Carmen Chalmers: Support Small, Dream Big
• – • The Melting Pot
About the speaker
Carmen is the founder of Support the Makers and co-director of Porty Festival. A passionate advocate for small businesses, handmade goods, and community-led events, she works to create opportunities for local creatives to shine.
Juggling life as a single mum, business owner, and festival organiser, Carmen brings warmth and a deep belief in the value of people-powered projects. Her focus is always to support small, dream big, and celebrate local.
Local partners
Machina are a speciality coffee roaster and café based in Edinburgh, with their roastery just behind Arthur’s Seat. They roast fresh, seasonal coffee for independent cafés and venues across the UK - and now, for us too.
Thanks to Machina, you’ll be starting your mornings with locally roasted goodness at our events. Their coffee is ethically sourced, expertly roasted, and full of flavour, made by a team who genuinely love what they do.
The Melting Pot is Scotland’s Centre for Social Innovation. An inspiring community of people striving to make the world a better place. Their central Edinburgh coworking hub offers a warm and inviting workspace away from home, whilst our meeting rooms provide a convenient venue for upcoming events. Most importantly, here you can find our friendly, engaged community of individuals and organisations doing good for people and the planet.
Additional details
This June, we’re diving into the power of community, creativity, and independent spirit with Carmen, founder of Support the Makers and co-director of Porty Festival.
Carmen’s work brings people together through markets, and festivals that spotlight small businesses and local creatives. She’s built platforms that push against the mainstream and carve out space for people doing things their own way, and believes in creating meaningful spaces where makers feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Expect an honest, uplifting talk about leading with heart, and why keeping things local matters more than ever.
Location
Hosted at
The Melting Pot
15 Calton Road
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom EH8 8DL
When
–
Art Director Andrew Smith
Graphic Designer Rosie Rees
Speaker Coach Sarah Barnard
Morning Person Catherine Kelly
Morning Person Rachel de los Santos
Motion Designer & Photographer Jade Paynter
