We're about to stun you with this craftHER Market Recap!
In case you missed it, #bossbabesATX hosted its first comprehensive vendors and resource marketplace, craftHER Market, on Oct. 23 at Fair Market. We had more than 80 vendors in participation and a slew of panels featuring some of our favorite geniuses around town. More than 2000 people attended to shop, support and learn about women-owned businesses and female-identifying artists, makers and creators in Austin's community...
Yeah. 2,000 people came, y'all.
And to be honest, this turn-out surprised everyone. No, really, even we were stunned. We've hosted large events before, but never have we ever seen the city of Austin rally so hard for the women who live here. It was truly dreamy, if you can't already gather that from our Vendor Coordinator Ashlee Pryor's face:
So, it's safe to say we'll be bringing craftHER Market back in the spring (so stay tuned via the market's Instagram). Of course, there were a few reasons the market went so well.
First off, we had an incredible lineup of panels.
We reserved a corner of the market for speakers and educational talks, featuring some of our own inspirations. See the schedule below:
SIDE HUSTLE: Starting Your Own Subscription Box presented by Cratejoy
Cratejoy hosted a killer discussion on the benefits of starting your own subscription box. From logistics to marketing to additional revenue, the team mapped out what it takes to expand a business with a subscription box method. Learn more about that by clicking here.
BECOMING YOUR BEST VENDOR with Poco A Poco, West Elm (Austin, TX) and #bossbabesATX
Next, we chatted with our own founder, Jane Claire Hervey, Rebecca Ruiz Acosta of Poco A Poco (and many marketplaces around town) and Lisa Nelson of West Elm's Austin location to discuss what to do at pop-up events, how to present one's wares and ways to secure genuine relationships and contacts within the pop-up event/market community. Moderated by Lauren Murray, this talk was a hit!
NICHE: A Branding + Storytelling Talk with Bunkhouse, REVERLY/The Swoon Event and Queen For Dinner
Then, we were joined by Isadora McKeon of Bunkhouse Hotels, Amberly Washington of REVERLY/The Swoon Event and Queen for Dinner to discuss the way growth affects a brand's narrative. Pulling from their own experiences, these panelists shared some of the highs, lows, triumphs and takeaways of their own careers in business storytelling (aka marketing).
SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR: A Talk with Natalie Davis
At 3 PM, Natalie Davis of Canoe and Salt & Time took the stage to chat with our founder about the way she's grown her businesses from start to finish, what she learned about tabling at trade shows and how she manages to master so many skills (leatherworking, design, creative consulting—she's a force!). If you'd like to learn more about Natalie's businesses and the coaching she offers, please visit her website.
WHY I MAKE with Desert Flower Designers, Red Planet Pottery and Ellen Bruxvoort
And last but not least, three of our favorite makers—Erica Alcocer of Desert Flower Designers, Hailey Vick of Red Planet Pottery and Ellen Bruxvoort of FIBROUS—sat down to dish on why they make, what motivates them through "shit work" and how they stay inspired.
On top of badass panels, craftHER Market had a fly installation by @imakegirls (pictured above), resource tables featuring different organizations and groups in the community and drinks and libations from Jo's Coffee.
Oh—we can't forget our vendors! 75 unique, talented maker babes.
Lotions by K
Sunfern Studio
Hola Dear Deer
We couldn't have done it without our sponsor Cratejoy and our dear friends/supporters at Fair Market. Real talk—without the help of Fair Market's staff and partnership, we would have never taken the plunge to launch this marketplace at all. Thanks, y'all, for an incredible inaugural craftHER! See ya in 2017.
In the meantime, stay updated on Instagram and on the web.
