Testing the Waters: My Weekend Market Experience in Dublin
Since launching in June, I have learned a lot in running an online start up business. There are things I need to learn and there are things I just learn a long the way. Within a month, I learned how crucuial weekend markets are for Soultera Pearls and although I had no intention to do them this year, the opportunity landed in my lap and I did it.
One evening, a friend who also ran her own business asked me if I could take her spot at the MART Gallery in Rathmines because she won’t make it. I was nervous because I have very little stock and didn’t even have the stuff needed at a market but she encouraged me that it will be a good opportunity to talk to customers and meet other people within the business. So I rolled my sleeves and told myself done is better than not done and I came with an open mind and enjoyed the early days of doing a Sunday Market.
I always thought that businesses who go to weekend market’s are there to make sales but this wasn’t the case for me at all, I was there for there to test out the waters of pearl jewellery within the Dublin markets. I remember getting advice from Stephen, the owner of Fresh Cuts, one of the leading sustainable fashion brands in Ireland and he shared that before he had a shop of his own, 10 years ago, he started with doing weekend markets as part of market research. He got first hand information from customers and was able to see directly which products and designs were drawing the most attention to his stall.
My first weekend market in Dublin was a great start for Soultera Pearls, even if it was a bit quiet. It gave me the perfect opportunity to learn the ropes and take a mental inventory of what I could do better. I took those lessons to heart for my next two markets at Unique Markets Dublin at Charlemont Square. This time, I was ready. My main goal was to dig deeper into what people are looking for in pearl jewellery, so I decided to run a survey. I knew I needed to make it worth their time, so I offered a sweet deal: everyone who filled it out was entered into a pearl jewellery giveaway and received a 15% discount on their purchase. The feedback I got was incredible, and now I have a much clearer idea of what pearl designs to look for on my upcoming travels!
Here are some of the things I learned from doing the weekend markets so far:
Most people are not aware of the difference between real pearls and fake pearls - if you are one of them, check this post out.
Designs I thought wouldn’t be popular weren’t really popular. - note to self, bring back more cuff and silver designs.
Men seem to love pearl necklaces more than women - Although jewellery is unisex, this gives excites me for the idea of a men’s jewellery line in the future.
Women always tell me that they’re mothers have real pearls while they only have imitation pearls and would be open to getting their own - a universal experience for all the young girls who used to look at their mom when she gets ready to go out, don’t worry ladies, I will help you!
The weekend markets is a community for creative individuals and entreprenuers and everyone is so friendly and ready to help those who are starting out. - I don’t feel like I’m going that crazy doing this alone because there have been people who have been there and can learn from. <3
I’m super grateful I did this because this it gave a first hand insight on the target audience, the persona and the designs they like and I don’t think I would’ve had this image any better if it wasn’t in person. Also I couldn’t thank my friends enough for showing up and helping me during the market hours, this really helped the expereince run more smoothly! This is still the very beginning but bit by bit as the brand is growing, Soutlera Pearls will be doing more markets in Dublin and I cannot wait to meet and connect with more beautiful souls!
stay peaceful,
Jerli
