Hello, friends! How I have missed you. This month has been nothing short of a whirlwind, in the best possible way. After selling online for about a year, I brought Jillianastasia Paper Co. to life for the first time.
You may remember me talking about the ‘vintage paradise’ known as Junkstock in the past – I’m a little…okay a lot, obsessed. If you follow me on Instagram, you know my feed is usually filled with photos for weeks following the event. You’re welcome. When I found out Junkstock, the bi-annual 3-day event filled with peace, love, and junk, was accepting handmade vendors this fall, I immediately jumped on the application process. Being accepted was a total dream come true. The style of this event is totally up my alley, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take my little business to the next level.
Taking the leap was both extremely exciting and extremely nerve-racking. Since I had never done anything like this before, preparing for a crowd of 25,000+ was just a tad overwhelming. So many small details go into planning that one doesn’t immediately realize. The months of preparation was a journey full of unknowns, but I enjoyed every step of the way. Well, almost. ;)
Since there are many start up costs with doing something like this for the first time, I tried to be as crafty and as frugal as possible when it came to purchasing supplies for display and packaging. I’ll be sharing a few DIYs on refinishing and repurposing soon!
When the week of the event arrived, so many thoughts were racing through my head. I second guessed every decision I had made and doubt started to kick in. I started to wonder if I was wasting my time, if anything was even going to sell, and if I should just give up. Sleep deprivation can have that effect.
I’m thrilled to say that I could not be more pleased with how everything came together! It. was. amazing. By far, the best part was being able to interact with customers. I met some totally awesome, nice, genuine, fantastic people. I loved hearing what people had to say and learning ways I can make things even better for next time. That’s right – I’m planning on doing this madness all over again. Crazy? Maybe a little. But, I love it so.
The hugest of thank yous goes out to my wonderful mother and boyfriend. There’s no way I could have done it without these two – from set up to tear down and everything in between, they were my rocks. Thanks, guys.
‘Write Down All the Things’ 6 x 8 Notebook
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Love, love, love! Your booth looks fantastic! Hope to see it in person one day! :)
Thanks, Jessica!! If you ever make it to Omaha during June or October, let me know! :)
Love!!!
Amazing photos & such talent. Your booth was beautiful! Thanks for taking part in the event!
Thank you, Sara! I appreciate it! :)
Hi, Jillian, I visited your Junkstock booth and bought several items. I am a typeface and graphics freak, and I love my purchases. Will be following your progress in Omaha.
Thanks so much, Judy! So glad you love your purchases :)
Keep in touch!
-Jillian
Ah! I spy the prints you made for me! They look great! :D
Thank you, love!
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