My Favourite Thing About Selling at Markets
After more than 30 artisan markets, the best part is not the sales — it is the people, the stories and the community that come with every stall.
When people ask me about selling at artisan markets, they often assume my favourite part is making sales.
Of course, sales are important. They help small businesses grow and allow us to keep creating.
But if I’m honest, my favourite thing about markets has very little to do with money.
It’s the people.
The conversations
One of the things I love most is meeting people from all walks of life.
Some customers stop by simply for a chat. Others share wonderful stories about travelling to Bulgaria in the 1970s and 1980s and tell me about places they visited, the food they remember and the pottery they brought home.
As a Bulgarian living in London, those conversations always make me smile.
I also meet people who are starting their own ceramics journey. They often stop to ask questions, share their challenges and talk about what they’re creating. I love hearing their stories and exchanging ideas.
You never quite know who you’ll meet at a market, and that’s part of the magic.
Watching people discover new pieces
This might be my favourite moment of all.
There is something incredibly special about watching someone notice a piece for the first time.
Sometimes it’s a colour that catches their eye. Other times it’s a new design we’ve just introduced.
I love seeing people pick something up, turn it over in their hands and imagine where it might live in their home.
Even more exciting is when someone arrives and says:
“I saw this on Instagram and came specifically to buy it.”
As a small business owner, there is no better feeling.
Returning customers
Nothing makes me happier than seeing familiar faces.
Over time, some customers have become regular visitors to the stall. They return to buy gifts for friends, add another pomegranate to their collection, pick up seasonal decorations or simply stop by to say hello.
Watching people build their own little collection of InchyArt pieces is incredibly rewarding.
It’s a reminder that what we’re creating becomes part of someone’s home and everyday life.
The community
When I started attending markets, I thought I was simply signing up to sell ceramics.
What I didn’t expect was to become part of such a supportive community.
Over the last few years, I’ve met wonderful fellow traders, many of whom have become friends. We’ve shared market tips, encouraged each other through quiet days, celebrated successes and exchanged plenty of stories over coffee.
Markets have introduced me to a network of creative, hardworking and inspiring people, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
More than just a market
For me, markets are about much more than transactions.
They’re about conversations, connections, community and the joy of sharing something handmade with others.
Every market brings new faces, new stories and new memories.
And that’s why, after more than 30 markets, I still look forward to setting up my stall each time.
— Mariya, Founder of InchyArt
More from the Journal
5 Mistakes I Made at My First Artisan Markets (So You Don't Have To)
From flat stall displays to missing business cards — five common artisan market mistakes and how to avoid them based on real experience.
Read more
Three Quiet Market Days That Taught Me Important Lessons
Not every artisan market is busy. Here are three quiet days that taught me valuable lessons about timing, location and what really matters.
Read more
Selling at Artisan Markets? Here's What I've Learned
Practical advice for first-time market traders — from stall essentials and display tips to packaging, branding and looking after yourself on long days.
Read more
