My First Two Markets: Lessons Learned and Silver Linings

These past two weekends have been a whirlwind! I had the incredible opportunity to showcase Calathea Collective at two holiday markets—Winterfest on December 5th and the Middletown High School Holiday Market on December 13th. While the experiences couldn’t have been more different, both taught me invaluable lessons about the world of pop-up markets.

Winterfest: A Warm Welcome

Winterfest was everything I hoped my first market would be. The energy was amazing, the foot traffic was steady, and I got to connect with so many wonderful people who were genuinely interested in handmade jewelry. My wrist bracelets were the stars of the show—I could barely keep up! There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching someone’s face light up when they find the perfect piece that speaks to them.

What made it even more special was sharing my story with curious shoppers. Explaining the inspiration behind Calathea Collective, my modern boho aesthetic, and the care that goes into each handmade piece made the day feel less like “selling” and more like building a community.

Middletown: A Humbling Experience

Yesterday’s market at Middletown High School? Well, let’s just say it was a completely different story. The turnout was much slower, and sales reflected that. But here’s what I’m taking away from it: you simply cannot go into any market with set expectations.

The market you’re sure will be a home run might surprise you, and the one you’re less confident about could be your biggest success. That’s just the nature of this business, and I’m learning to embrace the unpredictability.

The Real Wins: Growth and Evolution

While yesterday might have been a “flop” in terms of sales, it wasn’t a loss. Between these two markets, I completely transformed my setup, streamlined how I pack and transport my inventory, and made the whole process so much smoother. Yesterday’s setup and breakdown were practically effortless compared to Winterfest—and that’s a huge win in my book.

More importantly, I got my name and brand out there. I met new people, handed out business cards, and had meaningful conversations about my work. Those connections matter just as much (if not more) than immediate sales. Every person who stops by my booth is a potential future customer, a word-of-mouth advocate, or simply someone who now knows Calathea Collective exists.

Moving Forward

As I reflect on these two very different experiences, I’m filled with gratitude.

Gratitude for the customers who supported me at Winterfest, for the lessons learned at Middletown, and for this journey of turning my passion into a business.

If you’re thinking about diving into the world of markets and pop-ups, here’s my advice: go in with an open heart, adaptable expectations, and a genuine love for what you do. The rest will follow.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, tried on bracelets, and showed love to Calathea Collective. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

Until next time,

Jacki