The Art of Good Ideas
It seemed like the right thing to do at the time!
Is it just me or does anyone else suddenly end up working on a project, and then when someone asks you how you came up with the idea, you either genuinely haven’t a clue, or answer just because it seemed like the right thing to do at the time?!
Whilst in my case thats exactly how these things seem to happen, today I recalled a conversation that I had back at Christmastime whilst doing my shopping in Tavistock. A lady who I was busy buying a game at the time must have recognized me. As we chatted, she told me she was full of admiration for the ideas that I came up with. She told me how much she loved going to the events that sprang from these ideas, and that she was endlessly impressed by my ability to spot the next big trend and stay ahead of the game.
At the time, I remember thinking:
How bizarre am I really like that?
Yet thinking about that conversation in the context of the project I’m working on right now, and with the benefit of hindsight, I’m inclined to think she may have been right!
To illustrate the point, let’s rewind the clock seven years or so, to 2013 when I had ...
... a great idea!!
Lets create re-cycled and up-friendly market and host it in the town hall..
So filled with excitement and enthusiasm, we put it all together and promoted it far and wide. On the day itself the event went off okay. Footfall was reasonable and the traders were happy. Overall the day was considered to be a success. However back then, people weren't as engaged with the idea of recycling and sustainability as they are today.
Whilst my idea was good, it was also too early!
Fast Forward 7 Years
Undaunted, last year we decided to try the theme again. It turned out to be one of our busiest markets ever and our customers loved it!
And thats precisely why, whilst we remain unable to trade in person, we've decided to take our much loved markets online. As well as our Love Local Mother's Day virtual market on 6th and 7th March this year, we'll host an UpCylced and Eco virtual market a few weeks later on the 27th and 28th March.
When we conceived the idea of online markets we quickly realised that in order to do so successfully we'd need a platform that not only delivered a good shopping experience, but also one that enabled traders to showcase their products, interact with customers on camera in real-time, and even deliver Meet-the-Maker sessions and Make workshops. Its been a challenge and lots of hard work, but we think we've come up trumps. More on that later, so watch this space!
The Chic Eco Boutique
Then, a couple of weeks ago, I was pondering over sustainability and eco products when I had an epiphany! Why not create a chic eco boutique of my own? It would stock amazing eco friendly and sustainable accessories for ladies and men. It would support even more local businesses and crafters by using their skills to make some of the products I have in mind, and I could take it to my own markets and enjoy trading shoulder to shoulder (or keyboard to keyboard) with you lot!
Anyway, long story short the idea has mushroomed. We've had a staggering level of interest from local businesses and we're in the process of making it happen. I simply can't wait to launch our lovely online Chic Eco Boutique at our markets over the coming weeks.
But I must remember to rein in my enthusiasm, start small, gauge interest and then let things grow organically (no pun intended), as opposed to diving in headfirst, like a bull at a gate with my rose-tinted goggles on!
So there we have it. Looking back at the beginnings of an idea seven years ago that I didnt give up on. It just need to wait until the time was just right.
See you online and in the meantime, stay safe..
Miss Ivy
