It has been almost a year since I started putting my words into action. I went at it secretly, only letting a few people in my circle know of my idea. Those in my circle know, I have always wanted to be doing my own thing…but could never find anything that I was truly passionate about. My background included fundraising, marketing, special events and volunteer coordination for non-profits and in the community at many different levels. I come from a small town in Norfolk County but have been in London, Ontario for about 23 years.
Back up to 2014, I had been dating a gentleman from Waco, Texas and eventually was on track to immigrate there through the 90-day fiancé visa application. I had never heard of Chip & Joanna Gaines or Fixer Upper whole craze until a co-worker at the time found out I was going to Waco. I had only heard of Waco in a bad sense and come to find out that “it” did not even happen in Waco. Well, let me tell you, I fell in love with Texas. This is when it all began…my love for chalk painting, refurbishing, antiques, vintage, refurbishing AND MARKETS!
I always picked up furniture on the side of the road, loved antiques and embraced the whole vibe of markets, but this vibe was so different in the US. The culture of a market was different. If you have been to a market in the US, you would understand. Texas has some amazing antiques and markets! The same co-worker kept telling me “Mel, you have to go to Magnolia....I am telling you; you have to go…”. So I went to the original Magnolia and I went down La Salle Avenue and I was hooked. Then eventually I went to see “The Silos” before it became so busy and was so in “ahhhh” That same co-worker, who I classify as a dear friend, pushes my limits and ideas with my painting skills. Little did I know, my experience in Texas was setting me up for an idea.
In 2016, I was living back in Canada, as the relationship did not work out in Texas (I think I loved Texas more than him lol) and I was on track to getting re-established again with a job and house. I was chalk painting and refurbishing until my heart’s content as I had sold most of my furniture for the big move south. If you ever ask anyone from my circle, they will tell you I did not feel settled back in Canada, I was still wanting to be somewhere else or doing something else…and I did not know why, and this went on for 2 years.
In 2018 is when I took that leap of faith and put my words and dreams into action. I had an idea that I saw in the US, and I poked around, did research and trod very lightly with my idea. I started to implement my traveling market idea in October 2018 and in January 2019, I was knee-deep in it and the ball was rolling. June 7th & 8th, I had a market in Simcoe, ON and on August 23rd & 24th I had another one in Aylmer, ON. This was my trial-and-error year. I had really no expectations except to get vendors and shoppers to buy into the idea. Remember I said I wanted to tread lightly…I wanted to see if this concept would work. Boy oh boy, it did!! People came from all over Ontario, from Toronto to Windsor. Absolutely there were bumps and bruises along the way, anyone who is in business will tell you that there are and that is what makes you grow.
I cannot thank enough the vendors who participated in the markets and who believed in my idea. All your support was the best! It was amazing to meet every one of you. I could see your passion and love for what you sell. There are some amazingly talented individuals amongst us, and I was lucky to meet some of them. I look forward to meeting so many more along the way.
I cannot thank enough the staff at the Aud in Simcoe and Aylmer Fairgrounds. You helped me immensely! You were more than accommodating and such a pleasure to work with.
And last but least I cannot thank enough my circle, my mom, sister, children, Kathy, Miss Karen, Kim, Alex & Joey who listened when that is all I wanted, or a shoulder to lean or to give me those little words of encouragement- “Would you F@@@ do it already!” (Joey) Love you all so very much! I appreciate every single one of you. You will never understand how much.
And my social media cheerleaders … you guys are the best! Every single one of you. Your likes clicks and words of support are so appreciated! They help my business reach others and grow.
I am extremely fortunate to have a great first year, with phase one of my plan complete. And now I have both feet down and running with phase two. So stay tuned for where we will be in 2020! Cause you never know where this girl with gypsy feet might be!