7 Lessons from One Year of Markets
1. Just do it-- even if you're scared — do it anyway.
As I said above, before my first market, I was filled with self-doubt. But I showed up anyway, and to my surprise, people responded. I made sales, received amazing compliments, and walked away encouraged. Sometimes you have to take the leap even if you're shaking inside.
2. Your booth setup absolutely matters.
Before my first market, I honestly didn’t think much about how to set up my booth. I arrived at Harbourside with my heavy wooden displays, 2 folding tables, and a vague idea of how I’d arrange everything. I looked around at other vendors and noticed many had an “L”-shaped layout that allowed customers to walk into their booth—so I did the same.
And then… nothing.
To my surprise, not a single person stepped inside during the first couple hours. Meanwhile, other vendors had the same setup and were getting traffic. My setup looked like the others, but something wasn’t clicking. What was I doing wrong?
So, I decided to change things up. I kept the L-shape but flipped it — so that I stood behind the tables and customers were invited to approach my booth from the front. (From the outside).
It was a total game-changer.
Almost immediately, people began walking over, stopping to look, and engaging with me. I even tested this again at another market and had the same result—more interaction, more sales, and more connection. That simple shift in layout made all the difference.
Since then, I’ve downsized to a single table and streamlined my booth to feel more open, accessible, and customer-friendly- and easier for me to transport and set up. I quickly learned that your booth is like your storefront — and it absolutely affects how customers engage. I am constantly thinking about how people will experience the booth—because it matters more than I ever realized.
The photo on the left shows the "L" shape booth set up and my clunky large A-frame that I built myself. It was so heavy to carry around! The photo on the right is when I "flipped" the "L" shape booth set up and customers can approach me from the front of the table. As you can see I had 2 tables with large, heavy wooden displays and my unprofessional, hand written price tags! I did not have the A-frame yet, this photo was from my first show at Harbourside on Mother's Day 2024. You can see I had a lot of product and a lot of it was hidden inside baskets.
3. Less is more.
In the beginning, I thought the more products I had, the more I would sell. I wanted to put my designs on EVERYTHING! I packed my table with everything I made, thinking it would impress shoppers. But I quickly learned it overwhelmed them. I had too many options and customers did not know what to buy. Now, I focus on a curated selection of my bestsellers and an occasional new product to test out. Not only do customers respond better, but I’m also less stressed when setting up. Simplifying has been a huge win.
4. Your bestsellers will surprise you.
I poured my heart into creating floral journal designs when I started. I loved them—still do—and it hurt when they didn’t sell…At all. That was heartbreaking at first. But I learned to pay attention to what people were drawn to. My coastal and sea life designs ended up resonating the most. Now I design with that in mind. That shift changed everything. Markets gave me real-time feedback that helped shape what I create next. I have learned to separate personal attachment from product performance. Some ideas are just stepping stones and listening to my customers (instead of just creating in a vacuum) helped me grow both creatively and as a business owner.
5. Unexpected Connections
One of the most unexpected joys of market life has been the connections I’ve made; from customers to the support from other vendors.
What surprised me most is how much support there is among vendors. We cheer each other on, share tips, encouragement on slow days, celebrate wins together, and even trade products. There’s a real sense of community that makes this journey less lonely and having people in your corner makes all the difference. A returning customer. A compliment that hits home. A sale from someone who says your artwork will now hang in their home office across the country—this reminded me that my art is out there in the world, part of people’s lives. (That still gives me goosebumps). These moments matter. They are reminders that what we create does matter — to real people and there are no words to describe that feeling!
6. Expect failure—and learn from it.
I’ve had products flop and booth displays fail (hello, rain-soaked journals). Not every product will sell. Not every market will be great. I’ve lost money. I’ve made design mistakes. But each failure has taught me something new—what my customers love, how to price better, what materials hold up best. Failure is not the end, it is part of the process—it’s feedback. You cry, regroup, learn, and try again. The only real failure is letting fear stop you from showing up.
7. Markets grow more than just your business.
Being a regular face at the markets has helped build trust, visibility, and repeat business. But more than that, it’s grown me. I’ve become more confident as an artist and a business owner. I no longer take it personally when someone isn’t interested. I know my work isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I just need to find my community of people—(and figure out how to convert them to repeat customers and referrals).
And a bonus lesson… Celebrate the small wins
When you’re building something from scratch, every kind word, every customer, and every sale hits home. These moments matter. They are reminders that what we create does matter—to real people. I’ve learned to slow down and celebrate those wins—they’re what keep me going.
One Year Later….
Markets have grown my business, yes—but more than that, they’ve grown my confidence. I’m no longer trying to make “everyone” love my work. I’m building a business by showing up, learning from what works (and what doesn’t), and continuing to create things that I hope spark joy, beauty, and inspiration in your everyday life.
Questions about markets? I would love to answer them. Send me an email to artislifestudioshop@gmail.com.