Finding Inspiration & Sourcing Products

A question I am often asked in our shop is "Where do you find all these things??"

The simple answer is "lots of places," lol, but here is a little more insider info on my sources. I have been in the Gift Industry since 2001. I have exhibited Freshie & Zero at more than 40 wholesale shows, so I've met many creative people and discovered numerous amazing brands along the way. Am I tired? Yes, yes I am.

I've also been involved in the indie craft industry since 2006, so I've had the opportunity to meet many artists and designers during that time. There's even an entire 1-second clip of my jewelry in the 2009 Indie Craft Documentary, Handmade Nation what?! 

I could give you an earful about industry drama, who the heroes are, and who are true douche bags. But I won't do that today; you have to buy a girl a drink first. 😉

Another big source of product is, of course, a wholesale market! I attend the Atlanta Market (I think it's called something else now, but honestly, who can keep up?), which at one time was the largest wholesale market in the world - is it still? I don't actually know - the industry has seen a lot of changes since 2020!

I often spot very bizarre products at market - like WHO IS THAT SANTA SCULPTURE FOR??? Why does this EXIST??

Wholesale shows are getting smaller or disappearing (RIP National Stationery Show). Quite a bit of wholesale buying is done online now, but it's still nice to go to a show and see beautiful displays, new products, and get inspired! 

I like to have a theme to build our front table around for the year, and after much debate, mostly in my head, I have landed on the theme: Manifest Your Whimsy! It's all about escaping into nature, embracing the magical, touching grass, slowing down, and appreciating the little things in the world around you! Hear those birds chirping? MAGICAL! Smell that amazing perfume! SUBLIME! Read a few poems? YESSSS. Make your own matcha? DO IT.