This is one of my long overdue posts but… life. So anyway, here it is.
Last year, one of my “bucket list” goals for Saudi Arabia was to join a winter market here, just to thread the waters of handmade products and see if there’s really a market for it. Luckily, my very first winter market with Eurovillage turned into a success (you can read about that here!).
So when I got invited to join another Christmas market happening just a month after my first pop-up, I honestly thought,
“What are the odds of having two successful pop-ups in a row?”
Plus… this one was happening just in someone’s house. I was like, hmmmmm…
But Amanda, the organizer, was confident. She mentioned she used to be an event organizer back home. She also said she wasn’t sure how busy the foot traffic would be, but the way she carried herself and spoke about the event? I believed her. So I said yes.
And I’m so glad I did.
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A Christmas Market Inside a Home
First of all, Amanda’s house was beautiful. It felt so special that she opened her home to all of us vendors and guests. She divided the house into different sections to accommodate the sellers. There were three “rooms,” and the flow reminded me of IKEA, from the entrance to the living room, kitchen, dining area, and entertainment space (where we were set up). There was a natural path that allowed guests to see every seller without feeling crowded.
The event was called Twinkle and Sparkle Holiday Craft Market, and it also included a toy drive for orphans in the area. I loved that it wasn’t just about selling, there was heart behind it too.
We were allowed to drop off our items before the event day so unloading wouldn’t eat into setup time. This time, my “staff” consisted only of my husband because our friends were already in Manila for the holidays.
Setup was quick. We only had one table this time (unlike my first pop-up where I got 2). I wasn’t able to display everything, but honestly, I didn’t mind at all. It felt lighter and less overwhelming. I just bring stuff out when we sold something to replenish what got sold.
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And Then… The Waiting
But the waiting didn’t last long.
There were always people coming in throughout the afternoon. Sometimes it was one or two guests browsing, sometimes big groups arriving together. Since guests were intentional about going to a Christmas market in someone's house, I think most of them had one goal, to buy something.
And sales?
Hehe. They were good.
Considering that the table fee was cheaper and the event time was shorter, I actually earned more than my first pop-up. Not something I expected at all.
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Memorable Moments
There was also a booth dedicated to cat adoption and rescue - which, of course, made me happy.
Amanda also organized door prizes. Vendors donated items, and she placed them in four different gift bags. Then she hid chips around the house, and whoever found them won a prize bag.
And guess what? A Filipino friend who came with her family found the last chip and won the final door prize! I was so happy for her and her daughter!
Now for my favorite customer moment…
A little girl was looking at one of my handmade albums, the most expensive one I sell, priced at 100 SAR (around Php 1,500). When she told her dad she wanted it, I was mentally preparing to hear him say no.
Instead, he said,
“If you’re getting one, you should get one for your sister too.”
She walked to the other side of the table and picked another pink album for her younger sister (maybe around five years old). I was so taken aback. They chose two of my favorite pink shaker albums, and I like that she knew exactly what she wanted.
I suddenly felt like 100 SAR might be too much, so when they asked how much, I immediately said, “80 each.” Hehe. Sometimes I am not the best businesswoman, but I was just so touched.
I also loved seeing local Arab women in abayas and covered faces browsing Christmas cards. There was even one who bought a card! It made me smile seeing different cultures appreciating handmade holiday pieces.
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My Little Haul
And yes… I shopped too.
I got:
• A Saudi Arabia coloring book from Sophie Doodle Art
• Cat earrings (of course!) from Cura9.8
• Gingerbread cookie kit from One More Bite
Balance in the universe restored.
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Two for Two
So I guess this makes it two for two for pop-ups here in KSA.
Another one for the books. Another bucket-list moment checked. Another reminder that sometimes, you just have to say yes and see where it leads.
And honestly? I can’t wait for the next one.
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