The reality of in person markets: Drip Jewelry 2024 hot takes

I shared a reel on Instagram about how it takes me a few hours to set up for markets and I want to answer the common question...

Why does it take SO long to set up these events?

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A post shared by Kendall Voorhies 💧 Drip Jewelry (@itsdripjewelry)

Not everyone is like this! Some people set up their booths in 10 minutes, but I’m not some people 😉😅💧

One of my favorite parts about setting up for a popup is creating that boutique vibe. I love curating layering stacks that change depending on the market I’m at. Whether it’s a laid-back beach crowd or a more upscale event, I love tailoring the jewelry to match the vibe. I like to make it visually appealing, using different heights.This is something I’m always complimented on; which makes me want to keep doing it!!I bring sooo much jewelry to be able to make it look like this, and I’ve always wondered if I should bring less. It would be easier for me and maybe y’all would like it more with less options. You tell me! If you have been to a market and seen my booth, do you feel like I have too much (or too little) jewelry? Leave mea a comment because I would love to chat with ya! 

But let me tell you, bringing SO much jewelry means things can get seriously tangled if I’m not careful. It’s like my necklaces have a secret mission to tie themselves into the world’s tiniest knots.

☀️ When I’m setting up for a jewelry popup, the first thing I do is play meteorologist and figure out where the sun’s going to set. My jewelry looks soooo goooood in the sunlight, but it also turns into little heat magnets if I’m not careful. So, I’m all about finding that sweet spot where the tables are shaded, and customers can browse without feeling like they’re standing on the surface of the sun.Because, let’s be real—no one’s in the mood to shop when they’re melting into the pavement. But.. the sun moves. So I have to plan to keep rearranging. Full transparency: I filmed the 2nd vid when the event was almost over and it doesn’t even look as good, and some things are definitely in the sun, but whatever. I was about to pass out from a heat stroke after setting up. Anyways!

🫡 Almost everything I bring is super delicate, so setting it all up takes time—like, a lot of time. Because, if I’m lazy with it - things break or get tangled and that’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars that could be damaged!

And also… I’m committed to making it look like a store-grand-opening every single time. That means untangling, arranging, and tweaking until everything is just right.When something sells, I rearrange the booth to make it look new again. It’s definitely a labor of love, but there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing it all come together.

🔐 Every event has a different layout to figure out. One day, I’m wedged between two tents with just enough room to squeeze in, and the next, I’ve got a prime corner spot or even bettterrr all four sides open to the world. It's like a game of booth Tetris, where I’m constantly rearranging to catch the best foot traffic AND miss the sun. But, the key is making sure my displays are pointed just right, so they’ll catch someone’s eye from far away. I’m always tweaking things to make sure I’m maximizing those prime viewing angles.

🌪️ Weather-again- is the ultimate wildcard when it comes to choosing displays. On calm days, I can get creative with layered neck displays, showing off pieces at different heights like a mini jewelry art gallery. But if the wind starts kicking up, I know it’s time to keep things low and secure. Those lightweight displays that look so cute? Yeah, they’re staying in the box under the booth. I’d rather stick to flat trays than spend the day chasing necklaces across the parking lot… or picking them up out of the mud. The jewelry is waterproof but the displays aren’t 😢

✨ So the rings & charms have this magical ability to make people freeze in place and lose track of time while they admire them. I absolutely love when that happens, but I also need to be strategic about it. I always place these on the outer edges of the booth, giving people space to hover without blocking the flow for others. If I’m tight on space, I’ve got to plan ahead and make sure there’s room for the “hoverers” without turning the whole booth into a traffic jam.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏾 Indoor events? That’s where I can really let loose and be as creative as I want. No wind, no sun—just me, my jewelry, and a perfectly controlled environment. I can focus on the flow, the layout, and making sure every display is exactly where it needs to be. But when I’m outdoors? It’s a whole different story. I’m not just setting up a booth; I’m prepping for battle, ready to take on whatever the elements throw my way. It’s all part of the fun, right?

😅 pretty weird this is my job