Fair #3: Lakeside Market, The Annex

Enjoyed a regular day at this market fair - my first on Hong Kong Island. Had a lovely surprise of a visit from a friend I hadn't seen in a long time - two friends, in fact - and she was kind enough to (a) bring me a muffin and (b) put in a custom orders for some prayer journals. Was also greatly encouraged by J, who has made it to each of my summer fairs! So gratifying. It is not to be taken for granted at all.

I also had the benefit of two close family members helping out again. They had some useful insights and made some interesting suggestions, including deducting inventory from costs for accounting and considering making custom journals on the spot. The second idea would not make such a difference if people are not willing to wait in the area for 3.5-4 hours. It takes at least 30 minutes to bind and case in (stick book block to cover) and another 3 hours' drying time. And that's only with no interruptions - which are both likely and necessary at a market fair.

But I'll listen to wisdom...

It reminded me that I attend these things for fun and relaxation. It is something completely unrelated to teaching - a professional hobby. I make these journals like people would paint pictures, with the difference being paintings are easier to store. I have to offload my journals once in a while, hence the store and these fairs. I can only give so many away, especially in this digital age!

Because the typhoon is probably going to be a 3 or lower, there's one more day tomorrow and then this business of attending fairs is going to be shelved for a bit. Got some work events and work itself to focus on. Slated to do another fair in November and have some plans for the kinds of journals that clientele should like. That's going to be interesting. All the way in Discovery Bay!