating stories and building relationships. Those opportunities ranged from a progressive boutique in my college town, and a small boutique designer out of LA, to a larger retailer focusing on customer experience, and moving across the world to work for a startup out of Australia.
All these experiences, as well as a leap of faith, brought me to Las Vegas to start building and creating space for our local creative community. It started with opening and running Stitch Factory with Owner Megan Mossler, and evolved into designing, developing, curating, operating and being the Co-Founder of Fergusons Downtown.
During that time, I also created Market in the Alley, which today supports well over 400 local small businesses throughout our city. And within the last year and a half, I opened Akin Cooperative, a retail store that supports over 50 local creatives on a more regular basis.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t always been smooth, but the bumps and turns have helped me get where I am today.
But the biggest challenge has been myself – the self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, the fear of failure. At various times throughout my career, it’s been a daily fight to remember and believe that I’m capable, I’m resilient, and I’m on the right path for me.
Taking the time to reflect, knowing that I’m out there doing my best, doing work I believe in and giving myself grace to adjust, pivot and implement change has been essential as well as critical for my growth.
We’ve been impressed with Akin Cooperative and Market in the Alley, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Though my career path has been diverse, my passion for the local creative community has remained consistent. I truly believe that local artists and curators of all types – food, visual arts, music arts, etc. – are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. They build diversity and beauty, as well as local economies – keeping dollars in our hometowns.
Akin Cooperative and Market in the Alley are hyper focused on our local creative community – creating opportunities to highlight them and get their work in front of a larger audience. I’m super proud of the growth and outside interest both Akin Cooperative and Market in the Alley.
Within the last year, we have identified key parts of the city to expand Market in the Alley to – now offering this experience weekly around the city instead of monthly. We also launched our Grant Program, helping support small businesses with their growth. Another exciting opportunity was partnering with the Super Bowl Host Committee to create custom gifting items for the NFL owners.
These opportunities not only reinforce my mission and passion but also produce an overall positive impact for these small businesses, Las Vegas, and our local economy. The Las Vegas creative community is still one of Vegas’ best kept secrets. Not only are these folks incredibly talented, they are the best humans. If you’re looking for the best of local Vegas, come hang out with us – our doors are always open!
Any big plans?
I am super excited for the future of Akin Cooperative and Market in the Alley! This past year proved that people want to see more of our creative community, and I am thrilled to bring it in unique ways that highlight and benefit our artists and curators.
Expanding and launching new partnerships, bringing Market in the Alley to other cities, continuing to highlight this incredible community – there’s lots to look forward to in the year ahead!
Contact Info:
- Website: MarketintheAlley.com and Akincooperative.com
- Instagram: @marketinthealley + @akincooperative
Image Credits
Akin Cooperative and Market in the Alley
