OLIO’s first Bowerbird Market was a delightful experience. So fabulous to meet loads of Adelaide women and introduce myself and my brand to them. I had thought that mask wearing might have made communication tricky, but the universal language of soft furnishings cut right through!
Of course it takes a village to put on a stall at Bowerbird. My village of generous friends Meredith, Kris and Dave were there to help me through the whole process. I literally couldn’t have done it without them.
It was also great to have existing OLIO women come up and say hello. I got more positive feedback about our recent Home Matters Tour. Everyone’s ready for the next one – I’d better get my planning skates on!
I learnt a lot about how to run a market stall. We kept tweaking the stall layout each day to make it as appealing as possible. It was wonderful to experience such a warm response to my colour filled homewares design. Perhaps we’re all ready for a bit of colour and optimism in our lives. Also fascinating to realise the demand for tea towels. We didn’t have any but we definitely will have next time!
And then, after what seemed to my back to be endless hours of standing on a concrete floor (there were moments when I thought ‘this market life is a younger woman’s game’), it was all over and we were packing up.
One of my favourite Bowerbird tasks was taking the OLIO Gift Basket Prize to its winner Mel and her little helper Matilda. I know that she will enjoy all the wonderful goodies from a great range of Adelaide businesses and artisans.
For those of you who couldn’t make it to Bowerbird this time, I am in the process of having the new OLIO aprons ($35), totes ($55) and pom pom cushions ($135) photographed and put up onto my website. Lovely locally designed and made presents just in time for Christmas.
Farewell first OLIO Bowerbird. I think I’ll be back again…..
More info on the fabulous Adelaide businesses and artisans who generously contributed to the Gift Basket Prize via the links below.