Fall in Love with Local  was my very first indoor market vendor experience — and the very first market I was ever accepted into, which gives it a special place in my heart.

Hosted by Picks & Giggles in September, this market was a little different from the outdoor events I had done before. Having more width in my booth space meant I had to rethink my setup entirely. I experimented with a new layout, and honestly, I think we did pretty well 😊.

I’m so thankful for the friends who came out to support me — and forever grateful to my husband for helping me set up, staying the entire day, and making sure I didn’t go hungry (cookies included 🍪).

All in all, it was a good day.

Now for the honest part.

I didn’t quite make my booth fee back.

Traffic felt slower than expected, and from conversations with another vendor, attendance was down compared to previous years. Picks & Giggles does charge a $5 entrance fee for attendees, which may have played a role — though I learned that it’s something they’ve done consistently for years.

Even though I came just shy of breaking even, I walked away with something valuable: a little more clarity.

Each market continues to teach me where my travel-themed products fit best — and where they might not. I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still figuring out which markets align most naturally with my brand.

And that’s part of the journey.