My First Market Experience

Hi Everyone!

After my family's visit, I have been so busy for the last couple weeks rushing stock.
My first Canberra handmade market was held at the National Convention Centre during the weekend. The last market I have participated was with MAAD Singapore at the Red Dot Design museum. All I can say is HUGE difference! You'll be spoiled for choice :o)

There were food stalls which were opposite from my stall that made me hungry throughout the whole thing too :op Setting up was a little challenging due to the size of the table I have rented. I would have placed more of my handmade if I were to have a bigger space. My space was cramped between a jewellery stall and a specialised frame stall so I was kinda stuck and I couldn't move around freely. Luckily, Husband was around to help me run errands or else I wouldn't be able to set up on time. Thank you Husband! :o)

To be honest, I am extremely introverted and I tend to keep to myself a lot when I am in an unfamiliar environment. It's really hard for me to put on a smile all day long and most of the time I have no idea what to say to customers and I'm trying very hard to step out of my comfort zone. I usually let my handmade do the "talking" :o) Despite that, I still enjoy selling my handmade. The customers are very nice and I'm happy to receive many of their compliments :o)

It's quite a challenge when you are facing so much competition at one place, esp the ones who have already well-established themselves here and with their customers/blog-readers. I was having quite high expectations for a while but it turned out to be a little disappointing and discouraging.. sigh.. oh well.. at least I have met my main objective which is to bring awareness to the public. I will use this experience as a stepping stone to something greater next time :o)

In the meantime, I won't be joining anymore markets in the near future but I will try again maybe near Xmas. You will still be able to buy my handmade at my Etsy shop, Shop Handmade or at Milk thieves. Don't worry.. I will not give up yet! :o)
Anyway, this is what my stall looked like..

That's all folks. I'll be back! :o)