2024 show review

As 2024 is coming to an end, I've been looking back on what all I did. I'm not the best at celebrating my wins. I never have been. Instead I'm always looking forward to the next goal, the next box to check off on my to do list. It's not great. And I'm really trying hard to retrain myself to just take a moment and bask in the glory. It sounds easier than it is, trust me.

Anyway, I wanted to share some of the business highlights of 2024. After all, a whole lot goes in to this small business of mine.

First off, let's revisit the Maker's Markets I showed at this year.

It's funny, I took a big break from retail markets when my wholesale took off. However, through the years I've stopped working with most of the bigger businesses. They all have a habit of starting to squeeze us little guys (paying for our own pricing stickers, applying stickers to goods, demanding discounts, etc) more and more to the point, it's not worth it for me. Not working with these demanding companies has left a gap in income for sure. But it's also lifted a lot of the stress and given me time to focus on retail more, which means testing shows. I wasn't ready to test the outdoor thing again, I've had some very bad experiences with that. But I did a handful of indoor markets, a couple small markets for the first time and a few I've done in the past that I've felt were worth it.

• Chicago Diner Spring Market - a small show but a good amount of shoppers, it was a little chilly, we were in a heated patio area but the heat wasn't working. The Chicago Diner gets a great crowd for brunch so the overflow shopped while they waited for their table. Very smart!

• Sauced Spring Greening Market at Halfacre Beer Co. - this is a good sized show that we love doing. It's definitely a vibe. The people, the beer, the vendors and organizers are all amazing. Plus we were neighbors with Midwest Nice who we adore. Always a great show for us!

* Haugen Spring Market - small, neighborhood school market. It's important to show up for your neighborhood! While this show wasn't very well attended, the people who did show up shopped. A huge bonus, we were neighbors with our pals, Him + Her Vintage, which is always fun!

• Sauced 10th Anniversary Market at Halfacre Beer Co. - unlike most Sauced markets, this one wasn't as lucrative. It was the Friday and Saturday before the election and people just weren't into shopping. People showed up but there was very little shopping happening. It was still great music, food, vendors but you could tell people were feeling a little uneasy. It was fun like always, just not as profitable.

• Lycée French Market - I am continually amazed at the crowds at this market! The families, student, alumni and neighborhood really shows up for this market. This market is smaller and ranges hugely from students selling slime to gold filled jewelry from Michelle Starbuck Designs. Who also happened to be my neighbor, so huge bonus! It was a great kick off to the holiday season.

• One of a Kind Show - this is the biggie. It's four full days, 34 hours of showtime and selling. This year there were close to 600 makers showing. SIX HUNDRED. The market is huge and very well attended. Our first day was close to last years numbers. Friday & Saturday both, our numbers were a bit lower than last year. Sunday again, was close to last year. Which I consider a win in an election year.

So not all big wins but we showed up and did the thing. Honestly, this year tanked for us in mid-October. People stopped spending money. I witnessed it first hand. I've had my business through a handful of election years and I know, they're tough. The fact that we're even close to last year's numbers is a win in my book.

In 2025 I'm gonna test a couple other markets and see what works for me. If you have a favorite market, let me know, maybe I'll try it out. If it's an outside market, I'm gonna need a really good pitch. I know for sure I'll be back for Sauced, Lycée French Market and One of a Kind Show. Stay tuned for more 2024 recaps!