Beyond the Big Box: 10 Calgary Makers to Watch in 2026

So, we’re a few weeks into 2026. Maybe the "New Year, New Me" gym crowd is already thinning out, and the resolutions are starting to feel like a lot of work. But at Homegrown Hustle, we believe the best time to start supporting local isn’t just January 1st, it’s right now.

While the big-box stores are clearing out holiday clearance, our local artisans, woodworkers, and creators are in their studios and shared workspaces, quietly building the future of the YYC economy. Choosing local isn't just about a transaction; it’s about the sawdust on the floor, the smell of curing leather, and the slow-batch magic that happens right in our own backyard.

Here are 10 Calgary makers to keep on your radar this year—the ones turning a side-hustle into a legacy.

1. CampLand / Camp Brand Goods (SE – Inglewood)

Address: 1119 10 Ave #100 SE, Calgary, AB
Website: campbrandgoods.com
Instagram: @campbrandgoods

The "Hustle" has a new home. In late 2025, the team behind Camp Brand Goods transitioned from the old Livery Shop into their massive new space: CampLand. It’s part outdoor outfitter, part community hangout. Walking in, you immediately feel the mountain culture vibes. It’s the perfect spot to grab a locally designed hoodie that’s actually built for a Calgary "Spring".

2. Lowen’s Natural Skincare (Online – Established in Bridgeland)

Address: Online
Website: lowens.ca
Instagram: @lowensskincare

Created by a veteran pharmacist right here in YYC, Lowen’s is what happens when clinical science meets a parent’s care. In a world of greenwashing, they stand out by using locally sourced ingredients such as Alberta camelina oil. Whether you’re battling "winter skin" or looking for the best local lip balm, Lowen’s is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a massive factory to create world-class skincare.

3. COUTUKITSCH (SE – Inglewood)

Address: 902 9 Ave SE #103, Calgary, AB (Inside TUU)
Website: coutukitsch.com
Instagram: @coutukitsch

COUTUKITSCH represents the "modern maker." What started as a jewelry hustle in 2010 has evolved into a sleek, high-quality fashion brand. Their new studio and retail space, TUU, is a modern, clean, curated aesthetic, and jewelry designed to be lived in. It’s the perfect example of a Calgary creative scaling up without losing their hand-crafted soul.

4. Friday Sock Co. (NE – Franklin Park)

Address: 428 8 St NE, Calgary, AB
Website: fridaysocks.com
Instagram: @fridaysockco

Friday Sock Co. proved that even the most basic wardrobe staple can be a canvas for creativity. Their "purposefully mismatched" socks have become a local icon. The shop itself is vibrant and intentional, a perfect stop during a weekend wander. They’ve grown from a fun idea into a brand that supports local charities and keeps Calgary’s feet looking sharp.

5. Milk Jar Candle Co. (NE – Franklin)

Address: 1450 28 St NE # 7, Calgary, AB
Website: milkjar.ca
Instagram: @milkjar

Milk Jar isn’t just a candle company; they are a masterclass in inclusive local business. Their factory and showroom in the NE are always filled with the comforting scents of wood wicks and clean fragrances. Since their start, they’ve donated a portion of proceeds to support inclusive workplaces. Their "Factory Refill" program is the move for anyone looking to reduce waste in 2026.

6. YYC Beeswax (Online – SW Calgary)

Address: Online (Local Pickup Available in SW)
Website: yycwax.com
Instagram: @yycwax

YYC Beeswax is all about the craft. They take raw Alberta beeswax and hand-pour everything from architectural pillar candles to daily-use food wraps. It’s a quiet, tactile hustle that smells like summer even in the dead of February. For anyone looking for a "slow living" vibe in 2026, this is the maker to follow.

7. Alberta Boot Co. (SW – Beltline)

Address: 121 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Website: albertaboot.com
Instagram: @albertabootco

This is the ultimate Calgary heritage hustle. They’ve been making boots in-house since 1978, and their showroom in the Beltline lets you see the workshop where the leather is cut and stitched. Whether you’re looking for classic cowboy boots or modern leather footwear, walking into this shop smells like quality and history.

8. Fairview Studios (SE – Fairview)

Address: Bay #16, 5925 12 St SE, Calgary, AB
Website: fairviewstudios.com
Instagram: @fairviewstudios

If you want to see where the magic happens, head to Fairview. This is a community pottery studio where over 50 local artists create. They often host sales where you can buy directly from the people who threw the clay. It’s a raw, authentic look at the Calgary arts scene, and there is nothing like a coffee mug that still has the maker's thumbprint on it to make your morning better.

9. Local Launry (SE – Inglewood)

Address: 1212 34 ST SE, Bay 130, Calgary, AB
Website: locallaundry.ca
Instagram: @locallaundry

Local Laundry is the gold standard for community-first apparel. In 2026, they are doubling down on being 100% Canadian-made. Their gear is designed to survive a Calgary winter and a Rocky Mountain hike. When you buy from them, you aren't just getting a shirt; you're supporting a business that has donated over $100k back to local charities.

10. Crafted (NW – Greenwich & SE – Heritage)

Address: 25 Greenbriar Dr NW (Calgary Farmers' Market West)
Website: craftedgoods.ca
Instagram: @crafted.shop

If you want to support 50 makers in one go, Crafted is the spot. Located inside both Farmers’ Market locations (West and South), they curate a massive selection of local ceramics, greeting cards, and woodworking. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for when you need a local gift but don't have time to drive across the city. Their NW location is particularly stunning and easy to browse.

Closing Thoughts

From the industrial bays of the NE to the historic storefronts of Inglewood, Calgary’s maker scene is the heartbeat of this city. It’s a community built on late nights, coffee-fueled brainstorming, and a genuine desire to create something that lasts.

Next time you need a gift, a new outfit, or a way to brighten up your home, skip the warehouse aisles. Head to these local spots, follow them on Instagram, and see what happens when a city decides to support its own.

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