all are WELCOME here
the only Woc-OWNED multi-city market since 2008, we’re here to inspire all to dream big and to innovate + disrupt the retail industry that has for so long excluded so many.
celebrating CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY
Part trade show, part design fair, our focus has always been to shine a spotlight on small businesses, designers & artists, while curating an elevated, inspiring & hands-on shopping experience for the community.
OUR MISSION
our mission is to provide selling/retail opportunities & free education to help entrepreneurs grow, while creating fun, memorable in-person experiences that help local economies thrive… and to have fun!
our impact + fun facts
our history: SMALL BUT MIGHTY
In 2008, long before Instagram and #girlboss even existed and during the worst U.S. economic crisis in generations, Sonja Rasula had an idea to start something BIG in Los Angeles to help small, unknown brands and artists. She risked her entire retirement savings to rent a venue and launch Unique LA (the original name of the event), a new, innovative form of retail that allowed founders to sell directly to the public, IRL. With 225 sellers (more than found at big trade shows) and numerous interactive installations and activities, it instantly became the largest indoor, curated shopping event in the country. The markets then expanded to cities all around the country (hence the name change), and have so far injected over $35 million into local economies!
Our pop-up markets encourage people to shop local and support their community, pushing the idea of ‘conscious consumerism’. It’s the perfect opportunity for shoppers to find quality, undiscovered gifts while supporting local businesses and brands. These unique shopping experiences include a carefully curated selection of small businesses (home decor, clothing, art, jewelry, wellness, kids items, stationary, and more), and then we add lots of fun!
our founder: SONJA RASULA
Based in LA, Sonja Rasula was a writer, magazine editor and HGTV personality before starting the business. Hailed one of the leading forces behind the ‘shop small’ movement, Eileen Fisher called her “1 of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the World” and Forbes named her “The Millionaire Maker”. Read more about Sonja here.
teamwork makes the dream work!
Founder, sonja rasula
director of events, lauren tetef
portland owner, heidi reichert
From our amazing event staff to podcast producers, lawyers to photographers, movers to social media managers, team unique makes the dream a reality.
“UNIQUE” SUCCESS STORIES
A FEW OF THE NOW-MILLION-DOLLAR BRANDS THAT SOLD AT OUR MARKETS WHEN BEGINNING TO BUILD THEIR EMPIRE
PRESS
sonja rasula on the cover of spirit magazine!
