I recently did my third market at MJ Lovables, run by a really kind lady named Judith, it was an indoor event. It was a really nice atmosphere, and I admit it was a bit on the slower side, but it did give me a chance to network with vendors, and it was a nice experience. I managed to sell two small items, which is great! I purchased from another vendor. We had a good time, and the vendors were so nice and their items. OMG, I wanted to buy everything! A friend who also did this market also said the same thing, you want to buy everything.
On a small downside: I had someone come up to me who wanted me to create a doll for $20, I cannot make a custom item for just $20, especially if it takes 2 to 6 weeks. If you want an item for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or any holiday, I need at least a 2-to-3-week notice, and a deposit. This helps material costs and starting costs. Another person came up and joked about buying my items and claiming them as their own, which is a huge NO especially to those of us who create by hand. Never say that to any artist, it devalues them, and that wasn’t a very kind thing. My husband and I were not too happy about that.
I’ll be re organizing how I conduct things and making some price changes. I do enjoy making and creating items people will love. I also feel that understanding that as an artist we do everything by hand, takes time and attention to create. Everything I do, I make and it takes me a lot of time to do so. I enjoy what I do and it means the world to me. I do this for me and especially in memory of family who encouraged me. My late mom is the reason behind the name as she named my business before it became a small business. Everything is made with love and heart, and I look forward to creating more and adding new items.
I will be doing more markets soon and I will do this one again in the future. Every experience is different and I am still quite new at all of this, but I absolutely appreciate the learning experiences. Thankful and grateful for everything!
