How to prepare for a show exhibit

I am so excited! Yesterday I was approved to exhibit at one of San Antonio’s newest events, the Mission Marquee Market, happening this Saturday. This will be my very first time showing my work in a public market, and the thought of people walking by, stopping, and looking at my pieces fills me with joy. I’ve shown them to family and friends, of course, but it’s not the same as having a stranger pause and admire (or not liking...) what you’ve created. That’s the kind of test I’ve been longing for.

I’ve been preparing for this moment for quite some time. Right now, I have almost eighty pieces finished, about forty earrings and forty necklaces and most of them made with sea glass type. For the past month, I’ve been thinking about how I want to present them and slowly gathering what I would need. Over the years, through my professional career of more than twenty years, I learned the importance of being perfectly prepared for a showcase. Exhibiting products became second nature, and I know how much of a difference good preparation makes when it comes to creating the right impression.

Because this market is outdoors, the tent was essential. Luckily, I already had one stored away in my garage, and after testing it we found everything still works perfectly. I also invested in a six-foot folding table, not too big, not too small, which will give me just the right amount of space without being difficult to carry. To set the scene, I’m using blue tablecloths that tie beautifully into the marine atmosphere I want to create, along with some seashells and even a piece of old wood from my backyard that looks like driftwood washed ashore.

For displaying the jewelry, I’ve put together a few simple but effective ideas. A wooden box will showcase earrings, a T-shaped stand will hold necklaces, and I also bought a five-tier earring stand to give the display more depth. About a month ago, I ordered a banner with my business name and logo, which I plan to hang in front of the table. To keep things modern and eco-friendly, I designed acrylic displays with QR codes, one for payment options, one showing prices, and another that instantly brings up my digital business card when the QR is scanned. I’ve avoided printing paper cards from the beginning, so this solution feels much more aligned with my values.

So here I am, just days away from my first market. I feel ready, excited, and grateful for the chance to share my work with a completely new audience. Hopefully, this will be just the first of many shows I attend this year, and with the holidays approaching, I can already imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.

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