preparing for a 52-day NYC holiday market // crafting vlog, small business owner, market prep
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Let's prepare for BRYANT PARK?!?! WHAT A CRAZY THING TO SAY?! Just because I committed to a big market doesn't mean the usual day-to-day small business works stops. Let's pack orders, brainstorm booth ideas, prepare inventory, and try to stay sane😅 Thanks for being here🤍
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Monica Razak
330 Washington Street
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Hoboken, NJ 07030
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small business, life in my twenties, hoboken, new york city, lifestyle content, sustainable business, fashion, nyc fashion, fashion brand, handmade fashion brand, morning routine, night routine, productive vlog, aesthetic vlog, aesthetic apartment, etsy shop, crafting room, diy, software engineer, software development, 9 to 5 job, side hustles, productivity, time management, day in my life, pop up shop, vendor booth, launch day, crafting studio, it girl, monthly reset, monthly reset, lifestyle and wellness, self care, gift guide, that girl, eco-friendly, sustainability, aesthetic, etsy shop, packaging orders, how to, relaxing vlog, sunrise, budgeting, financial goals, taking inventory, staying organized, motivation, healthy girl era, self love, candle making, soy wax candles, diy candles, cricut crafting, cricut explore air 2, fashion design, sewing, dress form, storytime, weekend in my life, pop-up shop, vendor market, craft fair, inventory, small business how-to, starting a business, summer vlog, candle fragrance review, youtube adsense, content creator, fabric shopping, e-commerce, fall inspo, craft vlog, hobbies, hobby vlog, cozy inspo, cozy girl aesthetic
Hi. Regarding your question. Although Bryant Park is a huge deal, I would process as many online orders as possible since that is guaranteed paid orders. If it's really stressful, maybe save the pouches for Bryant Park and remove them from your online site. Btw, I really appreciate your videos. Good luck at Bryant!
I agree
A sale is better than a potential sale. Bryant Park is not known...just anticipated. Ask for help creating more inventory. Create hype at Bryant Park by allowing pickup at Bryant Park for an order online. Bryant Park people will quickly scoop up what they see because they know it won't last. You could also consider a presale for the online items that you prefer to be in abundance at Bryant Park which will give you more time to create inventory to serve both.
Well said! Definitely agree
The small business taking over the dinning room is so real and relatable lol
lol omg my apartment is bursting at the seams
For your question about online inventory - see what you margins are for online vs store. At the end of the day both is just a sale. I wouldn’t sacrifice one over the other. I would target whichever comes first.
You might also be at the brink of going to a candle distributor who can do this. Might be ok to pay a little more for more sales. But at this time I would just push through and finish this year and make more inventory.
Your question about stocking online… personally I would limit the online inventory and focus on Bryant Park. We have the rest of the year to shop from you, and Bryant park is such a huge investment that you need to make sure it pays off.
Next year would be a great time to reconsider and get that studio, especially once you know the energy commitment that Bryant Park requires.
We’re not going anywhere, many of us have been following you for years so one Christmas is no big deal.
Best of luck to you girlie! 💕
100% agree with this! ❤️
Hey Monica! 🗽 Your NYC vlogs are absolutely amazing - you capture the city's energy in such an authentic way. As a video editor, I'm impressed by how you showcase New York's hidden gems and everyday moments. Your storytelling through visuals is truly captivating. Now that you have over 30k subs, I believe some so many people wish to see more from you all about NYC and as a video editor I think I can help you with the editing stuff while you have more time to film more and eventually grow more. I'd love to help take your videos to the next level! Keep creating those awesome NYC stories. 🎥✨
Longest market I've done is 10 days and we don't even have go be there. I can't imagine 52 days. But I love love markets and love interacting and meeting people!
I've been waiting for your Bryant park videos and honestly just any video! Can't wait to watch this while crocheting for my last market of the year tomorrow! Hope the big market keeps going well for you!
I've been waiting for this vlog too🥹🥹🥹
My sister and I LOVE your content and products. They make us so happy when we sit down to watch the latest upload. I'm a small business owner that sells candles in teacups and depression glass and I always feel so inspired by your videos
Online Store Q: Designate a certain amount of stuff for online, once they are out, maybe put your online store on pre order while you stock up Bryant Park?
Also include a disclaimer staying if ordered it may not come in on time for the holiday season if you feel like you cannot fulfill those orders or Bryant park gets too busy.
I randomly came across your channel last week and I've been obsessed with your content! I don't own a small business or anything, but I love watching the BTS of everything you do that for your business and all the effort it takes to run one. I'm learning so much from you and it's motivating me to keep making content myself.
Wishing you lots of luck on this holiday market! You are doing so good!
I bet if you used some more wall space it would feel a bit less chaotic in your studio room. Maybe some crates mounted on the wall for your fabric.
Hire help. And Do Not neglect your online orders. Maybe minimize the stock to Limited. That way you don't get orders that are too much for you to fill while doing the market.
Here's my take. So yes the Bryant Park is a huge event and can be very successful. On the other hand you are gaining new online customers from followers or pop ups and if items are not available online then you run the risk of losing new or continued customers if items start to not be available or know when they aren't available. If you're getting alot of pouch orders online, maybe keep those focused for online. Or as I've read in comments, maybe let people order some pouches at the Event through your website and then they can be shipped when you're finished. You're doing great and I hope to some day have the sales and success like you and hold a huge event like you are. Good luck!!
Monica you got this!!! I love watching your videos and they're so cozy to craft along with :D. Keep up the good work!!!❤❤
Question what kind of candle wax do u Recommend.❤
I am going to try to visit your shop when you are in Bryant Park. I found your YT channel and it has been inspiring to say the least.
If you back off on your stock for online orders, it could potentially effect your online sales going forward. Although, perhaps one option might be to only offer 3 colors of pouches online but all at Bryant Park and may be only offer 2 holiday scents online and the rest at Bryant Park. Don't mention you are doing this and hopefully online shoppers won't feel like you are offering less because they will see a few new holiday things.
Hello girly! Personally I just wanted to say how much of an inspiration you’ve been, confident, kind, all the good❤️
Thanks so much for saying this🤍
I love your dedication and passion for your small business! I want to learn to make candles too. =) All the best for the 52-day holiday market!!! Also, your craft room must smell really good with all those scents~
I’ve been waiting for this specific vlog!! 😊
I’m excited to watch more of these Bryant park vlogs. I’ve been wanting to go to the winter village, but now I think I’ll definitely go!
yay!! hopefully I'll see you there🤍
I used to LOVE the Bryant Park winter village when I was growing up in NYC. It's so cool seeing the behind the scenes! The hustle will be worth it!!! Good luck
Online vs Bryant
I feel a sale is a sale and it's better to prioritize online. Those sales come from people who know who you are and search you out. People at the park may never shop from you again. Plus that pouch you're saving for the park may not even sell there.
You inspire me to keep going. Thank you for your videos and good luck on Bryant Park!
Monica, I've been watching you for about a month and I'm so happy and excited for you! I hope to visit you at the Bryant Park Winter Village! Good luck on everything girl 💖
Your videos really motivates me!🤗 I'm a small business owner too and have a full-time job.❤ I do crochets btw
I’m glad you took the risk! I’m so proud of you as a fellow WOC entrepreneur!
I'm having anxiety just listening to the logistics for a non permanent space. Eeek a lot of work. Hope you do awesome with this market. You deserve to sell l out with all the hard work you are putting into this.
I just found your channel and I’m loving it! ❤❤❤ I notice that you very often are wiping drops of was from your candles and I thought that maybe you can come up with some type of like a cut out sheet. That you lay on top of the empty vessels, before you pour the wax. That maybe cover a certain amount of candle vessels that are ready to be poured in, but it has a bit smaller hole in the middle that if wax drops, it says on top of that cover sheet with hole cut outs and it’s impossible to drop on the vessel wall. I think it would save you so much time. It’s maybe like a foolproof kinda, you can’t even mess it up if you wanted to, protection. I am imagining almost like a vinyl placemat with holes, looking like the leftover sheet of sticker labels, after you use all the labels. The “leftover” that you dispose. Does that make any sense??? 🧐 English is not my first language and if this sounds crazy, just know you are killing it! 😊😂
I think you should look into outsourcing the production of some of your more time consuming items. It’s still you design and items but may allow for a bit more time to do the things that need your full attention.
Yeeeyeee you did a moree close up of packing ❤️❤️🤩🤩🙌🏼🙌🏼
Personally for me when i have very busy market i try to limit the available items that are online ☺️☺️ but if the market isnt as crazy busy than i stick with both equally
Yes girl give us everything!!!
Tbh, I’m really considering taking the train to NY just to shop your booth lol.
Im going to do it too just to support 😂
You guys are the best🥹 please do it, you'll be representing us❤
About ypur question:
What i will do is i would make like a fixed amount of candles and different products for my online shops and once they are sold i will put them out of stock and not use the pop up stall products
Hi Monica :) I have been watching your channel for some time now. Back when you were only at around 100 subscribers. Congrats on all of your achievements. I wanted to help you with an idea for your pastel yellow fluffy fabric. You had mentioned that you had difficulty in sewing it due to its texture. I would trim down the fluffiness along the seam. This is so it's more manageable whilst sewing it. You could try trimming the bulk with scissors first. Though this is time consuming. I would use beard trimmers or dog clippers (electric would be more suitable than battery operated, though you could still use battery operated ones). Make sure they are a good quality brand. I hope this helps you some what. Enjoy your journey! From Marie in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. :)
SO HELPFUL THANK YOU I'll definitely try that out!! Also thanks so much for sticking around all this time!🥰
Hi. I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well. I would limit online sales to core items that you can spare and stock up your Bryant Park Btw where did you get the packing tape ? I didn’t see it tagged in the comments. Ty 🤙🏼🌈
You're an inspiration ❤❤❤❤🙌🏾
Hi! I'm a new subscriber, and I love your content so far. Very inspired by your courage. In regards to your question, I would definitely keep up with the online sales because once Bryant Park is over, you still want to have a strong online presence and good repor with your current customer base.
Side note I have no clue where you are located, but I'm in Manhattan. I went to school for fashion so I do know how time-consuming sewing can be. So, if you want, I would love to assist you with cutting the fabric for your pouches so that you can spend more of your time sewing them up.
Congratulations on your amazing Booth Monica 🥹🤍 Rooting for you and your successes. Love your videos and hoping to support your shop this month for some Christmas gifts 🥰🙏🏼
YOU GOT THIS!!!
YESSS I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS 😮
haha yesssss🥰
Been waiting for this video!
I don't know if you're comfortable sharing, but I'd love to hear the cost/income analysis after the market is closed. I'm always curious about the financial side of small businesses and I'm especially curious since you made a huge upfront investment!
I was so sad I never found you last Sunday 😭 I walked around the park twice 😅
That thing was packed, could barely walk!
it gets soooo crowded! I'm on 40th Street by the sidewalk Booth F6 if you ever decided to come by again!
Please add the blue bow ribbon print fabric to your online shop it’s so cute
Can you share where you get the sticker packing tape with machine. That seems sooo easy then packing tape!
Can you make a video about the logistics or numbers of this type of market? Like since it is semi-permanent one compared to the weekend type. I was thinking of renting a space where I live like this, but indoors, but not sure if I can commit for a year. 😅
Yessss I'm going to do a breakdown once the market is over:)
Do you use electric scissors? They could be useful for the Sherpa
do more of ur top 3 candles!
i mean u cld js take stock from bryant and js ship orders from there if u hv online sales!
❤❤ hoping your Bryant’a park pop up is going well
It is!! More updates to come🤗
Thanks for sharing ❤❤❤
As a small business owner who has contemplated applying but trying to figure out the math--since someone has to be selling everyday for FIFTY TWO DAYS, I'm fascinated to see your progress in all of this. And while I think you'll more than profit if the cost of the booth was $10k, and let's say you spent $20k (if that's enough) on cost of goods to manufacture your candles, resulting in $30k, and selling an average of 200 candles a day (as mentioned in your previous video about this), I can see doubling expenses (before paying your part timers) to $60k easily, and maybe quadrupling to $120k if the 200 candles a day is legit? We smell items that average about $12 each, so we don't know if these markets are right for our product, if we can sell enough per day to make it worth FIFTY TWO DAYS OF SELLING IN THE COLD or what! All the best, keep updating us all how you're doing!
I would keep selling online because that is a guaranteed sale vs. a guest guess at sales at the market
Hi Monica, as already seen in the comments people are devided. And as you are further along irl you maybe have made up your mind.
You are more popular now because of the market. I've seen some video's months ago but because off the market I'm following you right now.
Since you are not willing to give up you own space to have someone work for you at your place it's difficult. I would keep the shop open with a limited amount, I would stop the pouches. BUT (and I haven't checked) I would have a banner telling about the market and the reason.
If people don't follow you, seen the long form video's they don't know, they don't get it. But if they do it will be alright.
About the holiday scents because of the market and the limited time I would keep them on for longer on your website so people can buy them then if they want to use them year round.
All these ideas and advice is aloud to be ignored or used.
Even though this isn't irl this post 1 idea I have of having help but not in your space ish. Is asking to do the simple task in their place. Maybe cutting fabric, marking pots that you have boxed up, snipping end. Picking up packages. Yes they will still invade your home, but maybe less... And your parents, friends, family. Can they help? With getting paid? (I know they have jobs, but maybe they can take unpaid days off?) And still. I'm not a business owner, I don't live in America. The rules in the Netherlands are different. Your friends and family are still loved if they can't help and all of the above.
I know this a paragraph, but asking for help. Evening here and their is awesome, and time consuming...
I hope I were able to help. Good luck with everything, all the love to you, your family, friends and hired helpers❤❤❤
Where do you get all your supplies from? Like the jugs of fragrance?
Different places! Mainly Candlescience, midwest fragrance, brambleberry
Is that a hydraulic desk/table?! Where did you get it?
I honestly would focus on Bryant Park because it's a much bigger platform for you and also you're already under sooo much stress. You don't want to add on to that stress.
Keep doing the online sales too!
How did you find your video editor?
Stop making pouches for online orders!!!! Your focus should be on Bryant Park, where I’m sure you are making way more sales and money. Look at the amount of time it takes you to make one pouch, how many candles could you have made in that same time? I’ve dropped the variety of inventory in my store for the holiday rush. I only focus on the items that are best sellers and I make the most profit from. This will ease your stress greatly. Streamline girl! 🥰
💚
🖤✨🕯️👍🏽🫶🏽
Don’t stop online orders it’s very hard to get that back.
💜💙
Pay for what you see sell it to who want to buy it
I enjoy your videos but gurl, take a breath in your intros and voiceovers. This isn't Tik Tok so you don't have to talk at the speed of light or edit out all the pauses/breathing.
Should just stop online while Bryant Park is a priority
I just realized your 52 day market is probably the reason Makesy is out of ivory and matte black vessels 😂
GIRL STOP MAKESY IS STRESSING ME OUT RN
@ same I had to change colors 1 of my orders with them took from 10/26 - after thanksgiving 😂 and I’m still missing 1 item from it