Patchwork Show Oakland Spring 2015
Each of the cities where we hold our Patchwork Shows has its own unique charm. We held our first show in Santa Ana. The awesome location in the downtown art district coupled with our personal history with the city make it dear to us. We took a big chance when we added a second Patchwork Show location and brought the event to Long Beach. Weโre proud to say that seven years later that show is still going strong. Then came Oakland.
I feel like this was the riskiest choice for a third city since neither Delilah nor I had roots in Oakland and it was hundreds of miles away from where weโd spent years building our audience. All the nervousness (hoping the show would be a success) Iโd felt with our very first show in Santa Ana came rushing back when we did our first Oakland show.
I was scared but I also recognized that feeling anxious was a good thing. It meant that we were leaving our comfort zone and pushing ourselves. As a creative entrepreneur, I know that taking risks doesnโt always pan out. Iโve had my share of what some people would call failures with my own handmade business and with our Dear Handmade Life ventures.
I try to learn from every experience, especially the ones that arenโt as successful as I hoped theyโd be. I also know that sometimes I learn a lot more from something that didnโt work than from something that did. If I donโt push myself beyond what I know I can do, not only do I get bored but I donโt grow and neither does my business.
Iโm so glad we took that risk and brought Patchwork Show to Oakland. I canโt say that itโs been easy or that issues havenโt come up BUT itโs been worth it. Weโve forged amazing relationships with businesses like Jack London Square, Yelp, Rock Paper Scissors Collective, Oaklandish, The East Bay Express, Arch Art Supplies, SFEtsy, VAMP Music & Art and Marion and Roseโs Workshopโฆ just to name a few. Weโve met dedicated makers who put their heart and soul into what they do. Weโve been lucky enough to work with Bay Area staff and volunteers who continue to blow us away with their awesomeness. I LOVE the community and the unique spirit of supporting creativity and local business that Oakland exudes.
At our Oakland show this past Sunday, I couldnโt help but gush over the hospitality and kindness of the city. From the vendors to our partners to hostess at the restaurant of the hotel where we stay when weโre in townโฆ Oakland is one of the most welcoming cities Iโve EVER been to. Itโs rare to find a city filled with such pride and generosity. Even though I donโt live in Oakland, every time I arrive there I feel like Iโm coming home. I know that Adam (my favorite go-to guy that works at Jack London Square) will welcome me with a huge smile and a hug. I know that Adam along with the Jack London Square Marketing Director Linda, will do everything they can to make sure we have what we need. I know that the bartender at The Fat Lady wonโt get cranky when I ask him to remind of the rules of how to play liarโs dice as I have a night-cap with my staff (which includes my parents as well as old friends) before we turn in and get ready for the show. I know that pretty much everywhere Iโve been in Oakland I canโt escape the genuine warmth of the city.
Big thanks to everyone who came out and shopped, sold their goods, worked behind the scenes and supported our Oakland Patchwork Show. You all are awesome! We canโt wait to hang out with you again in the fall.
We absolutely loved participating in Oakland Patchwork! So many great experiences from the customers to the designers to the new friends we made. Thank you so much for creating a awesome event!!!
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C&C of MAHOOHOO