"More Than a Show: Finding Joy, Community, and Purpose on the Road"

Entry #151 Finding Joy in the Hustle: Why My Upcoming Show Means More Than Just Business

Life has a way of testing our endurance, and for me, the past few months have been a long, rough, and exhausting stretch. Between recovering from an injury, jumping back into work, and preparing for an upcoming event that I’ve eagerly anticipated, it’s felt like a marathon with no finish line in sight. But finally, the moment I’ve been working toward is here — my vacation starts today, and so does the excitement for one of my favorite shows of the year. What makes this even better is that it’s not just me feeling the anticipation — my loyal clients and friends are counting down the days too.

The Journey Back to Work: A Renewed Appreciation

Having only been back at work for two months after my injury gave me a whole new appreciation for my job. Funny enough, the last time I felt this happy to clock in was after my previous injury. There’s something about being forced to step away from your routine that makes you realize how much you enjoy it. I didn’t waste any time shaking off the rust and jumping back into the swing of things. I’m grateful I have vacation days lined up, especially during one of the slower weeks of the year, giving me the perfect opportunity to recharge while doing something I genuinely love.

More Than a Show — It’s a Community

What truly makes these shows special is the community. Having loyal clients and friends who come out to support me makes each event memorable. It’s not just about selling products — it’s about reconnecting, catching up on what they’ve picked up since the last show, and swapping recommendations on must-see booths or rare finds. One of my favorite traditions is scouting out the best food trucks with them, sampling dishes, and sharing bites while swapping stories. The experience becomes so much more meaningful when it’s shared, and these little moments enrich the event in ways that money can’t buy.

New Adventures and Bigger Goals

This year marks a new milestone for me. For the first time, I’m renting a van to transport extra shelving units and additional products to the show. Even though I finally purchased a new car, it’s not much bigger than my last one and would have seriously limited how much inventory I could bring along. After chatting with several veteran vendors who highly recommended renting a truck or van for bigger shows, I decided to give it a shot. If it means increasing my ability to sell more and offer my clients a wider selection, it’s worth the investment.

The Stories That Make It All Worthwhile

While the sales and business growth are great, the real reward comes from the stories people share with me. Every collector, every customer, and every casual visitor has a reason they’re drawn to a particular item. Maybe it’s a TV show from their childhood, a classic car their grandfather drove, or a movie that changed their life. These stories breathe life into the products we buy and sell. I’m endlessly grateful for every person who takes a moment to share a memory with me because those conversations remind me why I started doing this in the first place.

A Final Thought

No matter what path you choose in life, I genuinely hope you find something that fills you with as much joy and purpose as these shows do for me. Whether it’s a hobby, a career, or a side hustle, having something you’re passionate about makes even the hardest weeks worth it. If you’re ever at a show like this, come find me — I’ll be the one with a van full of treasures, a stomach full of food truck tacos, and an ear ready for your story.