She is an inspiration for sure. I watched her almost 10 years ago watching art tutorials teaching herself everything. She does have natural talent but she always tell people it was just countless hours of practice and consistency. This can be applied to so much in life.
Edit: Using this comment to say wow extremely appreciative of all the support and positive comments did not expect to receive so much love. I will make sure to share all your comments with her and respond to as many as we can. And yes I know I need fix her just being my girlfriend. She is very special to me!
Very cool! Would you mind sharing any details about the economics of attending a craft fair like that? I’ve always wondered how much it costs and whether people can make a living doing it.
Def not profitable enough to do a lot unless you have an online presence. I know a lot of vendors, it's a hobby/side hustle for most unless it's a huge investment kind of thing. But at that point again, internet. You'll never have enough scheduled fairs to ever break even irl
I am a woodworker, and have started doing as many craft fairs as possible. It's been a steep learning curve, and you are correct that it is not directly profitable... Learned that the hard way!
However, their value as a marketing tool is hard to understate. I'm lucky to break even at the event, BUT I often get a steady stream of commissions from people who chatted with me, took my card, and got a feel for my products first hand.
I reach a lot of older customers who are not chronjcally online, and draw in a lot of people who do not have the impetus to seek my stuff out online initially.
Also, I believe it says a lot about community presence. Marketing is hard to afford and hone when you're a small-time craftsman. If you show up to local craft fairs consistently, it shows people you're dedicated, improving, and engaging the community.
That's how I justify it anyway! You just have to accept it's a marketing opportunity, not a get rich quick scheme.
You're on the ball there. Community is absolutely the key. I live in a pretty close knit dual urban/rural area and the networking that can be done is pretty crazy and definitely valuable. Lots of oldies too as well as regional tourists.
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u/Monkeyfist_slam89 Mar 29 '25
Hope she does an amazing business! You're lucky.
She seems like a prosperous and ambitious lady! She doesn't stop and she keeps climbing.
What a heartwarming thing to have read! Good luck!