Last week, I did something I’ve never done before: I popped up at a store, not a market. It was my first time in a dedicated retail space, and for four days, it was ours.
The pop-up was held at The Delta in Brooklyn, and I shared the space with three other beautiful brands: Loup Charmant, Miya Mia Jewelry, and Katie Mottola Ceramics. Together, we transformed the space into something that felt like our own little boutique. We set our own hours, brought in rugs and lights, rearranged displays, and in the evenings, we served wine to anyone who stopped in. It was warm, intentional, and intimate — and I loved that part.
But what I didn’t foresee was the lack of foot traffic.
At markets, there’s built-in visibility. The organizers handle promotion, and there’s usually a steady stream of people coming through. I assumed this would be more or less the same, especially since I’d popped up on the same block before as part of a market. But this time, without the umbrella of a larger event and without heavy promotion, the street felt quiet.
Sales were slow. Really slow.
And while I’m so grateful for the experience, for the chance to connect with the other founders, to set up the space the way I imagined, to introduce new people to KAEIU, I also came away with a clearer sense of what it actually takes to run a store.
I’ve always dreamed of having my own retail space someday. A beautiful shop filled with texture and story. But this past weekend gave me a glimpse into the realities, and for now, I’m okay with that dream taking a backseat.
For now, I’ll keep popping up in shared spaces and markets where energy and visibility are built in. I’ll keep showing up, one bag, one conversation at a time.
And maybe someday, when the time is right, that shop will still be waiting for me.
With love,
Maria