Well...we did it! It was an adventurous, and as my Dad would say, "character-building" experience. My daughter Abbey (8 years old) and I woke up at 4:20am to drive down to the market in a 17 foot u-haul. We were both super excited. I wasn't sure that it would be a good idea to take her with me on such a long day, but it was a blessing to have her there with me. She worked so hard and took her position as "co-pilot" very seriously. Setting up was a feat--not my favorite thing to do. But it was nice and cool for most of it.
It's a scary thing--putting yourself out there to show your creations. You never know how you will be perceived. Even this morning, when all is done, I still feel butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
I question myself...Did I do OK? Did my prices turn people off? There's a whole culture to the flea market system. Did I commit any foux pais that I am unaware of? Ahh...breathe in, breathe out...So, in thinking over my first flea market showing, it begs some questions...
Would I do it again? Well the answer to that is "yes." I am already signed up for the next event, in two weeks. The people who organize the market rangled me in for that one at the same time I booked the first one. I'm kind of glad that I committed to the second showing without any prior experience. Not sure if I'd be ready so soon...
Was is successful? Hmmm...it depends on how you define success. I learned some things in the process. First, pack lightly in the "props" department. 8 foot sofas and heavy iron furniture sets aren't necessary for display. Second, pack heavy in the drinks and food department. I think between Abbey and myself, we spent $16 at the snack bar for 4 fountain drinks over the 10 hours we were there. Third, keep it simple...
Next time, I'll have a better idea of what works. In that environment, people want inexpensive, unfussy shopping. Pull them in with the simple and hope they'll keep your card and hook up with you later for custom work.
My highlight of the day...I got to meet one of my design idols! I don't want to divulge her identity for the sake of being discreet. I will say that she has been featured in several nationally published magazines and has an incredible style that I have long admired. She bought some of my things to see how they will sell in her store for the price point she needs to make it worth her while. I hope to hear from her again! What a goose bump moment for me...
So for all of those reasons and more...A definite resounding YES. It was successful. I loved it. I love what I do. And to those of you who follow and support me and my endeavors...thank you for being in my cheering section. I'll keep "livin' the dream."
