Reflections from My First Vendor Show

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve attended plenty of Oktoberfest and craft shows over the years, so I had a general idea of the vibe. But I’d never been on the other side of the table—actually selling a product.

In the days leading up to the event, I was obsessively checking the weather. Saturday looked like a total washout… devastating. But on Friday, a dear friend reminded me of something powerful: The number of sales I make does not define my worth. She encouraged me to show up as my authentic self, radiating positive energy to everyone who passed by or stepped into my booth.

That was the mindset shift I needed.

So off we went—my mom and I—leaving at 6:15 AM to drive an hour to the event. We arrived in time for our designated setup window between 7:15 and 8:00 AM. We tucked everything under the tent, a little tighter than I’d hoped, but we were ready for the rain.

The event kicked off at 10 AM… no sales in the first hour. I won’t lie—I started to panic. Was I really going to sit there for eight hours with zero sales?

And then, something beautiful happened.

A sixth-grade girl walked in with her mom and absolutely lit up when she saw the journals—from the vibrant covers to the thoughtful prompts inside. She decided to buy one, using her own money. My heart swelled. That her hard-earned dollars were going toward celebrating joy and gratitude? Incredible.

I’d seen a tip on Pinterest during my vendor prep: offer a discount to kids who use their own money. So, I did. It brightened her day—and mine.

As the day went on, we made sales (yay!) with minimal rain (yay x 2!), but more importantly, I connected with amazing people I can’t wait to collaborate with (think goat yoga meets journaling  on a beautiful farm).

But the biggest takeaway? Not everyone will love you. Not everyone will love your product. And that’s OK.

What matters is showing up as your authentic self—and being proud of that person.

That’s exactly what I did. I showed up in a bright pink tent filled with the most colorful products. I wore space buns in honor of my daughter Zoe, a reminder that we’re all still kids at heart. I greeted each conversation with joy, energy, and deep gratitude for having created something that helps people—kids and adults alike—focus on what truly matters: the joy found in everyday moments.

I encourage you to do the same. Be your authentic self. Celebrate your children when they do, too.

I’ll admit, when Mia comes downstairs dressed for school in a tropical-print skirt and a Christmas-themed top, I cringe a little inside. But she’s happy. She’s honoring her true self. And that’s a win for all of us.

In my booth, I had a tall mirror with a message at the top:
You are enough.
You are special.
You are unique.

I saw so many people take selfies in front of it—and it made me smile. Sometimes, we all need a little reminder.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tent and supported our small business. It meant the world to me.

Now go out there today and be YOU—every amazing bit of YOU!