Words by staff writer, Morgan Mercer

While she worked as a nurse by day, Ashley Morken lived for the late-night craft sessions with her friends where creativity flowed amidst sewing and screen printing projects. But a few hours each week wasn’t enough. Ashley knew she wanted to do something more. She wanted to inspire others. That’s when Fargo’s first indie craft fair — Unglued Craft Fest — was born. People packed the aisles so tightly you could barely navigate through the show. Ashley knew she had hit a nerve that resonated with people. 

Turns out Ashley’s hunch was right — people needed a way to slow down, unwind, and take a break from their whirlwind schedules. Handmade work seemed to be just the cure. Ashley intended the show to be a one-time event, but people wanted more. Unglued spiraled into an annual fair. Then the team added a five-week Christmas Market pop-up shop that turned into a permanent location in downtown Fargo in 2012. This winter, Ashley and her husband Justin even expanded their initial pop-up concept to Sioux Falls.

With more than 100 makers, artists, and crafters selling out of the Fargo space, Unglued is like Etsy in the real world (plus workshops and classes for all the DIYers). But it’s more than just a market. It’s a place where people come together over handmade objects and where creativity drives community. It’s a place to relax and enjoy what’s around you. It’s a place where Ashley turned a passion into a full-time venture.

Pollen: Who helped you discover you passion and follow it? 

Ashley Morken: Justin, easily.  When I was a nurse I was good at it, but miserable.  When he met me he knew me as a person beyond a nurse (and nursing student) who put on events that involved music and art. From the beginning he encouraged me to pursue something creative like that as I tried to figure life out.  

P: What’s the most challenging on-the-job experience you’ve had, and what did you learn from it?  

AM: My hardest on-the-job challenges would definitely be related to my nursing career and learning to deal with terrible health situations. It gave me a life perspective I will never be able to scratch — on how valuable this one life we have is, how we really don’t know how much time we have here, and to not waste the time we do have.

At my current pursuit with Unglued, the most difficult on-the-job challenge has been the multitude of experiences that have taught me to take care of myself. I can’t say I’m winning that one yet, but I’m certainly aware of it! It’s just that cookie dough is still so accessible… 

P: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to start their own business? 

AM: Plan, but don’t overplan. If I tried to figure out every little detail before I decided to open Unglued as a market/shop, it never would have happened!  Reward yourself for small victories or milestones. This year I decided to celebrate small things with champagne or an Etsy purchase. It forces you to reflect and be grateful for the small things accomplished. Learn to love risk and be flexible. I thrive on the risk and challenge when things go wrong — it makes difficult moments almost exciting when they happen! Oh, and make a really great playlist on Spotify for those days you want to quit.

P: What’s the best way to spend a Saturday in Fargo? 

AM: Downtown, of course, and with friends! I’d start at Nichole’s Fine Pastry for some quiche, espresso, and a walk around the SoMA district. Then I’d enjoy the rest of the day at all of our great boutiques and walk down by the river for a while. I’d spend time at the Plains Art Museum enjoying some amazing art and serenity. Then I’d head to the Fargo Theatre for an early movie after a sweet Midwestern dinner at The Boiler Room. Later on I’d find out where the Carluster Crumplebee Orchestra was playing (French gypsy jazz music), and spend the rest of the night there!  If the night was still going, I’d have people over for a campfire because we have such a great community of friends and that’s what really makes a city to me.

P: How do you stay inspired? 

AM: Traveling is by far the easiest way for me to get inspired again — even if it’s on a road trip to meet a friend 45 minutes away. It clears my mind. I listen to podcasts such as “After the Jump” or “This American Life” — just something to get away, even for a few hours. I get my best and craziest ideas when I’m on the road. 

I also try to make time to make something. If I don’t think I’ll actually take the time to do it on my own, I’ll sign up for a workshop somewhere so I have to make time!  If I’m really burning out fast, I’ll take a quick peek at my “Inspire” Pinterest board and read the quotes I’ve pinned. It seriously helps me keep going!