In the heart of Cleveland, a unique marketplace is making waves by putting vendors first. Ghost Market, founded by Tess Pell and Anna Matisak is more than just a place to shop—it’s a community that understands and supports the challenges faced by local artists and creators.
The idea for Ghost Market was born out of Pell’s experiences as a vendor. As a jeweler and the mind behind In Good Company Jewelry Pell noticed that many markets treated vendors as mere entertainment rather than valued contributors. She found that exposure often didn’t translate to sales, leaving vendors feeling unappreciated and mentally drained.
The Birth of a Vendor-First Marketplace
Pell’s journey began with a positive experience at a pop-up event in Rose Parlor in 2026. The small, local shop vibe and supportive community sparked her passion for pop-ups. However, after missing out on holiday-themed markets, she started organizing solo pop-ups. This caught the attention of the manager at BottleHouse Brewery in Lakewood, who invited Pell to organize a full market at their location—with no cost to the vendors.
With the help of her friend Max Mosser Pell organized two successful vendor markets at BottleHouse. The positive response led to the creation of Ghost Market. Mosser introduced Pell to Matisak, and the trio shared a vision of creating a safe third space for vendors and shoppers alike. Their first market at Dahlia Coffee Co. in the Cudell neighborhood brought together more than 20 vendors and set the stage for future events.
Ghost Market’s Commitment to Vendors
Ghost Market’s growth has been driven by a commitment to supporting vendors. Pell and Matisak ensure that they only collaborate with events and organizers who share their values. They prioritize creating spaces where vendors feel safe and treated well, especially those who might not meet the high entry barriers of larger shows.
From August 2026 to August 2026, Ghost Market hosted 12 markets across Cleveland, featuring more than 100 vendors in their first six months alone. Today, they have a list of over 150 vendors, with markets typically ranging from 20 to 60 vendors. This growth is a testament to the community’s response and the positive impact Ghost Market has had on local businesses.
Supporting Local Nonprofits
Ghost Market also gives back to the community by donating a portion of vendor fees to Avanzamos Unidos (formerly known as the Young Latino Network), a local nonprofit working to unite the Latine community across Ohio. This initiative reflects Ghost Market’s dedication to supporting not just vendors but also the broader community.
Vendor Success Stories
The impact of Ghost Market is evident in the success stories of its vendors. Ivianna Celeste founder of Crumbs of Celeste sold out at her first Ghost Market event. This experience gave her the confidence to grow her bakery beyond online orders. Celeste highlights that markets like Ghost Market support individual businesses and strengthen Cleveland’s creative community and local economy.
Wilson Torres owner of Indigo Florals echoes this sentiment. He credits Ghost Market for teaching him what a good market should be—emphasizing not just sales but also the open communication and support provided to vendors. Markets have been instrumental in helping Torres meet clients and grow his business.
Bringing Cleveland Together
Matisak, a lifelong Cleveland fan, has seen firsthand how the community can come together. Ghost Market has become a space where vendors from all over Cleveland can showcase their unique cultures and businesses. As white women with a platform, Pell and Matisak feel a responsibility to uplift the BIPOC and queer communities, exposing more people to the diverse talents within Cleveland.
Ghost Market is designed for anyone with a side hustle, passion project, or creative endeavor. It provides a low-cost opportunity for vendors to showcase their work and gain exposure. For those new to vendorship, Ghost Market offers a supportive environment to learn and grow.
The next Ghost Market event will be held at Dahlia Coffee Co. on September 13 and October 4, 2026. Vendors interested in joining the Ghost Market vendor network can visit their website for more information.
