As a member of the UK Craft and Hobby Association CHA UK, I recently had an opportunity to have a small stand at the Craft Hobby and Stitch International trade show (2016). It was a new initiative for their designer educator and blogger members (DEBs). The cost was £80 which included a 6ft table and back wall space. There were 8 other DEB members that also took up the offer. I’ve never exhibited at a trade show before felt really nervous about showcasing my work. I knew that I need to just do it though. I’m a great believer in faith and action. A dream is only a dream until you take action to make it a reality.
This was a great opportunity to get my work in front of the industry’s “movers and shakers”. I wanted to get feedback on my recent work and see if my next plans and goals for my little brand were actually viable. Having spent well over 10 yrs creating digital content in a niche area of the industry, I now wanted to get my work licensed for fabric and paper craft products.
Steve was incredibly supportive and helped me put together some marketing materials and write a plan for the three day show. Who did I want to see? What did I want to achieve? I had some fabric swatches of my designs printed at Spoonflower and made some bunting. We had a banner printed along with prints of my designs. I made some post cards and some fun A5 colouring in cards for people to take away.
The Designer Showcase stands were set up as part of the CHA UK stand so there were was a lot of support from them and the other designers. We all got on well and it was a great creative atmosphere from the get go.
I wasn’t expecting too much on the first day of the show as it’s usually a busy day with mainly retailers looking to buy new products. However it proved to be equally positive and interesting start to the three days and we had a good number stop and chat about my work. One interesting aspect was the number of retailers that were disappointed I didn’t have fabric there and then they could order. It was a good indication for me that I was in the right place and going in the right direction for my work. Following on from the the show, I was later contacted by someone that had stopped by and chatted and they bought some designs from me.
I had two appointments with UK fabric and textile companies and the feedback I got from them both was invaluable. I was impressed that they took time out of the show to sit with me and go through my portfolio give me feedback and tell me how I can further develop my designs. I have a follow up meeting with one of those companies and thrilled to see where my work will go.
I also had a meeting with a couple of paper crafting companies with similar feedback on my work. really cannot say enough about what an amazing experience it was. It was incredible to get my work in front of key decision makers in the industry. To have some quality conversations with them was worth every minute. Sometimes it really does only take a conversation with someone. It also made me realise the importance of chatting with people face to face.
The three days at the show went so fast. Literally a whirlwind. It was a big thing for me to put myself out there. Always someone that has struggled with self-esteem and confidence issue. At some point, you just have to forget about the fear and the nonsense in your head and do it anyway. I did and it was so worth it.