First Show of 2010
It’s been just over 2 months since I’ve stood outside and sold my goods to strangers, but it truly feels like eons. I’ve forgotten so many things about the process of getting ready. For example, I completely forgot about the slight nerves I get a few days in advance of a new show. The unknown in general is something of a fidget-maker for me, but being on display and asking people to love me with their hard earned cash can be flat out nauseating. (I’m getting better at not being so emotionally attached to my work, but still, I spend a lot time and effort on each item and it just happens.)
Last night, while wrapping up some brand new designs, cleaning inventory, and organizing my set-up, I got a touch of panic in the “I don’t have enough to show, I don’t have something for that one person” area. I start thinking about the girl who loves that one pair of earrings with the blue fuzzy beads, but she’s more of a pink person. I have pink fuzzy beads at home! Why didn’t I make those, too?! Not knowing my exact audience adds to the stress of preparation, but I must trust that I have my usual good sellers, favorite eye-catchers, and a few new designs to display, so I know I have something for at least a few of the shoppers.
Also, with any show, I usually feel like I’m forgetting something. And I often do forget something, it’s just not often an important something. Something like hand-sanitizer or tape. I know about myself that I’m overly thorough, overly list-makey, and definitely overly thinkin’-about-it, so my chances of leaving important things at home are pretty low. Just like when I leave on vacation, in the midst of the swirl I ask myself if I have the most important things: ID and access to money. With show prep swirl I ask myself if I have a) inventory to sell, and b) pants on. Anything else can be borrowed.
The show tonight, The WonderCraft Grand Opening: Come tie one on!, is sure to rock, though. The ladies throwing the party, the vendors selling with me, and the sponsors of the evening all know what they’re doing, and they do it very well. I’ll be back in the swing of vending within minutes, I know it. Plus, there will be cake!
Themocracy
I enjoyed seeing you at the show last night Merritt! You don’t need to worry so much, your jewelry is beautiful – relax
Thanks, Debbie! I’m working on relaxing, if that makes sense.