A Day as a Vendor at the Coffee Shop: Quiet Moments, Creative Connections, and Small Wins

Yesterday, on Saturday, November 29, I had one of those vendor days that was slower in turnout… but rich in meaning. There’s a side of small business life that people rarely see—the behind-the-scenes hustle, the early-morning prep, and the quiet hope that all your effort will pay off.

This pop-up at the coffee shop brought all of that into focus.

The Preparation No One Sees

Before even stepping inside the coffee shop, the day had already begun.

Packing inventory, choosing the best pieces to bring, checking the engraving machine, making sure the fume extractor was ready, loading the car, designing last-minute items, double-checking the essentials—it’s a full routine.

Being a vendor at a pop-up might look simple from the outside, but there is so much heart and invisible work behind every table. Every board is sanded, every piece is placed with intention, and every setup is done with the hope that someone will connect with what you’ve created.

And while you hope for a steady crowd, sometimes the day takes a different turn.

At Slow and Steady Coffee Shop

Sharing Our Creations

One of the best parts of these events is simply being able to share what we make.

Yesterday, we brought a mix of favorites—cutting boards, coasters, a tablet/book stand that doubles as a cutting board, and a few designs we’ve been excited to introduce. Our cutting boards featured rich woods like padauk, purpleheart, walnut, zebrawood, canary wood, and maple. Each board has its own natural pattern and personality.

Several people saw these exotic woods for the first time, and I loved explaining how the colors come straight from nature—no stains, no dyes. Just the incredible creativity of Jehovah God reflected in the world around us.

Seeing visitors pause, look closely, and smile at the details is always a highlight. The personalization option—engraving names or designs on the spot—adds a meaningful touch people really enjoy.

Finishing Setup at Slow and Steady Coffee Shop

A Smaller Turnout, but Bigger Moments

Turnout was slow, and I’ll be honest— that can be discouraging. When you prepare so much, you hope for steady traffic.

But slow days have a way of revealing the moments that matter most.

The conversations.

The smiles.

The genuine connections.

We had warm interactions with customers, shared the stories behind our pieces, answered questions, and appreciated the interest people showed in our craft.

The Slow & Steady coffee shop staff made the day even better. They asked us to engrave their serving trays, and seeing those trays come to life with their branding and details felt special. It’s amazing how a quiet day can lead to doors opening in unexpected ways.

Another thing I loved witnessing yesterday was the warmth inside the coffee shop. As customers walked in, the staff at Slow & Steady greeted everyone with such genuine, familiar “hellos” that it made the whole place feel homey—a space where you’re not just a customer, but someone who belongs there. That kind of atmosphere is rare, and being able to set up our table in a place that feels so welcoming made the experience even more meaningful.

Engraved Wooden Trays

A Friend Who Made the Day Fly By

One of the highlights was spending the day alongside my friend Elida—someone who helped inspire me to begin attending pop-ups in the first place.

She’s incredibly creative, and seeing her booth setup filled with sublimation cups, decorative napkins, and other handmade pieces added so much energy to the day. Her enthusiasm, humor, and steady encouragement reminded me why I enjoy these events—not just for the products, but for the companionship and inspiration behind them.

And I can’t forget to mention something special from that day— Elida surprised me with the cutest little zipper pull she made. It wasn’t just a gift; it felt like a sweet reminder of the support and creativity that surrounds me. Her kindness, just like her personality, added another bright moment to an already beautiful day.

Having a friend at the booth next to you who understands the early mornings, the slow hours, the hopeful glances toward the door… that’s a gift all on its own.

The Highlight of My Day: Liam's First Sale

Yesterday wasn’t just memorable for me—it was a milestone for my son.

Liam, who’s 14, came with his own small selection of handmade pieces. He’s been experimenting with designs and materials, and yesterday he sold his very first item: a bear magnet handcrafted from walnut and padauk.

The customer even requested personalization with their name.

The look on Liam’s face—the pride, the excitement, the realization that someone valued his work—was unforgettable. Watching him hand over the magnet and receive his first payment made every hour of preparation worth it.

That moment sparked something in him, motivating him to keep creating and exploring his artistic side. For me, it was the biggest win of the entire day.

What Yesterday Taught Me

Yesterday wasn’t about foot traffic or sales.

It was about connection, opportunity, growth, friendship, and shared creativity.

It was about celebrating the wins you can’t measure on a spreadsheet—like watching your child succeed, seeing a friend shine, receiving a thoughtful handmade gift, or hearing a stranger appreciate the beauty in a simple piece of wood.

Slow days happen. But days like November 29 remind me that success isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s gentle, personal, and made up of small moments that stay with you long after you pack up.

And for that, I’m grateful.

~ Lissette