From Fear to Fulfillment: Reflections on My First *BIG* Market Experience
There’s nothing quite like the whirlwind of emotions that comes with being a first-time market vendor. Standing behind a booth you’ve lovingly curated, watching strangers approach, hoping they’ll connect with what you’ve created—it’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
The Build-Up: Fear and Doubt
Before the market, there were days—weeks even—of preparation. Countless hours spent designing products, crafting displays, and debating pricing. Then came the financial investment: booth fees, packaging, signage, materials. I found myself questioning everything:
- Will anyone buy what I’ve made?
- What if I’ve priced it all wrong?
- What if I sell nothing at all?
- What if I sell everything?
This fear wasn’t just about money, though that certainly added pressure. It was about putting myself out there, offering up a piece of who I am, and hoping it would resonate.
The Set Up: Nerves and Excitement
The set up of the market was a mix of nervous energy and cautious optimism. Setting up my booth, I felt a rush of pride seeing my vision come to life. But as the start time loomed, a familiar wave of anxiety crept in. What if people just walked by?
And then, the first customer approached.
The First Sale: Relief and Joy
That first sale felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. Someone liked what I made enough to take it home. It wasn’t just a transaction—it was validation. Every sale after that brought its own little thrill, but that first one? I’ll never forget it.
Vulnerability on Display
Markets have a way of making you feel exposed. You’re not just selling products; you’re sharing your ideas, your creativity, your passion. It’s deeply personal. When someone walks past without stopping, it’s hard not to take it personally. But over time, I learned to see those moments differently. Not everyone will connect with my work, and that’s okay.
A Sense of Community
What surprised me most was the sense of camaraderie among the other vendors. Here we all were, taking a leap of faith, sharing our creations with the world. Conversations flowed about our processes, our inspirations, and our challenges. It felt like I had found my people—a group of creative risk-takers who understood the highs and lows of putting yourself out there.
Hope and Lessons Learned
By the end of the weekend, I felt a mix of exhaustion and fulfillment. I hadn’t sold out, but I’d made connections, learned what customers were drawn to, and discovered what I could do better next time.
Yes, there is room to improve. Yes, there were moments of doubt. But there was also pride in simply showing up. I had faced the fear and done it anyway.
To New Vendors: Show Up As Your Best Self
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into markets, know this: it’s worth it. Not just for the sales, but for the experience of being part of something bigger. Prepare as best you can, show up with an open heart, and let the market take you on its rollercoaster ride.
There will be fear, joy, vulnerability, and hope—but most of all, there will be growth. And that, in itself, is a beautiful thing.