What We Learned from Our First Season of Pop-Ups
This summer marked a big milestone for us—our first official season of pop-ups. From transforming our trailer into a mobile boutique to setting up shop at local events and festivals, we learned that behind every smooth-looking setup is a whole lot of sweat, laughter, and creative problem-solving.
Here’s a look at what our first season taught us…
1. Booth and Trailer Setup Is Its Own Kind of Art
Our trailer became the heart of Feral Friends Co.—part closet, part creative studio, part home on wheels. Every event meant a new layout, a new flow, and sometimes… a new challenge (wind, mud, limited space—you name it).
We learned how to make a 10x10 booth feel like an inviting boutique, how to style displays that tell a story, and how to make our setup reflect the same energy as our brand—adventurous, creative, and a little wild.
Lesson learned: Design your booth and trailer to feel like you. People connect with authenticity and atmosphere as much as the product.
2. Planning Ahead Saves You (and Your Sanity)
This one was huge. Pop-ups sound spontaneous—but they actually take a ton of planning. Between applying for markets, coordinating travel, prepping inventory, and updating your trailer setup, having a plan in place makes everything smoother.
We learned that last-minute sign-ups can work out (and they did a few times!), but nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with knowing your schedule, inventory, and setup are ready to roll.
Lesson learned: Create your market calendar early, apply on time, and plan ahead. Less stress = more success.
3. Curation Is Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from this season? The right mix of pieces can completely change how your booth feels. For us, it was all about bringing together vintage outdoor layers, well-loved Western finds, and upcycled one-of-a-kind pieces.
Each rack told a story—and we realized shoppers love hearing why that story matters. Whether it was a reworked jacket from a vintage blanket or an old flannel given new life, people lit up when they saw the creativity behind it.
Lesson learned: Curate with intention and always bring a few “conversation pieces.” They’re what turn casual browsers into fans.
4. Collaboration Builds Community
Pop-ups aren’t just about selling—they’re about showing up together. Some of our favorite events this season were the ones that brought together other local makers, artists, and musicians.
Every collaboration—whether it was sharing space, promoting each other’s events, or hosting creative workshops—helped build the sense of community that makes Feral Friends what it is.
Lesson learned: Collaboration doesn’t dilute your brand—it expands it.
5. The Behind-the-Scenes Hustle Is Real
Before the lights turn on and the racks are lined up, there’s hours of work most people never see—loading, unloading, tagging, sewing, steaming, styling. The “pop” in pop-up doesn’t happen overnight.
Between late-night prep and early-morning setup, we learned to laugh at the chaos and lean into it. Because honestly? That’s where some of the best memories (and best bloopers) were made.
Lesson learned: Hard work looks good on you—especially when it’s done with heart.
6. Connection Is the Best Currency
Sure, sales are important—but the real magic happens in conversation. We met so many incredible people this season who reminded us why we started this in the first place: to keep clothes in rotation, to celebrate creativity, and to connect over stories that make us feel a little more human.
Lesson learned: Show up for connection first. The rest follows naturally.
As we close our first pop-up season, we’re filled with gratitude—for every customer who stopped by, every fellow maker who supported us, and every friend who helped us set up (and tear down). This season wasn’t just about selling clothes—it was about building something real.
Would you want to see a blog post on what sets you apart at markets?
We’re planning to share all our insights—from booth design to branding tips—to help others stand out in their own creative spaces.
