Why Partnering with Other Local Makers Can Help You Grow (Faster Than Going Solo)
Being a maker can feel like a one-person show—juggling production, packaging, pricing, and promotion. But here’s the thing:
You don’t have to do it all alone.
In fact, some of the most successful small businesses in Western NC didn’t grow by hustling harder—they grew by partnering smarter.
If you’re a potter, a partnership with a local coffee roaster is a naturally winning combo.
Photo by Mary Skrynnikova on Unsplash
Collaboration = Amplification
When you team up with other local brands—whether through a gift basket, a market booth, or a photo shoot—you tap into each other’s audiences. That’s double (or triple) the visibility, without double the effort.
Shared Values = Stronger Storytelling
Customers love hearing the stories behind the products they buy. When you combine forces with other like-minded makers, your shared values create a richer, more memorable experience.
Imagine a basket that includes:
Your wildflower-infused lotion
A local beekeeper’s honey jar
A handmade ceramic dish
All working together to tell a story of care, craft, and local pride.
How Fifth Star Helps
We’re building a platform that brings local makers together in a new way—one that goes beyond pop-up tents and holiday markets.
When your products are featured in our curated baskets, they:
Reach Airbnb guests, new homeowners, and local businesses
Include links (via QR code) back to your site or socials
Build long-term brand awareness without you lifting a finger
It’s Not Just a Basket—It’s a Business Builder
Every collaboration through Fifth Star is a chance to:
Get paid fairly
Get discovered
Get connected
And when local businesses support each other, the whole community thrives.
Are you a Western NC maker with a product that wows?