10/18/2026
I usually don’t make posts like this, but I need to get a couple things off my chest regarding yesterday’s show.
The turnout wasn’t everything I had hoped for, but I did make some sales and I got to chat with some fun people. So much of my business takes place behind a screen, and even though it’s a lot of prep work, I do enjoy setting up shop and seeing people’s reactions to my products. I love when little kids smell my lip balms or wax melts and give *very* honest feedback, sometimes to their parents’ chagrin. I love putting smiles on people’s faces (I’m looking at you, middle finger candles), and feel so honored when they choose to bring something I made home, or grab a business card to circle back later.
All that being said, this was the first time, in all the shows I’ve done, that I was placed directly next to a booth selling several of the same products as me. Their setup was professional and impressive, their products looked great, and they absolutely deserved the flow of customers approaching them all day. I am not putting them down in any way. I did, however, feel put down when several people gave me a pitiful look and commented that it was such a shame I was put next to a big company like them. I know that even more people thought it, but didn’t say it out loud. My feelings were hurt by these comments, and I felt like my hard work didn’t matter as much because I run a smaller-scale business. I’m proud of my work, and I tried not to let my booth placement rain on my parade. There’s enough room for everyone to win, especially at big shows like this one. I just wish I wasn’t put in that position. If you read all this, thank you. I wouldn’t be able to do this without those who support me and my art 💝
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