Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a local artisan market, an intimate yet vibrant pop-up event celebrating the launch of a creative hub called The Kotoda. Surrounded by an incredible lineup of local artists, makers, and creatives, I felt both honoured and excited to be part of it.
Let's get real: preparing for my first market was a whirlwind of excitement and exhaustion. Hats off to anyone who does markets regularly – it's no small feat! The prep work was intense: crafting products, tackling logistics, planning the layout, sorting out payment methods, and lugging around tubs, crates, and tables. By the time the market day arrived, I was already exhausted!
On the big day, the weather was hot – a whopping 40 degrees Celsius! Thankfully, the market was an indoor event, saving us from the pounding sun. Armed with a stash of ice and water, I did my best to stay cool and hydrated amidst the heat.
Since launching my brand online in August, this market was my first chance to meet customers in person. What a fantastic experience! Watching people sample, touch, and smell my products was incredibly rewarding. Their reactions to the packaging and design, along with their positive comments were amazing and confirmed why I am doing this.
Every experience is a learning opportunity, and this market was no exception. For future events, I plan to bring more product testers and streamline my setup. In hindsight, my table may have been a tad cluttered with products. It looked pretty, but I think simplicity could enhance the overall presentation.
The day was a success, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the world of markets. To everyone who visited my stall – your support means the world to me. Thank you for embracing local makers and creatives. Your support and encouragement are what keep us going! You're the best!
