Working at the Old Chelsea Market on Saturdays is going really well. Not only am I selling a few bags every weekend, I am meeting some super interesting and engaging people.

On one occasion, a couple who were selling wine, set up next to my booth, which gave us plenty of opportunities to  discuss our respective businesses and for me to sample their product! (www.domainedesmeteores.com). I was inspired by the couple’s exuberance in their decision to venture into the wine industry after an eight-year quest for the ideal geographic location in Quebec. They were after specific soil and climate conditions ideal for grape cultivation.  After taking a gamble on cultivating a variety of grapes that was recently deemed well suited to our northern climate – and several years of hard work -on a harvest worthy of bottling- eureka, a success – a wine worthy of allowing one of the partners to quit her job and switch over full time to production and marketing their cherished recipes.

I resonated with their commitment to attaining a life-long dream and despite the many challenges (in the case of selling wine: a volatile climate, complex government regulation, joining a relatively young wine industry in Quebec, etc) they remained passionate about their products and confident it was their destined path in life.

I’ve also met a terrific group of committed farmers at the Old Chelsea Market who work so very hard selling their harvest at a variety of markets throughout the region.  They leave home at the crack of dawn several times a week, tents, tables, harvest in tow, set up, sell all day, tear it all down and then it’s back home for a night’s rest and to prepare for the next day of running through the whole process once again.  I am impressed with their passion and commitment as well.

Add to this, a few fruitful connections leading to real business opportunities, and the market has proven to be a good investment for Just B.  Two weeks ago, a woman who had been face painting at the market visited my stall to extend me an invitation to showcase JustB at her Spa for a 3rd year anniversary celebration she was planning. (www.dayaspa.ca)  I was there yesterday.  A real storefront, in downtown Ottawa.  People streamed through the Spa front doors from 11am right through to 9pm and later.  I was thrilled to have been affiliated with Dayaspa for this significant date. Linda, the owner, has a dedicated clientele, and she carries the most luscious of organic products. Contrary to what I think she had hoped for me, I didn’t manage to make any sales on the day. I could be disappointed, but on the contrary, it turned out to be a great opportunity for boosting JustB brand awareness by simply connecting with the Spa’s clientele.  I cannot be too surprised that I made no sale, since the primary goal for event was to allow clients to experience the many spa treatments, and then bonus – browse the JustB collection. I was really flattered that Linda liked my style enough to invite me to join in on the action. I appreciate having the chance to be aligned with Dayaspa and to showcase my collection at this venue, a real store, on a busy commercial street, right downtown.

I benefited a great deal from spending eleven hours at Dayaspa.. I  met an interesting woman who works in Pakistan and who offered to connect me with a Canadian-Pakistani businesswoman who owns a textile mill outside Islamabad. I met Kiss FM radio personalities and had a chance to chat with their sales rep about the benefits of radio promotion and exchanged a few ideas for JustB down the road.  I handed out many cards promoting my Home Parties. And such a great chance to speak with the feature guest, Daniel Thompson, who owns the organic make up line sold at DayaSpa.  Daniel was on site offering free two-minute makeovers to clients and promoting his brand (www.danielthompsonbeauty.com). I got to watch a natural entertainer working his magic brush over every single woman who cued up for his treatment during the eleven-hour event! (we’re talking at least a hundred giggling ladies!) ). Our business chat left me feeling encouraged that I am on the right track to achieving my business goals.

Being amongst entrepreneurs like Dan and Linda was truly invigorating.
I can use this kind of inspiration any day!

2 Responses to “Building a network”