I met Linda one day last summer as my daughter and I were running errands in our downtown area. On a whim we decided to pop into the local candy shop. I don’t know why we did; I have lived in this town for 8 years and had not once been into the local candy shop. Perhaps I was shopping for a gift? Perhaps it was Linda’s karma calling me in (I later learned she had recently purchased the candy shop, I never had met the previous owners), I don’t recall. What I do recall is Linda. We struck up a friendship immediately; but that is very easy to do with Linda. As one of her friends said ” She is rather like the Cheers of Laurel Street”. It is so true! Folks stop in all day long just to chat with Linda and of course, buy a little treat as well.
At any rate, she noticed my natural stone necklace and bracelet (Linda LOVES jewelry) and I told her about Style Essentials and the jewelry I share. It was summer, and the local farmers Market had been in full swing. “You should set up a table out front of my store and show off your wares!” she said. Really? Did she mean it? I just met her? Why would she be so supportive? Well, I suppose it could be good for her store too, right? Lots of bling right outside, attract folks to the fun of jewelry and hmmm..maybe they should go in and have a sweet, yes? A win-win, I figured.
Style Essentials Boutique at Hot Harvest Nights
Farmers Market night, known as ‘Hot Harvest Nights’ around these parts, falls on Thursdays and the next few Thursdays were booked for me, so it was few weeks before I actually got there. I was a bit nervous at first. What if I stood there all night and no one spoke with me? What if everyone just walked by me? What if, what if. Well, at first, no one did stop by. And…no one stopped by some more. Ugh. What was I doing out here? I had put so much energy into packing up my freshwater pearls, natural stone bracelets, glass rings, crystal necklaces, eco-friendly mineral makeup, signs, and table cloths, then un-packed everything again when I got there, set up a pretty display.. and then… stood there. Yikes. I could have been out enjoying the market with my family. And, to top it off, I was hungry. My family was out enjoying the market, and dinner. I hoped they would bring me a fresh organic peach to relish.
The night started off slowly. Very slowly. But then, someone stopped. The bling had caught her eye. Yes! She liked it! Then a few more stopped, and a few more. At several points through out the evening, I actually had a crowd of folks around my table. Before I knew it, I found myself having an absolute ball. I met wonderful people. In between meeting new and interesting people, Linda and I would chat (when she wasn’t busy, which was not often!). Soon enough the evening was over and it was time to pack it in. I had sold quite a bit of jewelry and makeup. I had had a wonderful time. I decided I would do this each Thursday through the rest of the season.
Each week got better. People began to come by on purpose. They knew I would be there. I had new friends that would stop and say hello each week. My customer base grew. So, this year, when spring approached I knew I would be back. Who knows, perhaps I will get a following 
I will always be grateful to Linda. I was just getting started in my new business venture, and Linda gave me the oomph I needed. But, the best part is, I made a friend.
Oh, and I not only got a peach, but a wonderful freshly made veggie tamale for dinner. I love my family.
If you are a San Francisco Bay Area local, please swing by the Hot Harvest Nights Farmers Market and say hello to Linda and I. Glinda’s Fudge & More 672 Laurel Street, San Carlos, Ca.
