i’m done with markets

at the beginning of my ceramics journey, i’d sign up for as many markets as possible. i’d launched my brand 3 months ago when I first went to anjos70. it mattered to me that people could meet me in person and see live / hold / touch my ceramics. as an online business owner, these markets provided such human connection. but skip to 2025, and no one seems to crave connection anymore.

i was selling at a market last december. it was the coldest, most exhausting weekend. going home after, i recorded a voice note that started with i think i'm done with markets. i slept on the subject, then drafted a list of reasons i’ve collected through many markets. at the risk of sounding moralist, i narrowed it down to 3 topics:

1 — you can say hi, i won’t bite. what’s with people ignoring me saying hi? i’m only ever trying to be nice. pinky promise i’m not pushing you into buying ceramics.

2 — it was so cold i got sick after. signing up for markets is more and more expensive, but the market experience keeps getting more precarious. industrial buildings as market locations may seem cool in the summertime. standing still with 5ºc for 10 hours, not so much.

3 — i aim for a sense of community. i’m aware that my energy is limited and my time is precious. in the spirit of managing these resources wisely, i’d rather be hosting a clay play, creating in community and connecting with other creative beings, than subjecting myself to endless hours of barely profitable sales.

markets or no markets, i am thrilled to unveil what 2025 holds for me. i’m longing where i’m thriving. sending love!

friendly disclaimer: when i say i’m done, it’s for the time being. it could be that i start to feel a change in the way people go to markets and interact with artists, makers and sellers. never say never. right now, the market experience is not serving me or my brand, so i’m directing my energy elsewhere.