This weekend was the first ever Creative Ottawa Nerds Market, and it was, in a word, wonderful!
Both myself and the Amazing Flatmate had a table this time. She wasn't just an incredibly helpful human being at my table. We were next to each other though, so she was still, as ever, excellent company.
There were a lot of awesome things for sale, actually. The vendors at the event were varied and fantastic, ranging from awesome food to awesome jewellery, books, beautiful art, crocheted wonders, hand painted shoes... the list goes on.
I had not expected to make much. Like all events, I had hoped merely to make back the cost of the table. If I was really lucky, I'd make back the cost of my stock as well. Luckily, the cost of the table was not high at all. At all. I needed to only sell two books to make the cost back. Yay! I am pleased to report, I managed to make the cost of the table back, and then some. And then lots, actually. In one day, I sold almost as much as I do on the average ComicCon weekend. I am impressed and so grateful and still reeling a little bit. I mean... really?
Thanks so much to everyone who came out, and picked up a book. I hope you all like them. Reviews (good or bad) are very welcome.
Can I just say how grateful I am about the cost of the tables being low? The event, like most events of this kind, was a fundraiser. The organisers were hoping to raise some money to help feed Ottawa's hungry. All proceeds from the sale of the tables went to the hall rental and event advertising, and the entrance fees and the silent auction proceeds went straight to the Ottawa Food Bank. These things are supposed to be mutually beneficial, with the vendors who are drawing the crowd making at least some money so that they can continue to do what they do and continue to draw in crowds that love what they do. Unfortunately, often times prices for tables at events similar to this one are so exorbitant that small fries like myself cannot afford them; and we cannot justify purchasing a table because we know there is no way we would so much as break even.
Had this event charged what other events are charging, I would only have just broken even on the cost of the table, instead of making back the cost of stock and having some left over to pay a few bills as well.
It tells me that the organisers care about the independent creative community.
This comes as no surprise, since one of the organisers was the fabulous Jen Desmarais - one half of the wonderful husband and wife team behind JenEric Designs, both of whom I am fortunate to count amongst my dearest friends (so proud of you, Jen). She knows the woes of people trying to make a living from their creations.
So, a massive thank you to Jen and Whitney for organising this wonderful event, and a spectacularly massive thank you to everyone who came out in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. You made this event something wonderful and I do hope to see you there again.
Ciao!