market vlog 🌸 first summer night pop-up shop in los angeles

Last week we had quite the adventure prepping for our first night market. Initially, the market was set for 12-5 PM on Saturday, but we found out it was moved to 4-8 PM. This was a relief since the heat was making us melt. However, with just two days to prepare for our FIRST EVER night market, it was a scramble!

Prepping for the Market

First off, we had to mock up the canopy setup and figure out the layout for our tables. But since the lights and command strips for the canopy weren't arriving until Friday, we had to wait. Our plan was to get those lights ready since this was our first outdoor event and we didn't have any lighting sorted out.

I also needed to finish up making some mugs and sort out the odds and ends for the display. One fun tidbit: I initially thought I had more mugs to make, but I had already finished them. So, I ended up just replacing stickers on the ones I had.

We received an email detailing the setup process, which was very thorough and put my worries to rest. Once I got back to prepping, the real work began. Setting up the vinyl sheets, transfer tapes, cutting mats, and all the little tools for the mugs was a task in itself. And boy, was it hot!

Last-Minute Details

When the lights arrived, they were these nifty cabinet lights with magnet strips, making them perfect for our metal canopy. By evening, everything stayed put, though the backdrop gave us a bit of trouble flapping around in the wind. I even made a quick trip to Five Below for some last-minute decorations, which, despite not finding any, led to getting colorful storage bins that fit our brand vibe perfectly.

Testing the Setup

As night fell, we tested the lights. They did a great job lighting up the tables, making everything look cozy and inviting. By the time we packed up, we felt ready for the market day ahead.

Market Day

On market day, we set up around 4 PM, and the evening went pretty smoothly. We had one small hiccup with stickers flying off the Spinners due to the wind, but we mcgyvered a solution and managed to get everything up right on time. The market had a good foot traffic flow, with folks stopping by on their way to the food hall nearby.

One surprise was the number of people wanting to pay with cash, which we weren't prepared for. Note to self: next time, bring a big sign saying "cashless only."

Was It Worth It?

Was it worth it? Financially, we made a small profit, but the experience and exposure were invaluable. Plus, it beat staying home on a Saturday! We learned a lot and had fun, which is what matters most.

Thanks for following along on our market adventure. If you've done a night market or are thinking about it, drop a comment. Let's share tips and experiences! See you next time, queriditos! 🌟