Learning, Growing and Embracing the Weirdo in 2025

Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal experiences as a trader in 2025. It is not intended as a comment on any specific market or organiser, and all observations are subjective. It is offered for guidance and education only.

This year I made a conscious choice to really explore craft markets. I wanted to try markets of all types, from those specific to crafts to the more general ones.

I wanted to discover whether selling in person was something I would enjoy and whether it could help my business reach a broader audience. The experience has been a bit like rummaging through your granny’s button tin: a mixture of treasure, chaos, and the occasional missing button, or, in our case, shelving units!

Firstly, I want to give my respect and thanks to the many market organisers I have met who go above and beyond for their traders. Your professionalism, clear communication and commitment to safety, fairness and the law make craft markets enjoyable, inspiring, and financially viable for small handmade businesses. Thank you.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that not every market I attended was run to the same standard. Some events were more challenging to navigate, with less clarity around logistics, fees, or setup. This created extra stress, additional costs, and unexpected complications for me personally.

This blog is not about naming or blaming anyone. It is about sharing my knowledge and lived experience, highlighting what to look for, and helping traders make informed decisions.

I do not want this blog to feel negative, but in order to protect you, it’s important to be aware of both positive and less smooth experiences. That is how we learn.

 

Trading Alone, Demasking and Finding Your Tribe

At the beginning of 2025, I attended events with my business partner, but circumstances meant this was not always possible. So I took the leap to trade alone.

Trading solo was terrifying. I was weighed down by massive anxiety and imposter syndrome, but this has actually been one of the best things that happened to me this year. It has been incredibly empowering. It has taught me resilience, patience, and given me the freedom to demask.

Holding my “NT” mask all day while trying not to show my incredibly geeky passion and knowledge was exhausting. How can I promote authenticity and genuine connection if I am hiding my true self?

So, I decided to let the weirdo out.

I began stimming openly.

• If you see me swaying side to side, it is how I regulate.

• If you see me animated and tactile, it means I am genuinely excited and passionate about our conversation.

I used to downplay my knowledge, holding back from sharing what I knew because I was scared of eye rolls or judgement. That look people give when you are a bit too enthusiastic, raised eyebrows, little sighs, it would make me shrink back into myself. It made me feel like expressing genuine excitement made me a "know-it-all." But that was never my intention. I just get really animated when I find something or someone I can truly connect with.

Someone once told me I was unnaturally obsessed with a topic I cared about, and it stuck with me. I have never considered that my passion could look like obsession. I see it as joy. I see it as me wanting to understand things properly so I am not misunderstood.

Living with trauma taught me to understand the ins and outs of policies, procedures, and laws because it made me feel safer. Learning became my way of feeling grounded, competent, and secure.

When I turned 40, something shifted. I looked at my children and realised they deserve a mum who shows up as her full, authentic self. Because if I keep hiding parts of who I am, I am teaching them to do the same. They deserve a life where they can be open, expressive, and gloriously weird, because weird is wonderful.

Now I share what I know freely. Ninety per cent of the time, people genuinely appreciate it. The others? They just do not understand my passion or my trauma, and that is okay. They are not my tribe.

When I began to demask, something magical happened. The people who once made me feel too much faded quietly into the background, and the ones who saw me, really saw me, stepped closer. These are the people who value curiosity, creativity, and kindness. The ones who do not flinch when I stim, info-dump, or ramble about yarn weights and mental health. They nod, smile, and say, “Yes, me too queen!”

That is the power of authenticity. It is not about being liked by everyone. It is about being understood by the right ones. When you find that, when your weird finds its home, it feels like finally exhaling after holding your breath for years.

Anyway, I digress, sorry. Markets, right, here we go.

 

Not All Markets Are Created Equal

From my lived experiences this year, I have learned that general craft markets attract a broad audience, which does not always include people most interested in my craft. This is no reflection on organisers; most are doing their absolute best and my heartfelt thanks goes to you.

I have found that markets specifically designed for fibre artists have been consistently supportive and well-run. These events attract my audience and make a real difference for my business. I know this might sound obvious, but before I started doing markets I just thought if I plonked myself somewhere I would find my people and make my sales. Nope!

 

The Magic of Well-Run Markets

Markets designed for makers, particularly fibre arts and crochet, have a distinct energy. Every stall feels connected by a shared passion, and visitors arrive with curiosity and genuine appreciation. Families stop to ask questions, children marvel at soft toys and colourful pieces, other crafters linger over details they might never have tried before.

Fellow traders also make the experience extraordinary. Everyone is supportive rather than competitive. If a display falls over, someone is there to help. If it is pouring down and your lift has not arrived, people will stand with you and protect your stock.

Well-run markets foster long-lasting friendships and networks that continue far beyond the event itself.

In my experience, some events were less straightforward: stall spacing felt tight, walkways were less clear, and communication about setup, safety, or fees could have been clearer. These are my personal observations and do not reflect on any individual organiser.

Finding a good organiser and event planner allows you to focus on your craft and customers without anxiety about overlooked hazards.

 

What to Look For in an Organiser

Going forward, I will:

• Check organisers’ credentials via Companies House or charity number verification.

• Ask about all fees prior to payment and request written confirmation.

• Confirm setup and pack-down times.

• Ask which traders are attending, as events dominated by resellers can feel different to maker-focused ones.

• Check organisers’ approach to health and safety. While I do not assume anyone is negligent, knowing they are aware of legal obligations helps me feel secure.

Organisers have a legal duty to provide a safe environment, conduct risk assessments, maintain emergency procedures, and ensure first aid provision. As a trader, you also have protections under contract law, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and health and safety legislation. If an organiser cannot provide a pre-agreed service or space, or if the space becomes unsafe, you are entitled to request a refund.

No organiser has the right to threaten legal action for asking for what you are legally entitled to.

 

What to Look for in the Location

Space and Layout
Ask for a floor plan or visit the venue beforehand. Walkways should be clear, comfortable, and accessible for everyone.

Noise and Atmosphere
Excessive noise can affect sales. Thoughtful organisers create an environment where people feel welcome and relaxed.

Safety First
Check that emergency exits are clear and easy to access. Fire safety measures and first aid should be in place. Observations are personal, and these tips are for guidance, not claims about specific events.

Footfall
Unless ticketed with evidence of sales, do not assume the event will be busy. Marketing and promotion provide a rough estimate of visitor numbers, but no organiser can guarantee sales.

 

Before, During, and After a Market

Preparation is key.

Legal and Business Essentials

• Register your business with HMRC.

• Public Liability Insurance (PLI).

• Only sell original work or items you have permission to reproduce.

Personal Comfort and Wellbeing

• Comfortable clothing and shoes.

• Sensory aids, water, snacks, medications, small stool.

• Hand sanitiser, tissues, mini first aid kit.

Display and Sales Materials

• Tables, cloths, display stands, lighting, signage, business cards.

• Cash float, card reader, receipts.

Product Safety and Compliance

• Toys for children must comply with UKCA regulations.

• Correct labelling, age restrictions, safety warnings.

Health and Safety Awareness

• Know emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid points.

• Check for trip hazards, stable displays, and clear aisles.

Marketing and Engagement

• Share social media handles, prepare information for workshops or kits.

During the Market

• Greet customers warmly.

• Keep your stall tidy and safe.

• Observe interactions authentically.

• Take care of yourself.

After the Market

• Pack down safely.

• Clean your area and take all rubbish.

• Thank organisers and traders, maintain connections.

 

Looking Forward for Rainbow Dandelion Crochet

I will continue attending events, focusing on markets directly related to yarn, crochet, and mindfulness. These are spaces where my craft resonates, where I am free to be the weirdo I am, and where I am surrounded by people who lift each other up.

Trading solo has taught me resilience, authenticity, and the importance of choosing markets wisely. It has connected me with my tribe, allowed my creativity to flourish, and made my business a true reflection of my values, passion, and humanity.

Trading at markets is not just about selling. It is about connection, community, safety, and showing up as your true self.

For me, 2025 has been about embracing the weirdo, finding my tribe, and discovering the incredible joy of well-run, supportive craft markets.