Local Femmes Market

We were fortunate to have an interview with Gina Eriksson, the project manager and initiator of the Local Femmes Market collection stand at Formex. Read about her and other participants’ successful presence at the fair.

16 creators participated in Gina’s collection stand

Everyone who exhibited on the stand:
Jessica Jämting – @jessicajamting.art
Marlene Boke – @marleneboke
Miro Elgeholm – @miro_elgeholm
Pattern Me Bright – @patternmebright
Ovrebruket – @ovrebrukets
Wilder Mind Ceramics – @wildermind.ceramics
Jocelyn Superstar – @jocelynsuperstar
Studio Skata – @studio.skata

Fanny Järvengren – @fannyjarvengren
Mikaela Puranen – @mikaelapuranen
Felicia Hörjel – @feliciaskeramik
Skaperian – @skaperian
Vegan Delights – @vegandelights.sweden
Evelina Viola – @evelinaviolaart
OWaster – @bliowaster
Järna Tvåleri – @jarnatvaleri

Can you give a brief description of what Local Femmes Market is?
Local Femmes Market is Sweden’s largest platform for online arts and crafts markets. Local Femmes Market started during the pandemic as a marketplace on Instagram for women, non-binary and transgender people who make a living from their arts and crafts. The market is run by the two artisans Therese Lopez and Stina Suai.

What made you take the initiative to exhibit at Formex?
As project manager and initiator of this collection stand, I can say that I wanted to try something new! Having exhibited in previous years, both at Design Talents and Craft & Creative, my experience was that it can be tough to exhibit on your own. It’s long days and a lot of work before, during and after – but that said, I’ve always had great stand neighbors who have provided a lot of energy.

In addition to trying something new on a personal level, I also wanted to create a meeting between the big trade fair world and the small-scale market world. To bring a small part of the community that I so often experience through the markets I attend and at the same time introduce my colleagues there to something new! Amazingly, Therese and Stina from Local Femmes Market were on board with this idea.

What advantages do you see in exhibiting with several smaller companies as part of a collective stand?
The reactions from the participants in the assembly stand have been really positive. They were instructive days and for those who were completely new to Formex, the opportunity to exhibit together in this way was a reassurance that gave new courage and a taste for more.
Other benefits include help with staffing and being part of a network that together helped to reach a wider audience.

What was the best part of your participation in the fair? Are there any specific moments or experiences that stand out?
The best part was that we did it together, giving each other energy and inspiration. As a self-employed person, it is a privilege to spend time with colleagues and we took advantage of that. The sales focus was not the only important thing, which probably contributed to us being told by visitors that our stand was needed there and livened up the atmosphere. We also managed to get new dealers, which was the goal of most of us.

Is this approach something you would recommend to other exhibitors?
Absolutely, if you have a good team and are prepared to do the work, I really think it can produce results. We hope to be back again in August!