What does it take to get ready for an event?
So, what does it take?
Stock *
Labels (carefully considered descriptions of makes including where the wood was sourced and aftercare)
Bags (hand stamped with the jacki mundy makes logo)
Gazebo, Tables, Tablecloths and other fixtures that enhance the customer experience
Payment machine
Float (because cash is king!)
Headspace *
Business cards (a minefield getting the brand across in less than 8x5cm)
And that’s after the Calendar planning and choosing of discerning events where I hope to meet ‘my people’
Most of the list is self – explanatory (even if I’ve added more explanations anyways – my blog; my rules!) but please indulge me as I expand on two of the points.
Stock - just one simple word on a list but stock is a full-time job in itself. Ultimately, makes have to sell – that requires thought, market appraisal as well as consideration of whether I can make it; not just executing the design I have in my head but whether my current woodstore houses the correct timber for the make. Using mainly retired trees I am at the mercy of tree retirement and the drying process.
Theres favourites like the robins, mice and other endearing animals and the one offs like the crochet hooks, jigsaw lid holders, spatulas. But all items have to compete in a world of less disposable income and more mass-produced minimum wage stuff. That’s why I like to make items with a twist that is “what nobody else makes” this is hard to do without going out to events and listening to feedback, wants and needs of my people and others just passing by. All that takes headspace before I’ve even got the makes in the car!
Headspace – this is not just about being open, upbeat and the ‘right amount of friendly’ whatever that is - all day. Some events are more fruitful than others despite the careful consideration. Weather and footfall can use up an awful amount of headspace if the conditions are not right, which can be exhausting. Or exhilarating if the conditions are excellent and these are the days makers live for!
At an event I feel like my very being is ‘open and on show’ for others to judge. Everything on my stall is handcrafted and a piece of me is invested into every piece. Positive feedback is the stuff of dreams and negative feedback can and does smart.
So, when at an event, I don’t just throw on a tablecloth, place a few strategic items about the place and drink artisan coffee till home time. Like Brexit – it’s a bit more complicated than that!