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Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

I feel like my life today is easily summed up in 3 parts...

The Good
I'm FINALLY done setting up

The Bad
I'm waiting for my bags to be brought up...
could be a while...

The Ugly
My Face.
I literally look tore back right now


My super great helper Gina and I arrive at Bally's and head over to our booth ready and excited to get started. It's actually pretty fun to see a blank space and know that in a couple of hours (or more like 8) you'll have a fun little space to sell your wares.


As we're setting things up, we start to notice the other booths around us. ALL of them have these REALLY nice, professional displays... with professional signage... and I start to freak out. I feel completely out of my element and realize that in the hopes of saving money by NOT shipping out 'freight' (and instead fit all my supplies into 2 large suitcases - and a couple of 'flat rate' mailing boxes) I have actually done myself a dis-service as now my booth looks like a 2nd grade craft project (and to any 2nd graders reading this - I'm not 'hating' on you, but when you're 33 you have different goals) and I kind of feel like crying a little bit - or fainting since I hadn't eaten anything.


The Good
I take a break and get something to eat
(and start brain storming a 'Plan B')

The Bad
My idea requires finding a Joann's,
buying new supplies & sewing new 'decorations'

The Ugly
Nothing like spending $150 on items you already have at home
Oh - and tack on $80 for the cab ride. Awesome.

If there's one good thing about today - it's that God allowed me to find 2 print fabrics that coordinate with the Blooms that I had already made. So it was able to be pulled together without looking like I did everything last minute (at least I think I'm pulling this off) We spend another 5 hours sewing, ironing, cutting, breaking, hanging, taping, sticking, folding, clipping, arranging and it turns out like this:

You may not notice a huge difference, but the difference is huge to me. I will say that I knew going into this that it would be a 'learning opportunity' as I have never done a show like this before. One main thing - is that I didn't bring enough product, or ways to display it. But hey - what are you going to do. Lesson learned.


So now I'm headed off to bed to get some much needed sleep. I'm hoping that my some-what salvaged booth will not be a total turn off to potential clients, and they'll still come and talk to me anyway.

Oh yeah, one more thing... if you happen to notice that the pictures are slightly crooked, or un-even, or something looks out of place - please don't tell me. I've totally come to an almost 'good place' about what we were able to get done and I really can't take any bad news... I don't have the energy - and sadly, I'm not kidding either.



10 comments:

Sara said...

Oh Rachel,

It looks awesome! Seriously. I hope you were able to get some good sleep, eat a hearty breakfast and get your "super cute" look on (you know how you can pull that off!).

Good luck today, and I can't wait to hear how it goes. And too bad I can't be there to "attack" potential buyers. Or maybe not... :)

Sandhya said...

Rachel- It really looks amazing....and yes, I can see a big difference in the pics and I love what you added. The people are going to LOVE your blooms! I can't tell you how many times we get stopped when Asha wears her blooms and I am always so excited to tell them about you. People want to buy something unique and you've got it. Have fun today and I hope it all goes well!

Sarah Moulton said...

Rachel it looks great! I can tell a big difference in the two and the changes were a great idea! Nice work! I'll be praying for you!
Sarah Moulton

Mama Kat said...

look how snazzy it looks!! Seriouslly, I could have given you pipe cleaner, and you could work magic!! I love crafty people and am totally jelous of you. (you know in the God totally knows and agrees with me that I am allowed to be jelous of you kind of way.)
Kathie

K.C. said...

get yourself over to La Creperie at Paris and indulge in the very berry crepe. It will make all your worries disappear into a fruity, crepe-y, whipped creme goodness.

your booth is awesome, you are awesome, your blooms are awesome...and I would know- I'm wearing one right now!!!!

Little Lesiw said...

Awe... thanks guys. Nothing like great friends to make me feel better!

Oh, and KC - I ate dinner at 10:30p last night at a place RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the crepe place! I was staring at their sign the entire time! I'll have to try it out. :)

Amber said...

Hey Rachel,

I think your booth looks fantastic. And, the best part is your product rocks!!! I hope everything goes well at your event ;)

andy and meg said...

I realize I'm a little late here, but I loved the before and after pictures. You did some incredible fix-ups. It all looks so professional. I can't imagine being under that kind of time-crunch. Way to go, Rachel. You're the bomb...or should I say, you're the bloom.

Meg

Kristen said...

I am so glad I found your blog. I had NO idea what you were going through with your booth. I wish I was better at going up and talking to people. I had my car and that same morning had to find a Jo-Ann's myself. I would have gladly carted you around. We'll have to plan better for next time! Your booth did look great BTW! If I had to do that at the last minute with all the sewing etc. I would never have been able to pull it off. You are amazing!

Rachel Rogers said...

Ok, like seriously, you are so talented. Miss you!

 
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