I’m Becky, a 30 something mama of two, from West London and I run this fun pop-up business with my mum Wendy.
We have been part of the craft community for over a decade. Our business has transitioned over the years. From making handmade decor for weddings, to running craft workshops, to offering craft kits to make at home bringing makers a moment of crafting calm whilst spreading our love for all things handmade.
When Covid hit and all shops shut in 2020 we created a printed festive gift catalogue advertising our craft kits. We reached out to other independent brands to see if they wanted to be included. We posted the magazine to thousands of homes in the local area, inspiring people to shop small for Christmas. The catalogue was a hit and we quickly realised that we loved helping small businesses generate sales.
So, when restrictions lifted and shops re-opened, we wanted to convert the catalogue into an in-person pop-up market, selling our craft kits alongside different brands each day.
So in 2021 I quite naively emailed Westfield London to see if they would be willing to host our first ever official I Do Handmade Pop-Up Market… I couldn’t believe it when they agreed!
We popped up in Jul 2022 for 9 weeks, helping brands meet new customers and sell their products. Truth be told, we ended up not having one stall for our craft kits as we were so oversubscribed, and this little pop-up business sort of evolved from there.
Westfield invited us back and we hosted our second pop-up in Nov 2022 for 8 weeks. In 2022 alone we gave over 450 small businesses the opportunity to sell their products in Europe’s largest shopping centre. The stories that came out of these pop-ups has been nothing short of astounding.
From Warner Bros staff walking past and buying products for a film set, to another business doing so well they set up their own shop in Westfield Stratford, to brands being discovered and invited to sell their products in shops around the country.
During our Christmas pop-up at Westfield, a member of staff from ITV saw the market and asked if we’d host a pop-up at their head office. Over 20 businesses popped up at ITV Studios and it was a great moment for the beautiful brands involved.
In January 2023, an office manager in London discovered our pop-ups and we then began popping up in busy London office blocks, growing the corporate arm of the business, helping more small businesses get discovered.
We have exciting plans to increase the number of pop-ups across the South East and beyond, creating more opportunities for businesses. Small independents struggle to get their products into busy and impressive locations, and we’re determined to make it easier to help get them the attention they deserve!
Finally, something that we are so grateful for that’s happened as this little venture has bloomed, is the small business community that’s grown because of the events we host. Stallholders who pop-up with us meet new customers, as well as new business pals. It’s been an exciting journey so far, and can’t wait to see what’s next.
Do you run a handmade business?
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Candle photographer: Emily Jane Morgan | Small Biz Candle Maker: Lelowa Candles