This post is about my experience running a vendor booth for the first time.
Nervous but Ready
This past weekend, I did something new. I set up my very first vendor booth at Dog Days Downtown in Middletown, Ohio.
I’ll be honest: I was nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve put myself out there, and that little voice of “is anyone going to care?” was hard to ignore even after I prayed about it.
But here’s what I learned… when you step out of your comfort zone, you make room for connection. REAL connection.
A Family Effort
One of the biggest blessings of the day was having my family by my side. It honestly made me emotional when we were driving to the event all stuffed in the truck together.
- My mom ran my commission raffle.
- My dad made small talk and jokes with anyone who walked by.
- My husband and my son gave me all the hugs and congratulations.
- All together, they helped me set up my space and made it feel like home.
Their support reminded me that even when I feel unsure, I don’t stand alone.
Highlights From the Day
There were so many moments that made this first event special:
- Painting live gave me something to do with my nerves and helped me connect with people who stopped to watch.
- I displayed different canvas sizes and print options so visitors could see what I offer.
- I got to meet so many dogs of every shape and size.
- The biggest surprise? Two of the dogs I’ve painted, Frank the Tank and Miss Chloe, came by my booth as special guests!
- I snuck in my portrait of Norman, my cat 🐈⬛
And to my amazement, people were excited to sign up for my newsletter list. Within 24 hours of the event, I already had emails rolling in. I couldn’t believe it.
The Power of Connection
One thing that struck me is how often people said, “you’re so talented!” That encouragement meant more than they probably knew. It reminded me that while imposter syndrome whispers lies, connection speaks truth.
As artists and really, as people, we were created to connect. Stepping into spaces where we meet face to face (and paw to paw 🐾) matters. It breaks us out of isolation and lights a fire to keep creating.
In fact, in the last month I almost didn’t post anything. And yet after Dog Days, I feel renewed. Inspired. Ready to share my journey again. That’s no coincidence.
A Word of Encouragement
Scripture says:
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
This past weekend, I experienced that truth firsthand. From my family’s help to the kind words of strangers, I left Dog Days with a heart full of gratitude and a deep reminder that we are not meant to do life or art for that matter… alone.
Looking Ahead
I’m so thankful to Mica, who ran such an amazing event, and I can already say: I’ll definitely be back next year. In the meantime, I’m planning out an event schedule because I see now how life-giving these connections can be.
✨ Commissions are open! If you’d like to create something beautiful together — a custom piece of art that tells your story — I’d love to connect with you.
Questions?
Check out the Commission Info page for everything you need to know to get on my books!
