I’ve vended at markets off and on since 2008, from retail to restaurant. In 2020, I went full-time with my own business as a crystal healer and dealer. It was so invigorating and exciting! I remember thinking there was no way I could fail. I had the know-how and the passion, I was unstoppable!

I was quickly faced with the reality of primary online commerce and craved another outlet. I had seen a few Instagram friends popping up at various farmer’s markets around the country and knew that was my next step.

As an always in maintenance agoraphobe, I knew pursuing markets was going to be a big personal challenge for me. I had spent years in the service industry and felt comfortable speaking with people, but the paranoia of my social anxiety could be absolutely crippling.

I challenged myself to just do one singular market.

THat’s it.

No pressure for any plan beyond that.

I was living in Maryland at the time as a pandemic transplant from the West Coast and had no clue where to even start! An evening of Google searching supplied me with a list of potential markets that I hurriedly applied to, knowing that if I pondered too long I’d inevitably stop myself.

It was only a couple short weeks later that I was accepted into my first outdoor market! Eek!

I was so overjoyed! And of course flooded with the usual “what ifs” and “how on earth’s”. But something kept me so committed to this new endeavor, I couldn’t turn away.

Several practice set-ups and outfit changes later, I was all set at the Belair Market with a meager 6 ft table and no clue how to run my Point of Sale.

My kind sister-in-law was my booth buddy that day, and I’ll never forget her sweet and calming companionship. We dove right in and learned as we went, having the best time chatting with new friends and customers.

We took down. Drove home. And I was hooked.

***

A cross-country move back home to WA and a few brand iterations later, here I am, 4 years into fulltime market employment. You could say I’ve learned a thing or two during my tenure, and you’d probably be right but better triple that number just to be safe. :)

Explore my blog, e-books, course offerings, and more. You’re sure to fine some answers, insight, and maybe a few laughs in the meantime.

Here’s to your success!

Love,

Your Market Bestie, Nat