Markets 101

In a digital world, where e-commerce and instant sales is king, community markets seem disadvantages. There is nothing quick or instant when it comes to selling products at local arenas. These events are planned months to years in advance and take great effort to connect locals to vendors with goods and services. As a vendor, there is deciding which marketplaces would be profitable for your brand, coordinating dates and venues, and preparing items to be sold. Then comes the actual day of. This is time consuming, physically challenging, and at times, seems like it's not worth the effort. 

Bell's Crafty Customs was created November 7th, 2024 in our home. Being creative comes second nature to my children and I found a sense of peace in making jewelry that sparkled or had calming earth tones which suited my natural Mom style. We decided on a few key points like business name, our WHY, and what products we would make right away. 

Colorado Markets Tangerine Events 8/3

There was no social media presence and I knew it would take time to build a following. I knew we had to make sales but how? My mind started turning and the first thought I came up with was in person sales. That would mean searching local venues and programs for upcoming events in the community. I remember going to a craft fair at our local library in years past and believed that would be a great entry into marketplace selling. I take my kids to the library at least once a week and all the librarians know us. When I saw an ad on the bulletin board about the Merry Makers Market Dec 2nd, 2024, I knew this was our chance. 

We took a big leap of faith and sent in our application and the work started immediately. From bracelets to keychains, body butter and sugar scrubs, we dove head first into production. We only had a few weeks before the market and Thanksgiving was in the midst of it all. Finally, we had worked harder than we honestly ever had and made at least 50 bracelets and 20 body butter and sugar scrubs. 

On the day of the market we were so excited but super nervous. I had no idea the type of journey I was taking my children on, but a little inner knowing felt so peaceful and trusting. I said a prayer before the market began and during prep and set up. I felt confident, but truly green like a frog on a Lilly pad. Right at 4pm, the market began and we had our first customer, my Aunt Tiny!! God gave me such a special gift having her as our first patron. Her presence gave me strength, helped relieve my nerves, and that sense of calm allowed me to remember the care and details that we put into each item. The market had steady foot traffic and was non-stop sales until about an hour before end time. That was the moment I caught my breath a bit, and felt a huge sense of accomplishment. We were amongst seasoned and established businesses in the community, who've made great successes for themselves, and here alongside them was Bell's Crafty Customs, our home grown family business established only a few weeks prior. 

Merry Makers Market December 2024

We received wonderful feedback on the quality and uniqueness of our products. We conversed with so many great people and made a true impression and impact in the marketplace. We had over 20 sales, low priced items, but that was the first time in my entire life that I sold something to another human being. Me and the kids were so happy that night, we were walking on sunshine, and momentum. We knew we wanted to vend at other markets the coming year and began planning out our next steps. 

City of Aurora 4th of July Spectacular

We have 10 + markets under our belts and another 8 to go for the year, including the Merry Makers Market, our very first market of attendance. We have become a company that is immersed in community, driven by face to face connection, and wholesome honest hard work. This is my absolute favorite adventure and cannot wait for more opportunities to share with the world Bell's Crafty Customs LLC.