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. 💕

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! 💕