This week, I want to talk a little about expectations. I have been asking my vendors about their first market ever and whether it met their expectations. It was interesting to hear what each vendor expected at their first market. While it is true that every market is different, many things go into a vendor’s success at a market. As a host, I believe it is my job to provide an opportunity - to strategically market the event - to choose a good venue and date for a market. As a vendor, what can you do to help make your market a success? Certainly having a booth that pops, engaging with shoppers, and promoting the event on your own social media helps. But even more important is what you choose to sell. Some questions you might ask yourself:

1) Is what I am selling something people want?

2) Is what I am selling not oversaturated or still in style?

3) Is what I am selling unique and does it stand apart from others selling similar items?

4) Am I competitively pricing my items?

I think being able to answer yes to all four has THE MOST impact on your success.

Now assuming the host does all they can do and the vendor does all they can do, sometimes the market is still a disappointment. But we keep showing up and refining our craft!

What is a good market? The industry tends to report that a GOOD market is if you sell about 7 times the booth fee. Is that what you expected?

Making Videos that POP

Social media is a necessity for every business owner. Some of us embrace it, some of us reluctantly use it and others avoid it to their detriment. The truth is most people are on some form of social media and as a business owner, they are the golden path to your audience. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), Pinterest and so on. You don’t need to be on ALL of them but you should be on some of them and probably on the ones that your clients are also on.

In any case, videos are what people engage with the most. They don’t have to be long-form, for example: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and I am sure Facebook has its version as well. I know Etsy claims that listings that have videos tend to do better than those that don’t.

So how do you make videos to share on social media? And if you don’t, you should! I have made videos with my phone, using Canva mobile and I have dabbled in Promo (which cost $). The phones today make it very easy to make a video but some of us, myself included, don’t know how to edit the videos or add some of the cool filters I see in others.

CapCut is a free video editor that I am learning to use. (There is a paid version). Here is a YouTube video that helped me get started.

Now is here is one of my videos using Capcut!

@kentuckypopups

#CapCut

Tell us your WHY for starting the Antisocial Butterfly

I am a full time nurse and felt really burnt out after working in the ER during Covid. I had always wanted my own business, so I decided to start the Antisocial Butterfly in hopes of transitioning out of my nursing career. Shortly after starting my mobile boutique, though, I found a nursing career that I love! Now I’m blessed with two great jobs. 

What is your FAVORITE item you sell?

I love curating pieces that are unique, comfy, and fun. One of my favorites (and customer favorites) has to be this checkered denim jacket or this new ribbed set! 

What are your short term and long term goals for your business?

I would love to grow the Antisocial Butterfly and have an online store soon. It would been a dream to have a brick and mortar store one day

What is some advice you could give someone who wants to start a small business?

Find an awesome coordinator like Elizabeth to do events with! Consistently engage with your followers online and promote the events you are attending. Try not to pack up early, it can hurt your sales and your fellow vendors when potential customers think the event is over. 

What else?

Thank you for reading! The Antisocial Butterfly has been so much fun. I love meeting you guys and love to see you in your new favorite outfits! Follow me on instagram/facebook and please tag me in your cute pics :) @antisociabutterfly_boutique

When I talk to some of my most successful vendors, I always ask if they have any tips for others. They all give different great ideas but almost all of them say that you need to engage people that enter your booth. Sitting back and letting your products speak for themselves, SOMETIMES works but my vendors will tell you that engaging with every single person that enters their booth definitely drives sales. Talking with people can be scary - it is actually hard for me. I often say to myself, “I can do hard things”. Below is an article on some great tips to engage people that visit your booth!

Kentucky Pop-Up Events

August 3 - First Saturday at Fayette Mall in Lexington, KY. Event is outside, 11am-4pm; Booth Fee = $65

August 10 - Second Saturday at Hamburg Pavilion in Lexington, KY. Event is outside in Regal Cinema Parking Lot; 11am-4pm; Booth Fee = $55

August 24 - EKU is BACK TO SCHOOL Market in Richmond, KY. Event is outside; 11am-4pm; Booth Fee = $55