From Behind the Stalls: What It’s Like Supporting Small Business Owners at an Artisan Market

Every weekend, as the sun rises and the first gazebo goes up, I get a front-row seat to something remarkable: the grit, creativity, and resilience of small business owners. As the MD of Little Bird, I’m not just planning logistics or promoting our events, I’m building a platform where dreams unfold, one handmade candle, one small-batch chutney jar, or one ceramic cup at a time.

The Heartbeat of the Market

Small business owners are the lifeblood of artisan markets. Each stall tells a story—of someone who took a leap, turned a hobby into a livelihood, and decided to build something on their own terms. And while customers see beautiful displays and smiling traders, I see the 7am setups, the endless prep nights, and the silent battles with imposter syndrome.

Markets aren’t just about selling—they’re about connection. When shoppers meet the maker, a relationship forms. As the organiser, I try to design our events in a way that nurtures this exchange. We’re not just setting up gazebos, we’re creating a space where small businesses can be seen.

The Struggles You Don’t See

Running a small business is hard. Add the unpredictability of outdoor events, and the challenge doubles. I’ve seen traders deal with rain, gusting winds, broken card readers, and the occasional low-footfall day—all with admirable grace. When things go wrong, my job isn’t just to manage; it’s to support.

Behind every beautiful stall is a mix of passion and pressure. Many of our artisans juggle this with full-time jobs or childcare. So, when someone sells out of stock by noon, I feel their victory as much as they do. It’s more than sales—it’s validation.

Growth Looks Different Here

In the traditional business world, growth might mean scaling up or going online. But here, it can mean someone investing in better packaging, booking their first full summer of markets, or gaining the confidence to introduce a new product line. I get to witness these milestones up close—and sometimes even nudge them forward with a gentle, “You should totally go for it.”

When one of our vendors opens their first brick-and-mortar store, you better believe we’re all cheering just like Tom and Dana from Happy Barista did on Saturday with their new coffee shop in Knaresborough. 

More Than a Market

Our artisan market is more than a shopping event—it’s a community. And that’s what keeps me doing this, week after week. Whether it’s a soap maker sharing booth space with a newbie or an old-timer giving tips to a nervous first-timer, the spirit of collaboration runs deep. As an organiser, fostering that culture is just as important as curating stalls or sending newsletters.

Final Thoughts

To the customers: When you shop at your local artisan market, you’re buying so much more than a product. You’re supporting late nights, personal sacrifices, and bold dreams.

To the small business owners: Thank you for trusting us with your vision. You inspire more than you know.

Here’s to the makers, the doers, the dreamers and Little Bird Made that give them a home.

Jackie