Success! I did it! I survived my first in-person vendor event on October 1st! 
For the first time since 2019 our local Pride picnic in the park, MoPRIDE, was able to return! It was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at selling my fabric arts in person to my local community in a safe and supportive environment.
I spent August and September diligently sewing in every free moment I could find to stock up on a variety of different bags, pouches, wristlets, scrunchies to make sure I had items at many different price points. On one table I had my products for sale and on another table I placed a number of demo samples of my work so that customers could see items they can order custom designed from my shop.
Despite having the anxiety jitters for a good 4 hours into the event, being placed next to my roller derby team’s booth and getting a large number of hugs and greetings from friends and acquaintances really made a difference and eventually I found my groove.
There were so many great conversations had with local community members about how I came to find sewing as my creative outlet, what it’s like to start a small business like mine, and how I make certain items. I even met a maker who uses one of the same patterns I do and we talked about the different hacks we use and fun ways we make it our own.
Overall the event was a great success! I sold at least one of every item I brought with me, I made back my booth fee and most of my other event-specific expenses. The best part though, was getting the first one out of the way, ironing out the kinks, and gaining a lot of confidence smashing down that imposter syndrome that can naturally come with taking the risk of beginning a new venture and putting your art out in to the world.
Additionally, there’s no way I would have made it through the two weeks prior to the event or the day of without the immense amount of work my eldest kiddo Kit put in. From website design, product descriptions, helping with inventory, being my constant sounding board and design consultant, to actually working the booth with me, talking to customers, and taking sales, they were instrumental in bringing this vendor experience from an idea to a reality. 
Thanks again, so much to everyone who came out to support me and give me hugs to get me through the day! Here’s to the next one!