This was my first year as a vendor at Portland’s Pride event, Pride Northwest, at the waterfront. I was nervous going into it, but I am always nervous before events. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if its a free pop up or a $750 investment with 100,000 people attending, I get anxious before every show. As a niche handmade artist, just being accepted into the event was a huge honor. I had to do it proud.

I thrive when I can be my weirdo, uncensored self with my art, and Pride Northwest was basically fair game. I have been asked to “tone down” my art waaaaay too many times this year, and when events embrace and celebrate me, it always feeds my soul. I also tend to do the best at those events. The censoring is a rant for another time 😁

This year, the headliner was Jinkx, and I knew it was going to be a good time! I was trying to manifest her coming by my booth, and unfortunately, that did not happen. I was also too far away from the stage, that I couldn’t even hear the entertainment. Honestly, I was too busy and focused on customers, I didn’t even notice. A booth behind me was playing Chappell Roan, so we had our own fun time.

For being a large event, seriously over 200,000 people over the weekend, set up was smooth and I was very impressed with the volunteers. I got super lucky with my booth placement as well. I was near the bathrooms and food, facing the outward path. One thing I did not plan for was the dust/dirt of the location. My black table cloth and black cube displays had a film of dust all weekend. I also had to clean off some art pieces throughout the weekend. Luckily, no long term issues, just wasn’t ready for it, and something to plan for next year.

Another thing I was also not expecting, but it was the best surprise. The official Pride Parade ran right in front of the park, and I could watch it from my booth. Pride parades always make me tear up. I lived/worked in San Francisco in my 20’s and I would walk by the parade every year on my way to work. This was pre coming out, and people living their truest lives out loud makes me feel all the feels. I needed open queer people in my childhood to let me know it was ok to be me, and when I see that now, it heals a little bit of my inner child.

Pride Northwest was a 2 day event, from 12-8pm on Saturday and 11-7pm Sunday. Eight hour events are long, and luckily, my family was with me and would come give me a little lunch break. One day I will be able to hire help! The event provided one 8 foot table and 2 chairs in a 10x10 covered space. The cost for the 2 days was $750, which was a HUGE investment risk and the most I have ever, and still ever have paid for an event. With travel costs and booth fee, it ended up costing $1500 total. This was another reason I was anxious, it was a large investment on myself. I feel like it’s important to be transparent with costs, I know money talk makes some people uncomfortable, but it’s a part of life. I also know that other vendors are reading this right now, and being honest about cost sets them up for success as well.

Once the event started, it was non stop people. People in costume, people in little to no clothing, I was in heaven. I was surrounded by “my people” and it warmed my heart. I did not have more than 2 minutes to sit in between people coming up to my booth all day. Sunday was even busier than Saturday. It felt like double the people, long lines for food and the bathroom were a norm pretty much all day. As tiring as it is afterwards, it keeps me going and energized throughout the day. Watching people’s reactions to my stickers and art is one of the best feelings. The laughs, gasps, and even tears I share with random strangers is the reason I love in person events.

A few things I did differently with my booth was having small shopping baskets for shopping convenience and had a QR Code to follow me on Instagram. One of them helped, one of them was off of the table the next day. Can you guess which one worked? Spoiler: it was the QR Code. I think I added 30 new followers that weekend. Compared to others, that may sound low, but it’s the most I have ever gained at a show. The baskets were a dud. They ended up just taking up space on my table where actual art could be displayed.

There was no surprise in what sold the best, it was my stickers. The first day, I sold about 175 stickers! Overall, I sold out of 4 designs. That part surprised me! I knew my stickers were popular, but I have never sold out before! Looking at my booth and reflecting, I can see where I can improve the shopping experience for you and increase sales. An 8 Foot table sounds like a good amount of space, but it fills up quickly and I often struggle with getting all of my art and even products out for you to see.

Booth Set Up In Stitches by Sara at Pride Northwest

After the dust settled (literally), I had the best event financially I have ever had. I also had soul nourishing queer experiences that I needed in the worst way. Celebrating each other and being able to be our true selves is life saving, truly. Queer events are my jam, I just wish there were more celebrations throughout the year.

Throughout the weekend, I sold over 300 stickers, 10 Mystery bags, about 5 pieces of art, and other miscellaneous goodies. All total, I made about $3000 over the weekend. After costs of travel, booth, and sticker replenishment order, my profit was about $1000. While I consider that a success, a little tweak here and there can make the profit more sustainable, for the amount of travel and expenses.

One of the “small tweaks” is actually upgrading my booth size next year. I plan on applying next year and asking for the larger booth size. It will be another large investment in myself, but I believe that if customers can see and have access to my art, everyone will be happy! The sight line and crowding at my booth this year was also an issue, so the more spaced out, the better.

This event is one of those I will be comparing all other events to. I loved practically every minute, all the new friends I made, new customers, the celebration of self, and celebration of art was life giving. Thank you for all the memories 😁

Portland Pride Experience

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