The day began with promise as the first order rolled in before I could even set up my stall at the Elephant High cafe for Knot Square's debut with Ragi to Raga. Despite falling short of expectations, I was able to discover moments of joy sprinkled throughout the day.
The cafe has a delightful natural ambiance, surrounded by greenery, promoting a slow and healthy lifestyle. While the initial plan was to set up the table in the open, the cloudy weather raised uncertainties. Upon starting the setup, a slight drizzle prompted me to check with the organizer, who promptly assisted in relocating to a covered area in the corridor.
While transferring items to the corridor, an eager lady approached, expressing interest in my products. She requested my contact number as she couldn't wait for the stall setup. She told me it was a good decision to move inside, and wished me all the best for the day.
I got a chance to engage with a customer who then introduced me to her small business and inquired about the possibility of taking bulk product orders for her boutique. Concurrently, I engaged in a conversation with the organizers about potential collaborations in various areas, leveraging my background as a soft skills trainer.
Amidst these moments, a visitor looking at the kitchen set for kids remarked, "You have kept these things so small; they look like kids' play items." I had to admit, with a smile, "Yes, they are!
As the sale was very slow paced, late in the evening, I decided to make the most of my time by jotting down my thoughts for this blog. Just as I started, a group of little girls approached the stall and the birthday girl declared that they could choose any item as a return gift. Their selections, including favorite key tags and ear hoops, brought a sudden joy.
A customer seated nearby took a moment before leaving to express sincere appreciation, stating that 'these are really very nice', his words filled my heart with gratitude.
A curious co-stall participant inquired about my qualifications. Upon learning that I hold an MBA, she questioned why I had chosen the path of running my own art business instead of working in a corporate setting. I shared that after a decade in the corporate world, entrepreneurship was my new frontier. While she seemed to lean towards the security of working for someone else, I explained that an MBA is often pursued precisely for the purpose of venturing into independent business endeavors. Though she eventually acknowledged this perspective, a subtle hint of skepticism lingered in the air. In this exchange, I found a reminder that the journey of an entrepreneur is not just about the creations on display but also about navigating perceptions and staying true to one's passion and choices.
Reflecting on my journey through 10 stalls, I feel a profound sense of happiness. I still vividly recall the excitement of my first stall, and with each subsequent one, I approach it with the same optimism. Some days were exceptional, while others posed challenges, yet each day brought something unique and never failed to bring a smile to my face.
As we were packing, another customer approached us for a quick purchase. It felt good to start the day while unpacking and conclude it while packing up, encapsulating the dynamic essence of the entire experience.
-Archana Harish
Click here to watch the reel on our Instagram Page @knotsquare.in
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