What Are Your Biggest Takeaways From Atlanta Market?

Never did I ever think I would go to Atlanta Market, but when the universe gives you a nudge and then a shove, you do the dang thing.

I was able to walk the floor as an exhibitor, as I got a pass from a client of mine who had a booth at the show. The other type of pass is a buyer’s pass. Both have their pros and cons… let’s just say some exhibitors are very protective of their new products and don’t want other exhibitors taking their ideas, which is totally understandable, as some booths were soooo inspiring.

If you don’t know, Atlanta Market is a wholesale market. There are both big and small brands that set up booths for buyers to come and purchase goods at wholesale prices to sell in their own stores.

As an artist and a small business, the show was pure inspiration and overwhelm. I’m not joking. I live in the sticks and I thought I was going to turn back at the Atlanta Airport when I saw four packed lines for the four escalators out of the airport. So. Many. People. (For context, I live in a town of around 1200 people.) After that shock wore off, I settled in and started to navigate the show. 

So, what are the most popular items? Tea Towels, Swedish Dishcloths, Socks, Candles… those categories were everywhere- how do I sell tea towels? There are so many, holy cow! Speaking of cows- they were EVERYWHERE. And mushrooms. Ha!

I think the big thing that I took away was that after you see so many products, the ones that really stand out are the ones that were maybe not perfect. They had a handmade, artist’s touch. (Take that AI!) Or there was an extra detail to the product, either in packaging or artwork. There is quick manufacturing and then there is thoughtful manufacturing and I realized I really want to fall into thoughtful, intentional manufacturing. I am not a big shopper by nature, but I do know when I fall in love with a product… These observations only confirmed and inspired me in my life and business. 

As far as artwork- there was so much… Christmas was in full force. I mean- whoa! And so were garden supplies, cats, dogs, flowers… I also realized I overcomplicate my artwork. Why do I do that? I think it is probably because I am trying to have thoughtful artwork and thoughtful products and really you might only need one in some instances… Interesting, right?

I also realized how refreshing it is to meet people in person. I connected with clientsand fellow artists. It’s so magical to take relationships off the screen, out of our DMs and make lasting connections over food. I mean that is the essence of being human right?

So, here is to creating meaningful, thoughtful products that create connection!