Well, we did it!
And Survived to talk about it!
The first wholesale gift show is in the books and I can't wait to share some of the new places you can shop Mermaids + Madeleines in person this summer!
Here's a snap of what everything looked like just before the buyers were allowed into the show to come select items for their stores!
I wish I could have taken pictures of some of the HUGE booths and brands that were there so you could see! Their set-ups were really impressive, but there was a no photography/video rule for anything except your own space - so just envision entire mini stores of your favorite larger coastal brands!
I was so nervous for this event...
I don't even think I slept for the entire week before!
Luckily, everyone was really nice, and the event coordinators were awesome!
That's a lot of work to organize and put an event together like this!
The mornings were busy, the days were long,
but the snacks were pretty sweet! ;)
The mornings were filled with putting the jewelry back onto the displays before the show started and once the doors opened the foot traffic was definitely heaviest until just after lunchtime!
Behind the booth we had a little bag of snacks including some trail mix, granola bars, and of course candy... Things that were quick, easy, and not messy. Plus, lots of water and a little iced tea!
I know what you're thinking: "Not iced coffee?"
Nope! If I'm already nervous I'm definitely not about to add to the jitters!
I wrote orders in my notebook, took cards from stores interested in line sheets, and chatted with people about the brand.
Most people really liked names for each piece, the product descriptions and the little stories behind each of them and 1-2 people really did not, and very much expressed feedback of preferring just a manufactured good.
While previously, I probably would have been shaken by that negative reaction, would have taken it personally, and tried to change things to work for them, now I just assume that probably our paths and brands just aren't aligned and that's ok. Each piece here is individually handmade with care, joy, and heart...and at a desk in my spare bedroom.
I truly believe trying to force things will never be a good fit for anyone, and through this little, mini business I've learned not to chase after things I don't really want.
Plus, to be honest...
I really love what we're building here, and I LOVE even more that you're part of it!
We get to create a community inspired by salt air and sunshine, where we can encourage each other to push towards our goals and dreams.
Thank you again for your kindness and support!
I know I wouldn't have even dared to put in the application for this show if it weren't for you!
Thank you for being my teammate and for helping to build this coastal inspired brand together.
Talk soon,
Heather
PS... If you follow me on social media then you know that my nails and hands got WRECKED before this show trying to crank out all of the samples and I didn't want to totally gross/creep people out at the show so I found some press-on nails to try to rescue the situation! OH EM GEEE!
If you need an emergency mani, these are for you!
These babies held up with no issues through set-up, teardown, showers, and day to day! These are from "Impress" here's a link!
:)