What Selling at Markets Has Taught Me About My Customers

One of the best parts of selling at markets is watching people discover my work.

Online, I can see clicks, likes, and sales. At a market, I get to see what makes someone stop, what they pick up, what they ask about, and what they come back for.

Someone might stop for an upcycled shirt, then leave with earrings, a bracelet, or a gift for someone else. That has taught me how important it is to offer different things to discover. I love watching someone recognize a graphic they connect with. Suddenly, they're remembering a favorite show, hobby, band, team, or childhood moment. That's one reason I enjoy working with secondhand graphics. I never know which one will mean something to someone. 

People want to know the story and often ask, "Did you make this?"

That gives me a chance to explain how an upcycled shirt started as two thrifted shirts, how jewelry was made by hand, or how a material became something new. The process matters. Once people understand where something came from, they often see it differently.

Some shoppers see something and instantly know it's for them. With one-of-a-kind products, those moments are especially fun. There isn't another identical piece waiting behind it. That particular piece found its person.

People shop with friends and family, and I love hearing comments like:

• "That's so you."
• "You need this."
• "This would be perfect for her."

Markets let me meet the people on the other side of Treasures Recreated. I get to see what catches their attention, hear their questions, and watch them find something that feels made for them. Those interactions influence what I make next.

I may be the person making the products, but my customers have taught me a lot about what Treasures Recreated really is—and that's one of my favorite parts of showing up.