On the 2nd of April, something new (and a little bit thrilling) is happening: Hen’s Tooth is going on tour.
🌼 Taking Hen’s Tooth on Tour
I’ve booked a table at the Shirehampton Community Market.
This will be my very first market stall since launching Hen’s Tooth, and I’m equal parts excited, nervous, and full of ideas.
I've done markets in the past, both for my own side hustles and in employed roles. I've been involved with Bristol Festival of Literature and wo-manned books stalls, and I stood in many cold village halls over the years in front of roller banners handing out glossy leaflets at jobs fairs and business shows from my years in community business support.
But this time it fells very different.
I've been curating slow-living, nature-inspired treasures online, but there’s something lovely and grounding about stepping out from behind the screen and into a real community space.
A market is tactile, human, joyful. It’s a chance to meet people, share stories, and see which pieces make someone’s eyes light up.
As this is my first Hen's Tooth market, I’m treating it as a creative adventure. This will be a trial run, a learning experience, and a celebration of spring all at once.
If I can make a bit of money, make more people aware of Hen's Tooth and perhaps make some new friends along the way, I'll call that a win!
🌿 Creating a Stall That Feels Like “Hen’s Tooth in Real Life”
I want my stall to feel like a tiny, joyful extension of the world I’ve been building online.
For April, that means leaning into the season: bright yellows, fresh greens, and Easter inspired cuteness. Think cottagecore meets allotment chic. There will be rustic textures, baskets, maybe a string of bunting here and there, and a few whimsical touches to make people smile.
I’ve been gathering inspiration on Pinterest (such a rabbit hole). I’ve started a board dedicated entirely to market stall displays, full of clever ways to build height, create flow, and make a table feel like a destination rather than just a surface - I've kept it secret through - no spoilers!
I want people to wander over, linger, explore, and feel welcomed (I'll have a bowl of sweets as a bribe, as well).
Because I’m planning to do more markets in the future, I’m already imagining how the aesthetic will shift with the seasons. I'm thinking about pastels, pinks, powder blues and wildflower tones for summer, warm rusts and deep greens for autumn, cosy candlelit textures for winter. But for April, it’s all about brightness, optimism, and that first flush of spring.
🧺 Being Intentional About What I Sell
One of the first things I did after booking the stall was a bit of gentle research. I scrolled through the Shirehampton Market Facebook page to get a feel for the vibe and the other stallholders. It’s a lovely mix of bakers, makers, street food, crafters, and a gorgeous homemade cosmetics stall that immediately caught my eye.
Seeing that helped me make an important decision: I won’t be bringing my shampoo bars. I’m not there to compete; I’m there to contribute. Markets thrive when each stall adds something unique, and I want to bring pieces that complement what’s already there, not duplicate it.
So I’m curating with care. A selection of my favourite slow-living homewares, some nature-inspired gifts, and a few handmade pouches I’ve been sewing especially for the event.
It feels good to choose intentionally rather than bring everything “just in case.”
🌼 Tips I’ve Learned While Preparing for My First Market
Because this is my first market, I’m learning as I go. I thought it would be helpful to share some of the things I’ve discovered along the way.
1. Do a little research before you book (or after, if you’re like me!)
Look at photos from previous markets. See who else sells there. Notice what’s popular, what’s missing, and what the general atmosphere is like. It helps you choose what to bring and how to stand out in a way that feels collaborative, not competitive.
2. Visit the market in person if you can
Ideally, you’d wander around beforehand to get a sense of footfall, layout, and customer energy. I won’t have time to do that this round, so this first market will be my trial run, but I already know I’ll learn a lot simply by being there.
3. Think about the practicalities early
Markets are magical, but they’re also logistical. Here’s what I’ve sorted so far:
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A Square card reader, set up and tested, so I can take card payments easily.
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A cash tin and float for those who prefer cash.
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A fold-up trolley because parking is off-site and I don’t fancy carrying crates across Shirehampton.
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Lightweight display materials I want height and structure, but not a hernia.
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Signage and a bit of printing, so people know who I am and where to find me online.
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A bowl of sweets to encourage people to pause, chat, and browse.
It’s amazing how many small details go into making a stall feel effortless.
4. Build your display with intention
Height, texture, and flow make a huge difference. Pinterest is your friend here. So are crates, baskets, boxes, tablecloth layers, and anything that adds charm without adding weight.
5. Treat your first market as a learning experience
I’m going into this with curiosity rather than pressure. Whatever happens, whether I sell out or sell one thing, I’ll come away with insights I can use for future markets.
🌻 Looking Ahead
As the date gets closer, I’m feeling that lovely mix of nerves and excitement that comes with doing something new. Markets are about community, connection, and creativity; all things I care deeply about. I can’t wait to meet people, share the Hen’s Tooth story, and bring a little spring brightness to the Shirehampton Community Hall.
If you’re local, I’d love to see you there. And if you’re preparing for your own first market, I hope these reflections help you feel a little more grounded and inspired.
Here’s to new beginnings, fresh greens, sunny yellows, and the joy of showing up in person.