A Moody Day at AudreyRose Vintage: My Solo Vendor Experience

October 5th brought gray skies and gentle rain to my solo vendor spotlight at AudreyRose Vintage, but it was kind of what we needed after a hectic week.

Using an awesome mirror to put on makeup in the green room at AudreyRose

Finding Beauty in the Slow

When I arrived at the vintage shop for my 12 pm - 4 pm slot, Jessie was mid-paint job in their usual vendor setup area. We were tucked into the cozy green room instead, a life-sized version of an old I-Spy book. My husband and I settled in, ready to meet any fellow vintage shop lovers. Because of the nature of my art, my audience tends to overlap with this particular clientele.

The first few hours were quiet. A handful of visitors browsed through, but that sleepy Sunday vibe had everyone moving slowly. Rather than stress, we leaned into it. Turns out I'm very bad at I-Spy, but I enjoyed taking time to appreciate the vintage treasures around the room.

When the Right People Show Up

Just when we were ready to accept this day as a financial loss, everything shifted. Jess from Snip Chick Barber stopped by, and we fell into one of those genuine conversations that rejuvenate you. She told us about her very new barbershop she's built up as a safe space for all. She left with my hand-printed hoodie and bandanna, some of my favorite wearable pieces I've made.

Before we packed up, Jessie (from AudreyRose) also snagged some treasures from my collection, which always feels special when small businesses support each other.

Redefining Success at Pop-Up Events

Was it the heavy sales day I'd hoped for? No. But some vendor spotlights aren't about the numbers. This solo vendor experience became about connection, community, and remembering that slow days have their own magic. The clientele of vintage shoppers tends to overlap with my audience, so I was hoping for a heavier sales day. But some days are just moody and sleepy—the kind where you stay in, play I-Spy with your husband in a vintage shop, then go home to watch an old monster movie. And that's okay.

If you're a maker or artist considering pop-up shops and local vendor events, remember: not every day will be busy, but the right people will always find you.

On the 18th, I'll be back at AudreyRose with other local artists, and I can't help but always have my hopes up before a new market.