Event Report: Our First Popup Experience (Nikkei Spring Bazzar)
Event Report: Our First Popup Experience
Last weekend, we joined our very first popup event!
Until now, Itoma has mostly existed online through our website, Instagram, and newsletter, so this was our first time meeting people face to face and sharing our items in real life.
We kept thinking, What if no one stops by? What if people do not really get what Itoma is about? It definitely came with a lot of butterflies!
But once the event started, those nerves turned into excitement.
So many people came by our table throughout the day, and it made us so happy! Some people were already interested in craft and handwork, some were looking for thoughtful gifts, and others were simply curious and wanted to take a closer look. It was such a fun and special experience to actually talk with people in person and hear their reactions right there.
We also prepared a special Sashiko Goft Set just for the pop-up. We were so happy to hear that many people were interested in sashiko and its techniques. It made us think that we might love to host sashiko workshops in the furure!
Our mystery crochet flower keychain gatca. Many people, especially kids, loved it!
For Mother's Day gift idea, we also brought this beautiful gift set featuring sashiko & sewing tools!
Some visitors told us they came because they had seen our Instagram posts, which was already exciting enough. But then a few people told us they had been following Itoma since before we even launched!
That really meant a lot to us.
When you are building something quietly behind the scenes, you do not always know who is watching, remembering, or cheering you on. So hearing that people had been following along from the beginning made us feel so encouraged and grateful.
We also had a lovely little moment during the event when one of our customers shared a haiku with us.
Beneath changing skies
Spring's blossoms, Fleeting beauty
Bring moments of Joy!
It felt so unexpected and beautiful. Thank you for making our day even more special.
This first event reminded us how many people are looking for beautiful materials, meaningful gifts, and small creative moments in their everyday lives. It also reminded us how special it is to share Itoma not only online, but in person too.
We left the event feeling tired, relieved, excited, and honestly just really happy.
Our next in-person event will be Japan Market in downtown Vancouver on June 6 and 7, and we would absolutely love to see you there!
For the latest updates, please follow our Instagram!
Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by, talked with us, supported us, and made our very first in-person event such a warm and memorable experience!
— Itoma
