First Christmas Market! Briar Patch, Horizon High School 2024
The week before Thanksgiving, I embarked on an exciting new adventure—my first-ever market experience with Respectful Goods. It was a chance to bring my passion for eco-friendly products directly to people and share the story behind them. Little did I know how much I’d learn along the way.
It all began on Wednesday evening, the day before Thanksgiving. My setup was scheduled to be done by 4:30 PM, though, for a brief moment, I mistakenly thought it was after 4:30 PM—yikes! Thankfully, my boss was understanding and let me leave early to get started. When I arrived at Horizon High School, the welcoming smiles of the check-in staff immediately set me at ease.
Armed with my canopy, tables, and a meticulously rehearsed layout I’d practiced in my living room, I was ready—or so I thought. The setup, which I imagined would take an hour or two, quickly became a three-hour marathon. Despite having photos for reference and even having set up the design in my living room, arranging the products just right was a challenge. Each decision—what to display, how to position items—felt like a small puzzle to solve. By the end of the evening, I was physically exhausted but eager for what lay ahead.
Day 1: Learning the Ropes
Friday morning arrived—Black Friday, or as I now call it, Market Day! With my scanner, tap chip reader, and money box prepped, I was ready to dive in. Yet, as the first trickle of customers came by, I quickly realized I had no idea where to stand or how best to engage. My booth, designed to mimic a mini shop, didn’t feel as inviting as I’d hoped. And let’s be honest, a 6'2" Canadian waving people into a tent might’ve been a little intimidating!
The day was all about learning the ropes—figuring out the rhythm of engaging customers, adjusting the layout, and finding my place in the space. As the hours passed, I got into the groove, chatting with fantastic customers who shared my enthusiasm for eco-friendly goods. My wife even joined me for a while, helping guide people to the right products and bringing some much-needed moral support.
By mid-afternoon, the crowd had thinned, giving me a chance to connect with the vendors around me. We shared tips, laughter, and ideas on making our booths more appealing. Inspired, I made a few adjustments, aiming for a storefront-like design that I hoped would be more inviting.
Days 2 & 3: Micro Adjustments
By Saturday, I was back in action, this time with a clearer plan. My storefront redesign was a hit! I knew exactly where to position myself to interact naturally with customers without being overbearing. It felt great to start the day with confidence.
This time, my mom joined me, and she was a force to be reckoned with. Her PhD in Sustainability made her an instant expert, and her unique sales techniques complemented mine perfectly. Where I leaned into sharing product stories, she effortlessly blended knowledge and charm, drawing customers in with her infectious enthusiasm.
Over these two days, I made countless micro-adjustments—refining the phrases I used, experimenting with different ways to introduce the products, and getting more comfortable in my role as both vendor and storyteller.
By Sunday, I felt like a pro. Conversations with customers flowed naturally, and I even managed to form connections with nearby vendors, sharing laughs and stories during the slower moments.
Wrapping Up
As I packed up at the end of the weekend, I reflected on how much I had grown in just a few days. What started as a nerve-wracking experience of trial and error became a rewarding journey of connection, learning, and community.
I walked away with new skills, a few new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into running a market booth. Most importantly, I left feeling even more inspired to continue sharing the message of Respectful Goods and the joy of eco-friendly living.
This was just the beginning, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!