More Than a Market: What I Learned from My First Vendor Pop-Up

Every creative journey is marked by a series of firsts. There's the first idea, the first failed attempt, the first finished piece. For me, this past Saturday marked a new, significant milestone: my very first vendor pop-up market.

For a long time, the idea of setting up a booth and sharing my handmade creations with the public felt both thrilling and, if I’m honest, a little intimidating. My workshop is my comfort zone. It's a place of trial and error, of sawdust and sketches. Taking that work "public" is a vulnerable step. But every dream starts with the willingness to step outside that comfort zone. So, this weekend, I packed up my art, my laser, and my hopes and headed to the vendor market at Slow & Steady coffee.

And I am so glad I did.

The Morning Jitters

The preparation itself was a flurry of activity—deciding what to bring, designing a booth layout, and triple-checking my inventory. When Saturday morning arrived, there was a definite knot of "first-market jitters" in my stomach. Would people connect with my work? Would the setup look right? Would I remember everything?

But from the moment I arrived at Slow & Steady, that anxiety started to fade, replaced by a welcoming, vibrant energy. Being on the other side of the table, not as a shopper but as a vendor, was a brand-new experience that I absolutely loved.

Setting up at the vendor market

The Power of a Great Host

A huge part of that positive feeling came from our hosts. The owners and staff at Slow & Steady weren't just providing a space; they were actively fostering a community. They were incredibly supportive, and taking a few moments to hear their own stories of community and growth was genuinely inspiring. They've cultivated a space that feels warm and authentic, which set the perfect tone for the entire day.

I also met some of the other incredible local vendors. When you're working away in your own space, it's easy to feel like you're on an island. Being surrounded by other creators, seeing their passion, and feeling that shared sense of purpose was a powerful reminder of just how much talent and creativity surrounds us. It felt less like a market and more like a neighborhood block party for artisans.

One highlight was meeting a young vintage vendor who shared tips and ideas from his own experiences. His creativity and positive approach gave me a whole new perspective on connecting with shoppers — so inspiring!

At Slow and Steady's Vendor Market

The Joy of Connection

The true highlight, however, was connecting with the people who stopped by my booth. This is where the "why" behind all my work clicks into place.

In my last post, I talked about how my art is a way to carry my family's creative spirit forward. But art needs an audience to complete its story. Seeing people pause, pick up a piece, and ask questions was incredibly rewarding.

Many people were curious about the products, but what they really enjoyed was watching the process in action. I brought my laser engraver along, and giving people a live look at how a piece is personalized—watching the design come to life on the wood—was a huge hit. In a world of mass production, I think people crave that connection to the "how." They want to see the hands and the technology behind the work. Their enthusiasm and kind words were validating and made the entire experience so meaningful.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

This milestone wasn't one I reached alone, and I left the market with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

First, a heartfelt thank-you to Slow & Steady for hosting such a wonderful, supportive event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth, asked questions, or just smiled and said hello. And a special thank-you to those who placed an order or took a piece home—your support truly means the world to me and is a direct investment in this dream.

Finally, I have to thank my biggest cheerleaders: my kids and family. They were my support crew every step of the way, from helping me prepare products late into the night to offering endless encouragement. Their belief in me made this first step possible and infinitely more special.

This first market was a success not just in sales, but in spirit. It was a day of connection, community, and confirmation. It reminded me why I love to create and gave me a new fire to keep going.

Here’s to many more opportunities to share creativity, connect with our community, and continue to grow!

I'm excited for the next layer of the story to unfold!

Lissette

Shop the Market Collection

Couldn't make it to the Slow & Steady market? You can still browse all the dimensional wood art and laser-engraved pieces that everyone loved!

Click here to shop our portfolio collection and bring a piece of handmade art home.