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| Demo Day at Greenstar Co-op Ithaca, NY |
Taking my wares to market is a great chance to break from the solitude of working in a lab. I get to shift gears and prepare my samples, set-up and costume (yes, I like to put on red lipstick).
It is an opportunity to meet people that I don't know, face to face and speak openly about what I can do for them, why I make what I make the way I do and generally hand out free swag.
Instantly I feel open, happy (after a bit of apprehension preparing) and thrilled to meet people who are curious and willing to put their guard down for a moment to come up to speak to me.
Different venues bring different clientele, values and interests. I am particularly drawn to co-ops as the members are usually very well educated about what they put in their mouths and on their bodies.
I get a chance to walk my talk.
You also never know what is going to happen.
It can be hopping and happening...or
you're all dressed up and...
nobody shows.
That is the way it was for the three years I tried the Bridal Show circuit. Boy did my feet get sore. I made a commitment to stand the entire time, meet and speak to every single person who walked by my booth and I had an assistant gather e-mails.
In three years, I received nay an order. I spent more time educating people about bespoke perfumery. Most people in the rural part of upstate NY could not wrap their heads around the concept.
It was the same when I brought massage therapy to the area. I was an ice-breaker for therapists who came years later. Some of us are ice-breakers and pioneers.
We pave the ways so others can bring the next level of expertise.
I wouldn't change that role for a minute. I truly believe in what I have to offer. Just a little bit ahead of my time perhaps.
Here is to all you trendsetters out there - be forever creative.
