My First Event

If you follow me via social media you will have seen already that last Monday (28th August 2017) I launched a pop-up workshop/stand at my first event, my local village show.

Making Myself Known

I’ve not purposely gone out my way to advertise my services very local as I was just starting out and chose to hit the equestrian market specifically and target market via social media instead.

After Monday’s experience however, I have realised that I have not made myself known in my local area enough.

“How on earth can I make a success of this business if I don’t even advertise in my local villages!?”

If you missed this first event then don’t worry because there are more coming up soon.

The Stand

My pop-up stand was a success!

I hadn’t planned to sell much, although I did sell a couple of items which covered what I had spent to register the stand at the show, so that was a win-win result.

I had made a few leather belts with brass, nickel and equine-themed buckles on and some magic braided leather bracelets to sell but otherwise, the stand was decorated with the bridle work that I had completed for my City & Guilds Bridle Making exams, as examples of what I can make to order.

A Makeshift Work Bench

I also took a small selection of tools & equipment so I could finish off the belts if anyone brought one, as I was offering a made to measure service, but also I could show off some traditional saddler stitching techniques too.

Whilst meeting lots of new and existing friends during the day I had a lovely conversation from a leatherworker who has recently retired, known locally as ‘The Cowboy’ apparently he used to own a shop in Cradley Heath where he specialised in all things western.

I finally met the lady who keeps two donkey’s near to our cottage and I also received a repair job on the day from a local car enthusiast.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, for the first event Lady Saddler attended, I had a super day.

We had beautiful weather, a cold beer (or two) was had, I sold a couple of items which covered my stand fee, many business cards were taken and I conversed with some lovely people.

I am certainly excited to do it all again next year. 😃

Online Shop

If you want to have a look at some of the saddlery and accessories available for sale, then feel free to check out my online shop.