For some small vendors, getting business back to normal is critical

ELYRIA — Although many crafters and artisans are hobbyists, there are plenty of others who make their living selling homemade items at shows. It's a business that was hit hard by the pandemic, and many vendors at a Hometown Vendors LLC show at Lorain County Community College said Sunday they've had to change their products and sales techniques since COVID-19 brought their industry to a near standstill last spring. But for some, business is starting to look up lately. Angela Bee, whose Bee's Novelties n' Such business sells sublimation printed items, said sales are increasing due in part to the recent boost provided by the holidays. And that's a great thing because some vendors use their sales at these types of events to put food on the table, Hometown Vendors co-owner Jennifer Mash-Skala said. The North Ridgeville-based event planner helped organize the show at Lorain County Community College. "Last year we lost 37 shows, but this year we are booked through December so far to have shows already," Mash-Skala said. "I would have to say (vendors) are trying very hard to get their businesses up and running." Bee, of Mantua, lost her job over a year ago for medical reasons, she said, taking her retirement and investing in the Novelties n' Such business. She said she's loved it so far, but there is definitely some pressure. "In the last six months, I've really put my head into this and started doing various things," Bee said. "It's very scary at first when you learn this stuff because you're afraid of messing so much up." Because of the in-person networking limitations caused by the virus, Bee said getting customers was tough at first. She had to turn to Facebook Live as a way to connect with potential buyers of her sublimation pressed goods. Another vendor who views craft show sales as a necessity is Jenn Malone, of Avon. Her Bella Baby/Bella Boutique business sells baby clothes, custom dishware, greeting cards and more, and can bring in $500 to $600 per show. A nurse and midwife by trade, Malone has been selling her wares for five years and said she can no longer work in the hospital system because of medical conditions she has been battling. "This isn't just a hobby. This is a necessity," she said. "This is how I pay my bills, this is how I go to the doctor, this is how I go grocery shopping, pay my electric. This is huge." For others, the pandemic had a different effect on their crafting business — it gave them time to create it. Marie Reighard and Sheila Stwewart, of Green, were selling their customizable miniature light poles at a show for just the third time Sunday. "I thought, 'Gee, surely I can find something to do.' Just took my time, put things together," Reighard said, describing how their business "Light It Up" was born when she found herself with more free time during the pandemic. The pandemic had an even more obvious effect on other vendors at the show. Some sold an item that everyone was required to own at least one of before even walking through the door — a mask. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.