Hello friends and Hello September!
I blinked and now it's September. Busy season is upon me and I am scrambling to get everything done that I want to get done. It's presenting new and interesting challenges as I was working in 80% humidity just the other day and that threw a loop into all of my efforts. I did figure it out and again was eternally grateful that I was doing small batches so that I caught any issues before they became a major problem. There is definitely an advantage to being small!
I am pleased to report that my Fall/Christmas season is filling up! I've had a couple of sales shows that I've been wait listed for but honestly, once I get wait listed, I pretty much move on, pivot and find another venue that actually wants me. There is basically one event left that I am waiting on to see when they will open applications which will hopefully be in September and my season will be completed. This event is in December in the Vancouver area but like I mentioned, I have not even applied yet so I'm not sure that I will make it into this one or not. I will keep you posted!
So here is my 2023 Winter season schedule, with the option of a show being added in November and one in December:
Salt Spring Island Market - every Saturday until October 28, 2023 *note that I will not be there on September 30th or October 14th
Made In the 604 Sept 30th & Oct 1st at The Pipe Shop at The Shipyards, North Vancouver
West Coast Women's Show - October 13-15th at the Tradex, Abbotsford, BC
West Coast Women's Show - November 17 -19th at BC Place, Downtown Vancouver
Signatures Christmas Market - Nov 23 -26th at the Convention Center, Winnipeg, MB
Made In the 604 Dec 2 & 3rd at The Pipe Shop at The Shipyards, North Vancouver
And ... of course.... online sales with FREE shipping over $100 at any day of the week or any time of the day. It's whatever works for you!
And we are still working on getting equipment working for the NEW design that I am working on. I feel like we are so close to getting it to work. And yes, it seems like it is taking forever. At least, it sure feels like that to me but any completely new design made with entirely new equipment takes alot of time. Once this is done, I'll be sharing it with everyone and launching it online while also applying for shelf space in some year round shops here in BC. I'll keep you posted on when those will be available as applications are made and accepted as well.
So as you can see, I am busy! It is so exciting to have that feeling of the only thing holding me back is my production time and me figuring out how to get it all done. This feels like what I'm used to from the good old days. What a relief to finally find that again.
As always, with just as much conviction, I want to thank you all for your support and continued support. Alot of small businesses aren't making it through this year and it is a tough economy. Without your words of encouragement, your orders and your purchases, I would not be where I am today and I owe it all to you!! Thank you from the depths of my heart! I appreciate each and every one of you!
Sending all of my love until next time!
Lana