Looking Back On craftHER Market 2019: How To Flourish As A Creative And Entrepreneur
In case you missed it, we just published our 2019 Impact Report, where we shared some record-breaking stats. Over the last 12 months, we hosted more than 20,000 attendees through our programs, and it was truly our biggest year yet.
And craftHER Market, our biannual marketplace, was a huge part of that growth. Clocking in at 5300 attendees, October’s craftHER market was the biggest market in our organization’s history and by far the LARGEST event we’ve ever hosted. From the 140+ vendors we hosted to the inspiring panels held throughout the day, the love and energy we felt was off the charts.
With craftHER Market Spring 2020 applications now open, we wanted to take a few moments to recap some of the gems that were dropped during our craftHER Market Fall 2019 panels. Each discussion centered on what we need to flourish: How do we create and sustain environments that let ourselves (and others) grow? Here are a few answers to that question.
This article was written and compiled by BBATX committee member Sydney Greene. All photos by BBATX committee member Jinni J.
here are 13 takeaways from craftHER Market fall 2019:
On Contemporary Craft and Cultural Appropriation
Curated by #BBATX committee member and multidisciplinary artist Coelina Edwards, arts organizer Mercy Emelike, founder of La Wixarika Denise Rosales and cultural cartographer Jennifer Steverson did a deep dive into the lines (and relationships) between appreciation, appropriation and plagiarism.
Jennifer Steverson’s advice on advice referencing culture in craft: “Think about access. Who has access to materials and markets? How do you price art vs. craft? What is the value of something modern vs. traditional?” Steverson said. “Name and give credit to your influences. Sourcing is an important part of any craft practice.”
Denise Rosales on defining craft: “[It’s] what you can do with your hands—it’s intimate moments that encompass community, stories and cultural techniques.”
“Craft is overtaken by marketing which can be harmful to economies and people's livelihoods,” said Mercy Emelike on what’s at stake when cultural appropriation goes unchecked.
On Self-Doubt And Starting A Business
Curated by #BBATX board member Alexandra Perez-Puelles, health coach Abbi Miller, ceramicist Sequoyah Johnson and photographer-entrepreneur Riley Blanks we become our own best cheerleaders when the world of entrepreneurship gets lonely and mentally challenging.
“It’s a lifelong journey, and it’s important to have rituals that serve you. Self-doubt for me presents anxiety, which would produce more anxiety,” Riley Banks said on overcoming emotional barriers when making things. “I heard a saying: ‘Anxiety is like a hurricane, but in the center of every hurricane ,there’s an eye and the eye represents calm.’ Everything i do has to bring me to that eye.”
“Ask for what you need—that’s when magic happens,” Abbi Miller, on advice she’d give to people in the early stages of their business. “You don’t need a person to be your end-all-be-all but have that person who can help you make the next step.”
“Getting comfortable with saying no is No. 1. Working 24/7 is something I choose not to do,” Sequoyah Johnson said about tempering the guilt of not working all the time. “Using a ritual or a trip and something you enjoy—use that as the thing to refill the tank.”
On Art-Making AND ACTIVISM
In conversation with artist and #BBATX board member Xochi Solis, craftHER Market’s artist-in-residence Edith Valle will discuss her inspirations and creative career.
Edith Valle said she’s gained a lot of experience in client management through her role as an art teacher. “My students are my clients. We start with mood boards because I can’t read their minds. What is your intention? What reaches you?,” Valle said. “One student wanted to communicate that UT is a safe space for LGBTQ community so she helped create a banner for her community.”
Valle also said she has learned how to convey political messages without being partisan in her activism-oriented art through her role as Deeds Not Words’ Art Director. “Working with people who care about the issues will make you learn and make your work more authentic,” said Valle.
On Making A Living On Multiple Incomes
In conversation with creative entrepreneur Mélissa Peng, Cristina Martinez of Very That, Jasmine Robinson of Collegiate Mom Coalition and Monica Ceniceros of ATX Gals, we heard about how these women pursue multiple projects and streams of income to make a living.
Mélissa Peng said she’s diversified her brand by meeting other business owners. Building community has helped leverage her expertise and consider new ways to make money.
Monica Ceniceros has learned that maintaining a consistent brand for her art and businesses has come down to focus. “Don’t dilute your brand. Make sure you’re saying no to things that don’t represent your brand,” Ceniceros said.
Jasmine Robinson said she’s evolved her brand, Collegiate Mom Coalition, by rebranding her message to embody womanhood—not just motherhood—and her engagement went up.
On Making The Most Of Your Time Online
Curated by #BBATX committee member Cynthia Munoz, co-founder of The Juggle Sarah Overmyer, founder of Oddball Vintage Lauren Mahoney and model and musician Sydni Adams explore establishing healthy relationships to technology, productivity hacks and simplifying our time on social media.
Sarah Overmyer said she manages her time by setting boundaries, including not having more than four ways to be contacted by clients, customers, co-workers and the general public.
Sydni Adams on tackling the crossroads between mental health and social media: “Be mindful—scrolling takes you away from yourself,” said Adams. “Be patient and acknowledge your feelings. Talk to someone about how it’s affecting your brain and your relationships.”
Lauren Mahoney said she keeps herself accountable in her personal and professional life by establishing a routine to relieve the weight of the next day.
Want to join us at craftHER Market in 2020?
Whether you participate in the market as a vendor or attend, craftHER Market will be back on April 11 and 12 at Fair Market in Austin, Texas. Applications for interested artists, makers, vendors and small business owners are open now through January 31, 2020 at crafthermarket.com. Email us with any and all questions about vending and partnerships: thebabes@bossbabes.org
See y’all in April 2020 and thank you for shopping local, shopping small and showing up. 🎈