Adventures in Marketland
Ever wonder what it’s like to dive into the wild world of the handmade market circuit? Well, get ready because I’m about to take you on a rollercoaster journey of my emotions during a weekend slinging handmade treasures
Ready, Set, Go!
Pay to play, work for days or weeks (or more!) to have enough inventory to sell, design a kick ass table display to show off the heart of your brand, and then it’s finally the morning of the market…
The day kicks off with a flurry of activity. Pack the car. Unpack the car. Hurry to set up. Hope I didn’t lose a screw. Hurry up and wait. The excitement is palpable, but so is my anxiety. Will today be a hit or a miss? Only time will tell.
As the doors open, it’s a whirlwind of “Hello!” and “How are you?!” My mind is already spiraling. Do I watch them shop or give them space? It’s a delicate dance. A friend told me it’s easy; “tell them how passionate you are about your work. Tell them which is your favorite, or most practical. Tell them how you made it. Because when people see the energy around your products they’ll fall in love.” She’s right of course. But it still seems easier said then done to start those conversations. Maybe next week I’ll try verbally accosting all my customers so I can find balance the following week. Sounds fool proof to me. Ah, and I can’t forget to mention some of my favorite situations. There is always at least one person who picks something up, sees the price tag, flinches, drops the item in their hand, and quickly runs away without another word. But hey, I spent 6 hours making that one thing so I strongly believe it’s deserving of the price. Other times I get the most bizarre requests. “Do you have this exact style I bought from from someone else 7 years ago?” Or, “Any chance you could recreate this vintage designer handbag I loved to death?” It’s a test of patience and ability to keep my eyes from rolling. But each question is a chance to connect, share, and maybe even inspire a sale or new design.
Halfway through, and sales have been slow, but the spirits are still high. I’ll sketch and journal to pass the time, dreaming up new designs and strategies. Then just when the day is starting to feel like a bust, a sale happens! Then another! They’re small victories, but it’s enough to keep the dream alive and cover the cost of setting up here in the first place.
As the day winds down, my bearded knight arrives with snacks in hand to save my sanity. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive partner who brings me cookies (side note: cookies are my favorite food). I’m seriously in love.
And just like that, it’s over without a fuss. After 4 hours it’s time to pack up, head home, and reflect on the day. Final count? Fifty dollars in sales. This isn’t much, but it’s still a step forward. Every market is a learning experience. A chance to grow, adapt, and connect with incredible people.
The verdict: not for the faint of heart. The market scene is a test of endurance, creativity, and optimism. But it’s also a place of community, laughter, and endless possibilities. Rain or shine, near or far, I’ll show up with my handcrafted leather goods ready to share a piece of my soul with the world.
So next time you see me at a market, swing by and say hello even if the RBF is screaming to stay away. Who knows, you might just find the perfect leather piece. And remember, behind every handcrafted item is a story, an adventure, and a whole lot of heart.
Until next time, keep supporting handmade and shopping small!
P.S. Got a market story of your own? Share it in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected of the hustle together <3
