I have a love, hate relationship with vending.
I applaud anyone that can mass produce anything they make. Most artists don’t like doing the same thing over and over. There’s got to be a break in the monotony, or seriously stubborn will-power. Building inventory is a feat because you have to find and be able to buy supplies. Then there’s everything else. The tables, business cards, mirrors, tools, displays, tissue, and bags. I know I’m missing something from this list and I will miss something once I’m at the show. How much inventory is needed is a huge factor too. I could buy a truck load of supplies and it will not be enough.
It’s one thing to see items on the display. It’s when I demonstrate the product that gets the ooh-do-it-again. I always get a little teary eyed. But after a few hours of that, I want an assistant or a looping video of people putting on the products. I want a whole team like Miss Jessie and them.
Driving around in downtown ATL and on 20s, 85s, 70s is for the birds. Driving more than two hours has my nerves on edge. Sleeping in hotels, I can’t stand it. I don’t want my skin touching the bed, floor, shower curtains, toilet.
With all of that said, the worst thing that happened to me is a lady tried to haggling. Vendors have already cut prices ridiculously low for quick sells. Don’t insult us.
I’ve summed up what I don’t like so here’s why I still get out there every now and again.
People recognizing me from the internet is so tickling.
People buying and wearing my accessories is still surreal.
Goodness, I missed the internet those few days I was without the internet. Working from the phone isn’t easy at all.
I was a little down hearted when a local hair show didn’t bring in the same attendance as the one last year. It can be blamed it on the economy, timing, location, and even the heat. I felt guilty because I had been bragging on what a wonderful turn out we had the previous year. I even said that we put on for the city. This time around, I’m left wondering what the hell happened. I know everyone didn’t leave the area. Last year was a debut show and maybe the newness wore off in a year. I can go on and on speculating, but there’s no need. I will continue to support local natural hair shows and thank everyone else who does too!
I’m turning this to you now. Do you support local shows? What can make them better? What do you want to see?
Right now, I’m following 13 people with 7 people following me. This sounds like when I first started off on twitter. My goodness, it took me months to get about 25 people on twitter. Now I have 3600 followers and I don’t even know the half.
My goal is to keep tumblr intimate!
