“I instantly feel better when I enter and take in the pleasant sights and smells. It always feels like visting the home of your most stylish friend. ”
In 2015 Vanessa Milio launched Taken, a concept store designed to increase visibility for locally made home goods to the Baltimore metro-area through curated events that provided customers with a unique shopping experience and demonstrating the value of buying quality crafted goods.
Over the next eight years the concept evolved from one day events, to seasonal pop-ups in storefront locations to a brick-and-mortar home base. Taken brought in artists and makers with broad appeal and name recognition while also showcased new makers just starting their creative journey.
Taken also featured a curated collection of vintage goods including furniture, lighting and decor. This was an intentional inclusion to speak to Vanessa’s commitment to sustainability and showcasing products that we built to last, with timeless syle and a touch of whimsy.
Success included:
Relationships with local businesses to host 44 pop-up shop experiences that showcased featured Maryland artists and makers.
Relationships with 130 artists and makers to provide opportunities for product showcases in retail settings, “meet the maker” events, workshops and social media profiles.
Opened brick and mortar location providing customers with a curated collection of home goods that were sustainable and locally made.
Launched WELCOME HOME, a curated gift box service
Featured in Baltimore magazine (2019) and named Best of Baltimore (2021)
Featured in Baltimore Style (2022) and the Baltimore Banner Holiday Guide
Anchored the Makers Market at Green Spring Station for eight years.
