Recap

Yesterday's Handmade Parade was amazing!  And such a learning experience for this craft show novice. 

The day started with a trip to the gas station to get a newspaper as the Norfolk Craft Mafia was featured in an article; I was told one of my pieces was photographed for the article and - yep - there it was! That set the tone for the rest of the day; many people came by my display, mentioned the photo in the paper, and offered compliments and congratulations.  It was quite humbling and touching.  To say I am not used to this kind of thing would be an understatement.  I'm kind of shy (I know this is a surprise to some of you, but it's true!).

I didn't take many photos at the event and the ones I did take are so fuzzy I can't share them here.  The photos were snapped prior to the opening of the show and they are so fuzzy and blurry ... I know I was shaking.  I was, ahem, just the merest bit anxious.  :)  Oh wait, ... Cassie has some great photos here.

But there was no need for anxiety ... as soon as the doors officially opened there was a steady stream of eager customers and it was a lot of fun.

There were a few things I didn't consider.  Prior to the event I spent a lot of time worrying over my display and my wares and not as much time thinking about sales transactions.  I was stupefied when people started buying things - lol - I got completely frazzled every single time (how embarrassing).  I would stand there and gape for a minute, unsure of what to do, and then I'd try to conduct the transaction quickly.  I forgot how to calculate.  I forgot I had a calculator.  Oy.  How embarrassing!  Thankfully Mr. P. was there to help.    

The other thing that was, er, challenging, was figuring out whether and/or how to engage customers.  We started the day chirping "Good Morning!" as people approached the display and while some people responded, most were focused on the display and on their shopping.  It was difficult trying to balance an expression of no-pressure-neutral and hey-how-can-we-help-you.  We didn't want to scare anyone away by being too in-your-face or too aloof.   I hope we found that balance, at least most of the time.

All of this was quite amusing to both Mr. P. and me. 

It was so great to meet other mafia members and vendors.  In particular: Charmaine, Cassie, Sloane, and Alison and to have my friend and gallery owner, Angelia vending there as well.   It was great to have friends of both Mr. P. and I stop by.  So so so much fun!

The event would not have been nearly so successful for any of us without Amanda and Amber who did such a fabulous job of organizing this event and pulling it all together in a fun and creative way, that I'm pretty sure they should be running the entire world. 

The day was great fun and deserves a firm check mark in the "success" column.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

But for now, I need a nap!

Day Eleven: NaBloPoMo

Comments

[sue]

I love your ornaments, did you have any left over??

[Sarah]

Yay for you! I didn't introduce myself (I'm pretty shy too, though I sometimes cover it well), but I was pointing at your stuff and whispering to my husband "Hey...I saw her online! I read her blog! I...oh yes, I SAW that piece!" Heehee...it was so much fun. But I should have said hello, I realize now. Anyway, great job!

[Sloane]

Great recap...I to was nervous, it was my first event also. I was convinced that the sales I made were only because people felt sorry for me! I feel like I may have scared a few people away with my chattering. Oh well, I am a talker....especially when nervous. I flaked out on taking pictures, so thank goodness others did! I added you to my links, hope you don't mind. Have a great day. Sloane

[Cassie]

I thought you were a seasoned professional as your setup was impeccable and I don't think you came off as nervous at all. Well, except maybe when you hid behind the pole when I was taking pictures ;)

It was great meeting you!

[amanda bel]

I'm the same way! I never know what to say to people, and I get easily flustered having to take money and make change. I wish I could say it gets easier, but that hasn't been the case for me. Luckily, shows are just so fun and addictive it makes up for it! I wish I could have had a table at the show too, I missed that part of it! Hopefully next year.

[Amber]

You did great! Like Cassie said you really did look like a pro. I'm so stoked I have one of your pieces now. :)

[Marti]

So glad to hear things went well, can't wait to see what you put up on Etsy for those of us who couldn't go. You had ornaments, I would love to see some of those.

[Angelia]

It was a good show, and so many new artisan/designers. I really liked your display.
A

[violetkey]

Your table set up looked so good! Every Little Thing has a nice picture up of you and your table ;-)

It's great to hear that the parade was a success!

I'm going to keep my eyes on those ornaments!

[~tracey]

oh gal, it sounds like you had a faBulous time!! and your booth looked amazing!

♥♥