This past weekend was one of those events that reminds me why running a small, creative business requires equal parts optimism, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
On paper, everything about this show looked promising. It was held in a great location, thoughtfully organized by a well-established business, and past events there have been successful. We packed up our work, set up a beautiful booth, and felt genuinely hopeful going in.
And then… the doors opened.
Foot traffic was extremely light. Sales were slow on day one, and day two brought the never-before experience of no sales at all. It quickly became clear that the crowd simply wasn't the right fit for what we make, despite all the right ingredients being there. These things happen — sometimes the timing is off, sometimes the audience is different than expected, and sometimes an event just doesn't land the way everyone hopes it will.
While the weekend wasn't a financial win, it wasn't a total loss either.
The bright spot was getting to spend the entire day with a very dear friend who came along to help me. When the booth is quiet, having good company makes all the difference. We talked, laughed, shared snacks, and reminded each other that not every weekend can (or should) be measured in sales alone.
Shows like this are a good reminder that success in a handmade business isn't linear. You can do everything “right” and still have an off weekend. The important part is taking notes, learning what you can, and moving forward — ideally with a story to tell and a little perspective gained.
If you missed us at this event — or if you just prefer shopping from the comfort of your couch — our latest sea glass art and sterling silver jewelry are always available online. We're grateful for every order, every message, and every bit of support that keeps this small business moving forward.
On to the next show, the next project, and the next opportunity. And as always, thank you for following along — both during the great weekends and the not-so-great ones.
— Barb