SLP's First Montreal Market!

SLP just had its first Montreal market! There are so many — if not every — market I've applied to, and this was the first one that accepted us. That lovely news was quickly followed by the real challenge: making sure I had enough material for such occasion!

Considering I have a 5 month old baby and a vivacious toddler boy (aren't they all?), this was not an easy task to tackle. In the end, it came down to my lovely mother-in-law — who is staying with us and took care of the baby — my amazing partner, who took care of everything else, and me waking up at 4am every morning. That was the winning combo :D

The market itself was awesome! And what made it even more special — besides my family supporting me through it all — were the friends who showed up for me every step of the way. From the likes and shares on Instagram to actually even coming in person — thank you all immensely!

I was also lucky to have an amazing neighbor at the market: Lin, of @linspirationknits! Check her out — this girl knows her stuff when it comes to winterwear, and she's an absolute delight to talk to.

Of course, the market had its challenges. One was being seated near drop-shippers — yes, you heard that right. The table next to mine was selling charms for 3 for $1, or 5 for $1. Needless to say, hers was the most visited table - how can anyone compete with those prices?

There was also an anime convention happening in the same plaza on Sunday, which brought a steady stream of younger visitors — lovely energy, but not exactly the target audience for custom journals and similar handmade pieces priced over $10 :')

All in all, I learned so much. Preparing for this market wasn't easy — I didn't have quite enough material to feel fully comfortable, and I didn't even have a display yet. And yet I managed to pull it all together in three weeks, while still caring for my family and myself. One more proof of what we're truly capable of and how we can rise to the occasion. For all that, I am deeply grateful.

I can't thank my family enough for their support through this endeavor. Leaving my previous job to pursue this wasn't an easy decision, but the support from my family, and the feedback I keep receiving from people, helps me truly believe I'm on the right path, and that I'm doing something right.

I hope I can keep up with expectations, keep improving and growing, and keep making people smile when they see a product from SLP.

Thank you all so much for the love. It's what keeps me going.

With love,

Hope