Tips & Tricks for Success at The Local

Looking to become a vendor at The Local? Here's a little advice from The Local Team for what we look for when recruiting new vendors to the market!

We also sat down with some of your favorite vendors to learn more about their experience with The Local and what advice they had to offer.

Advice from The Local team

1. Handcrafted

The Local is all about showcasing local artisans and their talented work. When looking for new vendors, we look to see how your product was made and why it was created. Everyone has a story and we want to hear your's!

2. Social Media Presence

A social media presence for a new business is recommended because it helps build brand awareness and increase your customer base. Using tools like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can help you reach a variety of demographics. As you gain customers from markets such as The Local or private events, maintaining a social media presence will help you connect with current customers.

3. Branding

Branding your business can be more than the way you make your labels or pack your merchandise. Your brand identifies who you are as a business and reflects your values and your mission. When branding your business, think outside the box to find ways you can stand out from your competitors. Have a creative and unique business name that draws attention and clearly reflects your brand. Put your personality into it.

4. Photography

Having good photos of your products helps guests find and see your products clearly and makes your products more appealing. They do not have to be done by a professional photographer by any means. Having a clean background and good lighting will set you up for success. *hot tip- show your product in everyday use

Advice from current vendors at The Local

"Be stubborn on your dream but flexible on your methods and willing to pivot!"

-Mallory Gale (Interwoven Collective)

"Trust the process and enjoy the time out to connect with your community members!"

- Samantha Junek (Mas Cookies)

"Mindset really is everything. The reason I am where I am today, apart from Jesus guiding me, is because I simply said and believed “I am going to do this.” Not “I can do this”- “I AM going to do this.” I believed it as a FACT, not a possibility. Anytime I was told no, my idea failed or someone questioned me- it didn’t matter because I had a FACT I was working towards. The biggest reason I accredit the success of my business to is Jesus. I asked Him to be my business partner, and He has guided me and opened doors that I never could’ve. He has heavenly knowledge on all things- even business!"

- Angelle Smith (Angelle's Floral)

"I always tell new businesses: there’s always room at the table. I can say quite frankly, there’s a bunch of candle businesses in town. Candle businesses are literally everywhere, you can’t get away from it. BUT everyone offers their own style, their own ways of doing things, their own originality. There’s always room for another no matter what line of business you’re in, just make sure you’re doing it YOUR way and not in the image of another"

-Devia Dunham (Rainy Day Candle Co.)

"Always engage with people... Stand up and greet them. Love what you do and share that love with people you talk to."

-Linda Rippingham (Bumblebee Glass and Crafts)

"Surround yourself with positive supportive folks. Always believe in yourself and your passion. If you do that you'll always be successful."

-Louella LeBlanc (Triple L Glamour Goat Co.)

"Comparison is the thief of joy. Do your own thing. Love what you do/make. Don’t just copy other people, that will be noticed. Be true to you and work hard. No task is too small or beneath you. And keep dreaming and learning and growing. Have ambition and goals."

-Amy Aceto (Cera Soy Candles)

"Don't forget your change for those paying cash, and always bring a set of battery-operated lights and a super long extension cord just in case!"

-Elyssa Nunez (Alchemy Cookies)

"Develop partnerships and relationships with as many local businesses!"

- Samuel Kotch & Kassandra Espinoza (S.O.S. Cotton Candy)

"Just start! Find a passion and go for it even if it is starting small that is the hardest part."

- Lauren & Lexi Lindemulder (Beaded Blondes)

"Just keep swimming"

-Ashleigh Torres (Glow in the Dark Arts)

"No matter how big you get, never stop doing farmer markets so you can always connect with your customers"

-Shane Nobles (Pain Train Salsa)

"We encourage them to keep trying and each market is different and you have to believe in you and what your doing so that other people can believe"

-Diamond Brazile (Inceptions Kandle Co.)