A craft show with some "sweet appeal"

This past November I was asked if I wouldn’t mind helping my friend Lauren Fletcher with her booth at her first craft show.  I myself have always been a fan of them, not to mention I think it would be nice to have a booth of my own in the future….so I gladly agreed to help the girl out.  Lauren’s merchandise also known as her “Sweet Urban Appeal” line consists of a various assortment of quirky accessories most of which are made from recycled material!  

                                                                      Lauren's Booth

                                         a few of her goodies (I like the flower headband the best!)

                                                Lauren and her trusty sidekick...me!

While we had a little spare time, I asked her a few questions regarding her experience.

As a first timer what did you think?                                                                                                        "It definitely was a learning experience"

Would you try this again and if so what would you do differently?                                                 "Yes I would, I would pick a location closer to what my “Sweet Urban Appeal” line is centered on.  What’s at the heart of my line is Richmond, culture and the people."

Where would you like to set up shop?                                                                                            "Being that I’m a craft show newbie. I’m not familiar with the regular shows, but Carytown, Richmond interest me."  

                       Oh also To our surprise guess who had a booth next to ours?!?! Leney!

Leney and her trusty sidekick Landon

So of course I had to take advantage of this opportunity to also pick her brain about her experience here as well….

o    Compared to your last existence being apart of a craft show, what did you think/feel about this one?"This one was a little more well attended, being a bigger craft show and more well known, than my previous one. Definitely a lot more going on and more people and vendors. It was super fun though! I also got to have a table next to a friend of mine so that was also a plus. I acquired a lot more commissions from this show than the last one too.
My last show wasn't quite as expensive to be in as this one (a benefit of smaller shows) but I gained a pretty decent profit from both so I've been happy so far with my limited craft show experiences! However having done two shows I get a better idea of what some of my popular items are that sell really well and I can make more of as opposed to some others which aren't as popular. Which helps me know what to focus on for my next one!"

o    What would you do differently?"Be more prepared in advance. Make a list of things I need (cash to make change, mirrors, table cloth, a water bottle, gas in the car... ) and go through setting up and the days events in my head to make sure I have everything. Being ready the day before would also be ideal and have what I can packed in the car the night before. Also, getting a good nights sleep. I tend to get a little stressed out when trying to prepare for something like this and I always have so many ideas for things I want to make I often get in over my head with 45 unfinished projects. I try to remember it's not about quantity but quality."

o    if you were given a choice where would you like to set up shop?                                                                                                               "A little hole in the wall place somewhere downtown or in a place like Carytown would be so fun!"

 I too personally had a great experience at the craft show too and I am so happy I was given the chance to be a part of this!