On select weekends, the Modern Makers Mart brings a wave of creativity and community spirit to Woodbury Town Center and Woodbridge Village Center.

The market, which can feature up to 50 vendors, is a haven for artisans, crafters and creators, offering everything from handmade jewelry to locally sourced foods. But beyond the diverse array of goods, it’s the stories behind the makers that truly make this market special – stories like that of Maria Ongpauco, a sustainable designer and market manager who lives in Westpark.

Ongpauco is a master of upcycling, transforming vintage items into apparel and accessories. Her creations – such as short-sleeved women’s dresses made from vintage men’s button-down shirts – pay homage to her Filipino heritage, blending traditional designs with modern fashion. She makes all the tags for her products out of packaging from her grocery store purchases.

“Knowing that I did my part in trying to reduce my carbon footprint somehow is wonderful, and finding customers who appreciate and understand the goal is awesome,” Ongpauco says.

At each event, Ongpauco and her daughters also host a craft area for kids, providing a complimentary space where young visitors can create fun projects from recycled materials.

“I love that we can bring small businesses out to share their handcrafted and curated goods so that people can discover high-quality products that you can’t find in big-box stores,” Ongpauco says. “And you can interact with the actual maker about how great their product is.”

Visit modernmakersmart.com for more.