It Rained Last Night...
Sitting here at Charlie’s replying to possible vendors for the January 21st event and sipping on a Teechino latte. The rains came in last night and rained hard. Lovely to sleep by the sound of raindrops hitting the roof.
I sit by the door looking out onto the parking lot. A pointsettia plants sits outside. I can see it shaking in a soft breeze though not strong enough to shake the droplets off its stems and leave. Grey clouds remain in the sky broken here and there by the blue sky. The sounds of coffeehouse purpose surround me...conversation, a bass heavy Pandora soundtrack, the humming of reefer units and, every now an then, the click and hum of a latte being made.
Kelly runs a good space here. Welcome and caring community vibe. The place sticks out like a sore thumb as it is not in a “commercial” neighborhood. There are 2-3 private businesses on the property, a spin studio and a liquor store across the street. That’s it. It’s warm and lovely though. Kelly and her staff are loved, the inside of the space is bright, light, active and relaxed. A definite home away from home.
The first market was lovely and chill. Can’t say I wasn’t freaking out in the beginning. “Will anyone show?” “Will anyone buy anything?” They came and they did.
I met Jamaal in a good way. We were both walking into the shop a week previous. I stopped and opened the door for him. He then surprised me by buying a latte for me in return. He stopped by during the sale. We chatted. He mentioned he knew some friends who may be interested in taking part. He want his way. 30 minutes later, Mike (barista and leather maker), mentioned to me that he was sitting out in front of his apartment selling pies and cookies. WTF? I went over to him and said, “Jamaal, get your ass over here” He gladly did and became our 8th vendor.
Traffic was steady and sales were the same. 4 hours into the market, we had all dropped into a lovely chill space. It was quiet with the muted conversation of customer/vendor interspersed throughout. A large 4 foot high, Mayan temple shaped fountain contributed to the ambience. The Gold Line Metro trains made there presence felt every 20 minutes...whooshing by with aplomb and purpose.
The market ended at 4:00. Take down for all the vendors was quick. Kelsea of “Raising Zola” e-mailed later how it was nice to be at a market where the vendors were actually cared for. I felt good.
The first market was accomplished.
