Behind the Scenes: Part 2

So guys, all these things I told you yesterday...still upset me. But in some ways, maybe this is a push to start something bigger.

I really do enjoy vending at the DGM and the RYM. But if it's a hostile place...maybe it's time to move on. I know we still have a few weeks to find out if we're RYM vendors...my hopes are not too high. I'm just being honest here. It's basically the same people, who jury both Markets.

For all our amazing customers who reached out...Thank You! I'm not sure what you can do. Last year we were "wait listed" at both Markets. At the DGM, after about a month...we sold weekly. The entire season at the RYM...I think we sold 2 or 3 times. So who knows.

Last year when we weren't scheduled...I had tons of customers emailing, calling, and texting me. Guys, it's not me. It's not my decision. And like I said last year...you have to ask the Market staff. Because I don't know. They don't really tell us anything.

You guys are the customers. And you have to be the ones, speaking up. This is your Market. And without you...the Markets are nothing. But a bunch of vendors. If there are vendors that you'd like to see...speak up. I'm not the only vendor in this position.

There was so much more to add yesterday. Like those people who kept turning us in...they'd come and take pictures of all of our items. I'd see them taking notes of our products. Guys, it takes a lot to build a business. And an inventory like we have. I research online. I buy patterns and books. I do testing for designers. I design my own products. The kids give me ideas...that I have to make come to life. Most of all, we work 7 days a week!

So it's pretty heart crushing to know, there are fellow crafters out there, trying to take your business down. Market life is not easy. There's a lot of work that goes into it. You see me on FB and Insta...promoting the Markets. I try and highlight other vendors. I want to help build up everyone's business. Not tear it apart.

And sometimes I think people who haven't done this, have no clue how much work is required. I HATE that other vendors were essentially "stealing" my Mom's ideas. And by the end of the season, there were a number of people making the same items. Guys, we all have great ideas! Don't go stealing other people's ideas.

What's in our future? I'm not a 100% sure yet. I'd love to say, there was a great mistake made. And we'll be selling this year. Because it is 95% of the fundraising that we do for our foundation. But I don't know. I've sold at other Markets. In other cities. Maybe this summer, I'll try that again. For the last 3 months, I've been selling on Facebook. So anything is a possibility!

But I'm really not sure. We'll continue to make things. Maybe for a few months, I'll concentrate on things that I enjoy making. Because when you get stuck in the Market Schedule...for months and months...I'd find myself making items that didn't completely bring me joy. But I did it, because they were what sold.

I'm just glad this happened now. I was about to invest in some signage, new business cards, and new equipment. We're in the middle of a rebrand of sorts. Like a new tent, chairs, and shelving. We were going to do things different this year. Glad I hadn't quite made that investment.

Lastly, to our customers, Thank You! For everything. We're still here. If you need anything. I'm ALWAYS here if you want to order anything. I can meet you around town. Thank You for your wonderful smiles. And your great support. You guys, are honestly the reason we kept going. 💕

Behind the Scenes: Part 1

Behind the Scenes so much goes on. Behind every business, it's the same. My parents owned a business for 45 years. I worked for a friend, who also owned his own business. So much goes on. And rarely, do you let the outside...in.

But today I am. Partly because I feel like our customers deserve an explanation. Partly because I'm sad. Partly because I'm upset. We were declined as DGM vendors today. No explanation. I tried to email with the management. Y'all we've been doing this for over 5 years! In fact, our little business is about to turn 20! I got nothing.

I wouldn't be so sad, if it wasn't for our customers. Guys when I say we have the BEST customers, I mean it! They're so supportive, encouraging, and fun to be around. The kiddos are the absolute BEST! They give me all my best ideas. I enjoy sitting on the ground, to play. We just have a great time. Every Saturday morning, I have a group of kiddos who come to visit me. I love watching the little babies...grow into kiddos. It's just a fun place to be.

And honestly, that is what the DGM was. A fun time. For 7 months out of the year, we got to hangout with friends. Friends that we met at the Market. Friends that we invited to the Market. Vendor friends.

About 2 years ago...things started to really change. Farmers started to be very disrespectful. There is a certain way the Market is run. Times when you can park and unload. On purpose farmers would go early. Park in our way, throw our stuff, and berate us. No one took us seriously. I mentioned this quite a few times to management...who told me they'd handle it.

Then we got "wait listed." I would probably have to say, because we spoke up. And every week, we were moved to a different location. Basically for 2 years, we'd have to email with the DGM team. They'd set us up. And we'd usually get scheduled about a month at a time. It wasn't horrible for us. But made it tough on our customers. The issues with the farmers got worse. Then we started having people report us. For not making our items. WHAT?!?!?!

That's all we do. My Mom is sick. With cancer. For weeks, we don't leave home unless it's for a doctor's appointment. Or I'm running out to pickup groceries. Crochet is our outlet. So to hear this, was very upsetting. Especially since, 95% of the time, we're crocheting at the DGM.

But we let it go. And we'd just sit and watch things at the Market. This is what upsets me. We have friends who are farmers. We vend next to farmers. We've helped farmers at their stands. Not everyone is bad. But I can tell you, for a Market that is ALWAYS trying to do things by the rules...they don't.

The dark side of the Market is...not everything is a OK. They have favorites. And openly show it. The rest of us...just have to deal. Farmers pay $5 a week. I think recently, in the last year or so, it went up to $10. Do you know they make thousands of dollars a week? I'm not lying! On a slow day at the Market, one of the smaller farmers who we vend next to, makes $8,000. In 4 hours! And they don't report all their sales...

Like I said, we've worked at those stands, we vend next to those stands, we see what happens. How is that fair to a Craft Business who has to pay $35 a week? They claim to be organic. I'm not saying every stand does this...but lots of them buy their produce else where. And resell. Whether it's other farmers...or the local big box store. Ever wonder why a certain farmer has perfect tomatoes in November? Just think about it...

You also have the prepared food stands and ready to eat foods. They pay $20 a week. Don't tell me that the bakery isn't making money. And they pay less than a crafter? It shocked me...that many vendors didn't know this. How?

Then you have vendors who don't show up. Or they're chronically 2 hours late. Or they leave early...because it's a slow day. There are vendors who don't report sales. Or those who work the system to chronically pay late. They park in customer parking. Show up on days they haven't paid...and aren't scheduled. But find a place to squeeze into. And the management turns a blind eye.

I've seen farmers refuse to accept DGM coins. That all of us have to accept. It's part of the rules that we sign before the season begins. And there are taco stands that accept WIC checks and SNAP coins. They clearly know they're not supposed to. Then you see them trading with farmers...who can accept them.

We all have to have a business license. Wait for it...except the Farmers. They're not required to. This year, all the vendors are required to have insurance. We're all supposed to not be using single use bags. You know what...people still do.

It shocks me, that I show up 3 hours before the Market opens. To set up on time. To make sure, I'm not in anyone's way. And I'm there, 2-3 hours after the Market closes. You know what, our management isn't. They're there to setup their stuff about an hour before. And leave almost as soon as the Market closes. In an area, that isn't the safest. How does that make you feel? I'm lucky to have friends...who are usually there as well. So I don't feel like I'll be robbed at any minute.

Then there is the way, that other vendors treat you. My Mom has been called an F#*!ing B*&$#^ more than once. By some of the most popular vendors and their staff. Why? Because she's walking too slow down the sidewalk. When? While the Market is on and she's shopping.

There have been vendors who push her. I had a guy try and throw some of our products in the trash. I've seen fights between vendors. Big fights. But no one ever says anything. That's upsetting.

So while, we're not going to be at the DGM this year...I'm not sure if I'll be applying in the future. As much as I enjoy interacting with our customers...the other stuff starts to tear you down. And I'm not sure I'm OK with that. Feeling unsafe and being treated a certain way. It's not the best way to run a business. Tomorrow I'll be back with some more. I need to talk to some of my vendor friends. 💕

Slowing Down...For Just A Bit

Hey Guys! If you're reading this, you are probably wondering what's going on. Well, I'm not 100% sure. I haven't been feeling well. For a few weeks now. I've been trying to figure it out. 

You see, a couple of weeks ago...I got sick at the Wednesday Lunch Market. I was on my own that day. And I barely made it home. The next day, I was in the hospital. Getting an iron infusion. And spent a solid 18 hours, laying in a hospital bed. This came, just a week after a visit to the Urgent Care. 

I'm not sure what is going on medically. I just don't feel right. I think it can be somewhat linked to the HOT weather, that we've been having. But it has scared me. If you know me personally, you know I NEVER go to the doctor. So this is serious.

Since my Mom got back from her vacation, we've been working. Trying to make items for last week. We sold 4 days. In a roll! And honestly, just trying to make it though those long days. Thursday-Saturday, our event times were from 8AM-6PM. Add in setting up, and tearing down. It was A LOT!

Then on Sunday, we had the Rail Yards Market. And I was just feeling horrible. How bad, you ask. After we set up, I slept in my chair. The ENTIRE Market! I was feeling so bad! The high temps yesterday, did not help. At all! And I barely had it in me, to help my Mom tear down, pack up, and get it all in our vehicle.

When we got home, I slept for hours, after the Market. Never woke up to eat. I just don't feel right. Dizzy. Not a 100%. It kills me to load all of our stuff. My body is just rebelling. And I have another round of blood work this week...

So we're going to take a little break.  I had been doing extra Markets. And I need to just stop. For a bit. So NO Wednesday Lunch Market for us. For a couple of weeks. I can't exactly tell you when we'll be back. Just that we will. Maybe mid-August?

As far as upcoming Market Dates...we'll be at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market Saturday. Because we're scheduled. And probably won't return to the DGM or RYM until the week of August 11th.

I know! I'm already feeling anxious about it. I LOVE going to the Markets! Even if we have a slow day...like the last couple. I just adore getting out. Talking to customers. Hanging out with other vendors. But I NEED to take a break.

We'll take this break. From actually attending the Markets. But we'll continue to create items. For the Markets. And work on orders. There are so many items, that I've been wanting to make. And this little break, gives me some time.

I'll continue to blog. And post to our various Social Media accounts. But the actual selling at the Markets, is going to slow a bit. I just need to let my body recover. And probably figure out, what is really going on. It takes a toll, just being out and about. Especially when temps are in the high 90s...and those dreaded triple digit temps! And you know, setting up an entire store, 3-4 times a week, is just a tad bit taxing on the body.

So I'm going to curl up on the couch, with my crochet, and take it easy. Catch up on some movies. Cuddle with my pup. That kind of thing. Feel free to contact us. And send me some inspiration. I truly hope, that our customers understand. This is not normal for me. And this is not something, that I've decided on...without some sleepless nights. It's a tough decision to make. But I do promise, we'll be back. With a ton more product! I've already been working on some WIPs! 💕

We Did It!

Guys, I got some GREAT news! We DID it! Thanks to all of you. Did you know, that we have a foundation? We started it in February 2015. It was my Dad's dream. Before his passing. And we've been working hard, to hit our goals.

Well, we hit it again. Thanks to all of our wonderful customers! Thank you all! Every single sale, helps us. And do you want to know what our numbers are?

1. We were able to award a $1500 scholarship, to a graduating APS Senior. Headed to NMSU. That is so exciting!

2. During the 2017-2018 school years, we were able to pay for $1000 worth of field trips. For local APS schools. That came out to about 4 field trips. That just makes my heart smile! So many kids, got to do something fun! This was something my Dad did a lot of! Giving back, to the parts of our community, that just couldn't afford these fun days.

3. We were also able to sponsor some local youth sports this year. For a total of $1000. Which really made me excited...we doubled that number from last year.

Our goal for next year, is to provide 2 scholarships. And double our field trip money. I'd also like to double our sponsorships.

But you know what? It is all because of you. All the people that continue to come to the Downtown Growers' Market, and the ABQ Rail Yards Market. Each sale. If it's $2 on a flower sucker bouquet. Or $60 on a Christening Set. Every bit of it helps.

And I want to personally Thank You. I literally sat here, and cried, while writing out the checks. It may seem silly. But my Dad, Blue...it's what he did all the time! And it was truly his dream and wish, for us to continue his work. He was so passionate about helping out the Albuquerque Youth. He wanted every single child, to have a chance. To participate in sports, music, go to college, have fun on a field trip, and own a book. He was so PASSIONATE about this!

What's up next for us? Well, if you following us on Facebook, then you see our Events all the time. I try and let everyone know where we are...and when we'll be there. For example, this weekend we'll be at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market on Saturday. At Robinson Park. From 8AM-12PM. On Sunday, we'll be at the ABQ Rail Yards Market. From 10AM-2PM. So we hope to see you at one of our events. :)

But there is something new. The Wednesday Lunch Market. On Civic Plaza. Wednesday from 11AM-2PM. We'll be at spot #36. It's something new, and I hope to see some of you there. It should be a fun afternoon!

And in case you don't know about it, we're planning 3 fundraisers. For our foundation. The first is a Tea Party, on August 4th. So ladies, let your friends know. We are hoping for a large turnout. Littles are welcome too! We'll have all the fixings for a Tea Party, some crafts, and lots of items for sale!

All the money we raise, goes to our Love Caregivers program. We send little notes, cards, letters, small gift cards, and much more...to caregivers. If you know any, you can definitely nominate them. We try and send out 3 cards/notes a week. And one larger item (gift card, package, pay a bill) once a month. So we can definitely use a little help.

Also, with Love for Caregivers, we ALWAYS welcome cards, postage, and gift cards. It all helps. If you'd like to make a donation, let me know. And since I've been a caregiver since 2010, I know...some days are tough. And just a little note...can make your whole week better.

Our other two fundraisers are a bit bigger. First we'll have our "Annual Fundraiser," which includes a 5K Fun Run, Car Show, and a sale of our crafts. We'll also have bake goods and such for sale. Along with a raffle. It is a fun day! All the money raised, goes into the Love for Blue Foundation. So we can continue to do good work in our community. And help fight Colon Cancer.

Lastly, mark your calendars! This Fall, we are planning our First Annual Dinner and Dance!!! I am so excited for this! We will have local New Mexican musicians. A yummy meal. And tons of items for sale...and a raffle. Not only are we hoping for a fun night...but we're hoping this is our largest fundraiser to date!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment. Come out and chat. Or send me an email. We are so excited! This has been such a blessed year! Thank you all! You are the village, that has allowed us, to meet our goals. And we appreciate it, much more than I could ever say! 💕