About Us
Established 2019 + Founders Kelli & Paul Kaufer
Kelli Kaufer, the Founder and one of the owners is also an Interior Designer. She's had her Design business for over 25 years. 15 years ago Kelli became a lead designer for HGTV and DIY television remodel shows, designing over 250 remodels. Designing for television was a challenge as each design had to be different from the next, in doing so, Kelli incorporated many artisan pieces into these designs. Over time Kelli got to know these artisans and realized they had a difficult time getting their goods out into the public.
3 years ago in 2019 Kelli opened Smith + Trade Mercantile to provide artisans the opportunity to jumpstart their business and build their brand in a shared workplace that offers a unique buying experience showcasing the best the region has to offer in curated, handcrafted goods. With the long term goal of supporting each other collaboratively with an expanded marketplace that is like no other - a market place built on the experience of the mercantile. With a shared goal of showcasing our Smiths and building their brand alongside the Smith and Trade brand.
For the past 3 years, the Mercantile has continued to grow and flourish.
In the end of 2021, founders Kelli and Paul Kaufer went through a large change and brought in a new partner to help with the operation and develop a growth plan that would help take the Mercantile to the next level; Mina Carlson.
Meet Mina Carlson
Mina has been a loyal customer, turned friend and now partner and co-owner, brought an extensive background in business operation and development with over 20 years consulting organizations focusing on operational and cultural change.
Mina has not only built her own companies from the ground up and successfully sold them, she has led global organizations across all areas of Business and Technology. She has a passion for art and has always aspired to own her own art gallery.