Finally

Last market days for the year

Woohoo. That’s a wrap. Now, I can actually say I did sell in markets.

The last two market days for the year was at my local towncentre, CS Square in Caroline Springs. The Christmas Market was held December 19 and 20. It was organised again by Melbourne Cheeky Monkey Market. My stall was located near Coles, the Pharmacy and Donut King. Just happy to be there. I thought ‘beside the donut stall would be good for my tummy’.

Make it stand out

So the night before, I shoosh-ed up my market stall tablecloth, the one I DIY-ed three weeks ago. I was hoping to have a banner printed but I was pressed for time and I figured I would just save $$$ this way. So, I used my stash and customized my table cloth. Looks fancy, right? Say it is so, Mama. I’m happy with it. Will be glad to use this for many more markets to come.

It was fun and challenging at the same time. I had a lot of friends who supported me during those days. But the real test is selling to strangers. And I am happy to announce that I had a fair share of stranger sales (*pats my back).

All this time that I was active in social media, I couldn’t imagine I will meet lovely virtual friends in person. Remember the artist, Manny Sison, from my first market? Then, there’s Jihanne from CakeBhe, who bakes a mean chocolate fudge brownie. Yum.

I asked my mum friends who would love to assist me for the day. I found Jeanelle, my friend’s daughter. Thank goodness for her. The more, the merrier. I intended to offer on-the-spot gift wrapping. I was raring to go, expecting there would be a mad rush since it is the last weekend before Christmas. But I guess people were not ready for that yet. It was quiet on the first day compared to the second day. 2021 was a tough year still. And we just got out of a long lockdown. These are unique times for everyone. Lesson learned there.

Here are the pictures taken from the market.

Even if I have been selling handmade for so long, my last face-to-face market experience was in Manila 2006. Yes, that long. But I have been around selling online in Australia since 2014. I used to join a group of makers to share a market stall, and they did not require me to appear anyway. So I felt unauthentic to say I did it. Some people are saying ‘Why do you act like you are new to all of this?’. Because it has been a long time, it felt NEW, and that’s the truth. Now, it is official and I can say I DID IT.

Let’s do this again, okay? 2022, please be kind. Thank you for shopping small.
See you at the markets, loves.

❤❤❤

Tess xx