It's been a week since the Barryfornia event, and I'm still buzzing with excitement from what turned out to be my most successful market day yet!
That View Though!
The view from the East Promenade was absolutely breathtaking. With the sun glistening on the water and the beach stretching out before us, it was the perfect backdrop for a day of trading. What made it even more special was watching the constant stream of people passing by, families heading to the beach with their buckets and spades, couples enjoying a romantic stroll, dog walkers getting their daily exercise, and curious visitors who'd come specifically for the event.
A Proper Turnout
I was genuinely chuffed with the response to my handcrafted bags. The new oilskin crossbodies proved particularly popular, with several visitors commenting on the unique fabric patterns. My key fobs were also a surprise hit, with many customers picking them up as thoughtful gifts or small treats for themselves.
Meeting You Lovely Lot
The best part of any market is connecting with you, the wonderful local community. I had the pleasure of meeting new faces. Your stories, feedback, and genuine appreciation for handcrafted items make every stitch worthwhile.
Lessons Learned: Cash is Still King!
One thing I quickly discovered at Barryfornia was that card payments don't always work reliably at busy outdoor events. With hundreds of people all trying to use the same 3G, 4G and 5G networks simultaneously, card machines can struggle to connect. Several traders (myself included) experienced moments of payment anxiety while waiting for transactions to process!
So here's a top tip for both traders and visitors: always carry some cash for outdoor markets. Whilst I accept a wide variety of debit & credit cards, having cash as a backup ensures you won't miss out on that perfect handcrafted item when technology decides to have a wobble.
What's Next
The success at Barryfornia has inspired me to bring even more unique designs to upcoming events. If you missed us at Barryfornia, don't worry! We'll be at Goodsheds Barry on 14th June (coinciding with Barry Pride).
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to Rothfink Industries for organising the spectacular Barryfornia event that brought vintage vehicle enthusiasts and indie market lovers together in such a perfect setting. Your vision for creating this unique event at Barry Island has given small businesses like mine an incredible platform to connect with the community.
I'd also like to extend my sincere gratitude to indie.collectives for curating such a wonderful indie market. Your dedication to showcasing independent makers and creating a supportive environment for small businesses makes all the difference. The careful selection of traders and attention to detail didn't go unnoticed!
Together, you've created something truly special that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit in Wales.
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