At the end of March, I had my first One of a Kind Show experience where I exhibited my creative paper goods in what was probably the biggest and most beautiful artisan show in North America. It was also my debut in the big city of Toronto and what an amazing 5 days it was! So much creative energy in the air.
The centre aisle at the OOAK Show was filled with artsy handmade goodness. Each show hosts a themed competition for its artisans and this Spring was all about the Bunny Rabbit — my entry was a giant version of my spring bunny card.
From an exhibitor’s perspective, the show was very well organized – set up and tear down were a breeze and many convenient services were available like a lounge, coin exchange, nap rooms (although I was too busy savouring every moment to even think about sleep).
At my booth O-20, the Chemis-tree was such a hit with an attractive display that drew people near and many interesting conversations were sparked about my chemical interpretation of life. I also got a few good and some not so good suggestions of new chemicals to add to this evergrowing collection by those who stopped by. Other best sellers were cards from the Simple Collection, perfectly concise cards that get the message right to the point. As well as some other fan favourite designs like the marching elephants baby card, golf birthday card, wedding dress, xylophone, and file folder card.
I was part of the Rising Stars neighbourhood together with some of the best booth neighbours at the show – Marijke from mble, Michelle from thunderpeep designs, and Teri from When Piggies Fly. For me the Rising Stars section felt like the first year of university where everyone was wide-eyed and new, making friends, and learning from each other and the veteran vendors at the show. Now that the show is over, I really miss all my new friends but I have a feeling, we will be keeping in touch for a very long time.
A highlight of the show and to my pleasant surprise, was to learn that Handmades by Rovena was selected as one of the Five Finds at the OOAK by the National Post. I might actually be a little more famous now and it looks like it’s time to start a Press Page on madebyrovena.com.
It was so lovely that many friends were able to visit me at the show.
My Spring Giveaway Contest winner, Victoria Lau, also stopped by and I was so touched that she had handmade a card to wish me well at the show.
During breaks, I managed to squeeze in a little bit of shopping and here are some of the awesome things I got – hand cream by the Matter Company, a golden crown from Fancy Pants Kid for my son because he’s my little lion hence king of the jungle, and I traded some of my cards for a really cool insect/motorcycle convertible print by a fellow rising stars exhibitor Joe Jin. I wish I could have spent more time shopping, especially at the Flavours Section… next time I’ll have to get more booth helpers so I can have more free time.
Alas, it wasn’t me alone. If not for the help of so many people, it would have been impossible to achieve this dream of exhibiting at the OOAK Show. So much gratitude and heartfelt thanks goes out to my mom for taking care of my little one at home, my husband for standing with me at my booth, Flora from Flowerpot Designs for helping me booth sit on one of the days. Many thanks also to my friends and all the lovely people who visited me at the show. Perhaps the hardest part about doing the show was not seeing my son for the five days but I promise to make it up to him by spending lots of time with him in the upcoming days and months.
Although my first OOAK Show has come and gone, I look forward to the possibility of being a part of it again. Till then, I shall always remember some really sweet words by a customer at the OOAK Show that will motivate me for years to come. She said, “Don’t ever stop doing what you do because you are so good at it!”
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