Meet the Vendor: Southern Rust

Meet Lisa with Southern Rust! This woman is incredibly talented and we have had the honor of hosting her at GypsyMoon Marketplace since our Christmas 2019 show. Some things that we along with our shopper enjoy about her is her great work ethic, impeccable taste, and her heart of gold! You’ll be able to shop with her again April 23 & 24 at GypsyMoon Marketplace!

Be sure to shop with her: Southern Rust Facebook Page or Southern Rust Website

Tell us about your Business!

“Southern Rust specializes in unique, vintage, home goods along with floral accessories to complete the look. My passion is seeking out one of a kind pieces that have a story to tell. You can also follow us on Facebook.”

How did your business begin?

“My business first began in 2013, out of my garage. [I started] Selling at local markets, then in auction houses. Finally in 2015, I went permanently on the road doing pop-up shows 30 weekends out of the year and loving every minute of it!”

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

“Getting in the truck and heading down the road searching for the next great find. But, hands down my favorite thing about my job is all the great people I have the opportunity to meet.”

What is something you wished you had done sooner?

“If I could go back, I wish that I had made my career change earlier.”

You are so good at product styling/merchandising. Do you have any tips/tricks?

“When I put my booth together I look at it like a blank canvas. I try to style it in a way that I would want it in my home. Displaying examples of how to use your items.”

How did the year 2020 affect your business?

“Covid has been the biggest obstacle my small business has ever faced. But it is becoming our new normal, but due to Covid we are starting a new website: www.shopsouthernrust.com”

What are your hopes and dreams for your business in the future?

“I hope to be doing shows for years to come. But look forward to growing our online business.”

What are some hard lessons you've learned?

“Looking back when I first started I made more stupid mistakes than I care to admit. Between over paying for items, going knocking on doors, and being turned down.”

“My best moment, even though I didn’t know it at the time, was a show at the Nashville Flea Market. I checked in and the man next to me checked his mom and sister in. We started talking and 4 years later we were married! So, I found my husband at a show. Definitely my best find ever!”

— Lisa, Southern Rust

Meet the Vendor: SP & Company

I am so excited to have you meet Amy Grace! She has been one of my favorite people to follow on social media over the years. Her style is colorful, bright, and when I see her posts- I just think of pure happiness! If you don’t follow her, you are definitely missing out!

You can shop her website at www.thesandypearls.com, shop her looks on https://www.liketoknow.it/styledamygrace or visit her Instagram and Facebook pages.

Comment below and show her some love!

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m Amy Grace, the owner, creator & designer of The Sandy Pearls! We are an online lifestyle, accessories brand. Our mission is to provide on-trend & curated accessories, that are sure to upgrade any outfit.

We strive to make women feel pretty, put together, and confident, one accessory at a time! You can shop all our accessories at: www.thesandypearls.com

When and how did your business begin?

Tell us your story!

Created in 2014, I had no idea my passion & hobby would turn into a business! After sharing jewelry on social media, I started receiving orders for my jewelry I was sharing!!

Although after sharing my jewelry, I soon realized women had an even bigger need!! They wanted and needed to know how to style the outfit with the accessories!! Which is a WHOLE other aspect to accessories! This can be the true reason why women don’t show up for themselves. They toss on an outfit with no purpose, feeling less confident, and not as pretty!

Realizing this, one day it clicked for me that THIS would be my mission! To help encourage women one accessory and outfit at a time!

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

My favorite thing about what I do is encouraging women to be the best version they are, one accessory at a time! I see them smile, feel pretty, and feel confident when they wear my creations! That itself-keeps me creating!

If you could turn and talk to yourself when you first started your business, what would you tell yourself?

Oh man!!! I'd tell myself, not to wait until I had it all figured out! Not to strive for perfection but to enjoy the imperfections! And just GO FOR IT! The Lord will figure out the rest!!

You have a great online presence! Any advice for someone who is planning to sell their products online? Any social media strategy tips?

Wow!!! Thank you!! My advice for anyone wanting to sell online, is to create a website and get on social media! And again, touching back on not waiting until you have it all figured out! Toss your products on the site, and roll with it! Figure it out as you go!

When it comes to social media tips, BE YOURSELF! Allow your audience to "like, know and trust" you! Create a community which allows them to feel a part of!! Those will soon become your lifetime customers!!

Time management is hard. How do you cope with having to do "all the things" like work, family, friendships, & personal time?

SO hard it is, balancing all the things!!! And to be honest, there isn't always balance! Being an entrepreneur who works from home, you must create boundaries and balance!! Owning your own business is a 24/7 gig, but you MUST know when to turn the hustle off! It's a lot of sacrifice and late nights but creating the boundaries and balance allow you to take control of time!!

The accessories you sell are ADORABLE! How have you learned to best manage your inventory? Do you have a process that you've developed in order to get orders out in a timely manner?

Aww thank you so much! That's such a compliment!!!

When it comes to inventory, I am purchasing 1 month in advance! I like to work 2-3 weeks ahead of the launch date to ensure I have all items in stock for the launch date!

To ensure orders get out in a timely manner, I work them in batches!! Due to Covid, I have decreased my staffing down to just me!!! So I try to work as quickly as possible with not having all hands on deck!

But communicating order turn around on your website is key for the customer!!

Do you ever experience burnout? What makes you feel inspired & revived?

Oh, of course!!!!! I experience burn out a lot! All creatives do in some way!! However, you MUST recognize you need the break! However, a good weekend unplugged from my phone and creating to be with my family does my soul some good! There also has to be some kind of chips & salsa involved with this weekend!!! ;)

Looking back when you first started, what are some hard lessons you've learned? Any funny stories?

Ahhhhh!!! FLASH CARDS! I used to take orders through emails and FB messages!! I lost track of who was who, and what they ordered, it was a mess!! That's why I say just get the website! Don't wait for perfection! A website will keep it all nice and pretty for you!!

Ps. I love and highly recommend Shopify! So easy to jump in and use!!

What are your hopes and dreams for your business in the future?

I have so many but my biggest hope and dream for The Sandy Pearls is to reach more women, while keeping my eyes on Christ! I’ve been shown this is my purpose and I will continue to use my platform to encourage and be a light! Again, the Lord will figure out and handle the rest!!!!

Photos by Julie Hall Photography

Written by Whitnee Mosley

National Brownie Day - The Best Brownie Recipe

Happy Brownie Day, Gypsies!

Raise your hand if you like to enjoy a nice homemade brownie?! Well I definitely do, and even though I’m trying to be “good” and eat healthy, National Brownie Day needed my attention.

I am what you’d consider a boxed brownie type of gal BUT, I have been trying to find any reason to test out my husbands great grandmother’s HOMEMADE fudge brownie recipe.

I was shocked when I looked in my pantry and was able to find all of the items needed to make this recipe! Putting it together was easier, quicker, and less messy than expected. All in all, you’ll just put the dry ingredients together first, then add the wet. Bake it for about 40 minutes, then Voila! They’re finished! It was a fun afternoon activity of baking and making memories with the kids. We made a little video together and the kids enjoyed having a part in it.

We have a fun little challenge happening on our social media pages, so be sure to check it out! All you have to do is eat a brownie, snap a pic, and challenge someone to do the same.

The picture below is the actual recipe typed by Nanny. She made a typo and left out the part where you add the flour but just add it in at step 3.

Nanny’s Fudge Brownies

3/4 cup cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup boiling water

2 cups Sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1-1/3 cups flour (All-purpose flour)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2. In a large bowl, combine cocoa and baking soda, Blend in 1/3 cup oil, add boiling water; stir until mixture thickens

3. Add sugar, egg, flour, and remaining 1/3 cup vegetable oil; stir until smooth

4. Bake in lightly greased 13x9 inch pan 35 to 40 minutes. Cut into squares when cool and wrap and pack for lunch and etc. or put in airtight container.

Everything you need to know about GypsyMoon Marketplace 2020

We get asked a lot of questions prior to GypsyMoon. Read below to find out the answers to our most frequently asked questions!

1.     How did GypsyMoon Marketplace start?

GypsyMoon Marketplace started with Angie Mosley. Angie really loves decor, unique items, and anything antique/vintage. She had the dream of hosting her own barn sale and told her daughter-in-law, Whitnee Mosley. With Whitnee’s can-do attitude and Angie’s dream, GypsyMoon was born and held on their family horse farm.

2.     What is a barn sale?

 A barn sale takes place either on a farm, in or around a barn. It can be described as an upscale vintage/handmade marketplace. The vendors and artisans are hand selected and screened to ensure that each vendor is top notch. Once they are selected, they spend weeks pickin’, preppin’ and preparin’ for the upcoming sale. They don’t just set up a booth; they design, decorate and stage each stall with eye-catching displays that will draw you in to shop.

3.     How often do you host GypsyMoon Marketplace?

GypsyMoon started Fall 2015 and has been held every April and November since. The upcoming GypsyMoon Marketplace will be our 9th event!

Our Spring GypsyMoon Marketplace will be held on April 30 & May 1, 2021 so mark your calendars :)

4.     What are the date and times of your upcoming GypsyMoon Marketplace?

November 5, 6, 7- Tickets must be purchased to attend.

For the first time ever, we are offering 6 ticketed shopping sessions! More ticket information is located on www.gypsymoonmarketplace.com

5.     Where is it located?

Highland Stables Event Venue: 1301 B Hunts Lane, Bowling Green, KY 42103 

6.     How many vendors/storefronts are there?

We have about 75 vendors/storefronts that are set-up at GypsyMoon! We keep it that way for each and every GypsyMoon- Quality over quantity is our motto!

7.     Are there any special events happening during the event?

Thursday Night
5:30p-7:30p Savannah Dean will be playing live music and Sarah Nuse will be signing her newly released book, Destined For Greatness.

Friday
5:00p-8:00p Santa will be coming to GypsyMoon! He will be available to take pictures with your family.

Saturday
10:00a- Live Demo with Denise Haynes from Daybreak Critations
11:00a- Live Demo with Tori Beth from Tori Beth & Co.
2:00p- Live Demo with Michelle from Riverbend Blooms. 3:00p- Live Demo with Casey from Good Dog

8.     What can I find while shopping at GypsyMoon Marketplace?

Everything! There are so many different gift items, home decor, vintage items, clothing, furniture, candles, and so much more!  

9.     Is it indoors or outdoors?

We would say 85% of the vendors are located indoors! There are a few vendors out front and some in our food truck area.

10.  Will it be heated?

We will try our best to make sure everyone is comfortable but what a great opportunity to wear your cutest chunky sweater with boots and a beanie to get in the holiday spirit :)

11.  What happens if it rains?

The show must go on! Majority of our vendors are indoors so wear your rain jacket but once you make it inside, you’ll be just fine :)

12.  Does it cost to get in?

It does and tickets must be purchased to attend due to limited space in our shopping sessions.

13.  Are credit/debit cards accepted?

Being on a farm in the county, is not ideal, but some vendors will try to make it work. We ALWAYS recommend having cash on you.

14.  Is there ample parking?

Oh yes! We also have golf carts that will pick you up and make your parking experience easier.

15.  Will there be food?

Absolutely! We have food trucks, pies, popcorn, donuts, cookies, and wine tasting!  

16.  Stroller/Dog friendly?

Pets on a leash are welcomed, as are children (haha! totally kidding). Wearing your child or an umbrella stroller may be best because it will be smaller and easier to maneuver. All of the stalls and back barn are mulch, so strollers may be a little tough to maneuver in those areas.

17.  What are 5 top items to bring when coming to shop?

Your tickets to shop with, your mask, Dress in layers with comfy shoes, a shopping tote and cash is always king.

18.  What would be the ideal outfit to wear while shopping?

 Anything that will keep you warm and comfortable. So we suggest: layer, layer, layer and comfortable shoes! Masks will also be required while shopping so be sure to pick the cutest one you’ve got!

19.  Who is GypsyMoon Marketplace for?

 Everyone and anyone! Women, men, children, dogs, etc.

20.  What’s one important thing you think every shopper should know?

 We want them to leave with the best experience possible and with a trunk full of stuff!

21.  How can I stay updated with all the latest GMM news?!

Check out our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook and continue to check our website! If you are wanting to be a vendor at our next GypsyMoon in the spring, keep an eye on our pages. We will be putting out applications in November.

We are excited to see each of you out at

GypsyMoon Marketplace!

xoxo GypsyMoon Gals

Meet the Vendor: Chaudoin Creations

When our vendors turn into close friends, that’s when our hearts just soar! The relationships we have made and built with GypsyMoon are so special to us! If you come and shop at GypsyMoon (tickets must be purchased to attend) then you must shop at Chaudoin Creations!

Our sweet friend, Whitney Chaudoin is the boss babe who is blessing the world one shirt at a time. Her business, Chaudoin Creations, sells custom screen-printed tees that are carefully thought about and curated by Whitney herself. Chaudoin Creations is designed to bring you fashionable apparel- A grab and go outfit that is guaranteed to be both equally stylish + comfy.

Don’t miss out being able to shop with her and all of the other incredible vendors! And if you missed her video of sneak peeks for GypsyMoon be sure to watch it below!

Follow Chaudoin Creations on her social media pages: Facebook and Instagram

Meet the Vendor: Art by Allie

Meet Allie, owner of Art by Allie

Allie Heffington is a 23 year old entrepreneur who will be joining us for our 2020 Christmas GypsyMoon Marketplace on November 5, 6, 7. She’s incredibly talented and creates custom painted commissions and original artwork. We love seeing and meeting new vendors, so to say we are over the moon to have Allie with us is an understatement! We believe y’all will love shopping all of her beautiful items. Don’t miss out being able to shop with her and all of the other incredible vendors!

We had Allie go live on our Facebook page, if you missed it be sure to watch below!

Follow Allie on all of her social media pages!

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/artbyallie16/?ref=page_internal

Meet the Vendor: The Pie Queen of BG

Meet Brie, The Pie Queen

It’s no secret that we love Brie and its for good reason! Her pies are AWESOME! She has been a vendor with us at GypsyMoon for the past 5 years and we always enjoy having her with us! This year she is going to located inside of her #cutiepiewagon and y’all DO not want to miss the perfect photo op near it! It is adorable. Her delicious pies are homemade and she will be offering a variety of pies, sammies, and no-bakes! Don’t miss out on her tasty pies and don;t miss out on your chance to shop at GypsyMoon Marketplace. All the shopping sessions are filling up, especially Thursday night so be sure to grab yours!

She went live on Facebook to reveal the new Cutie Pie Wagon! If you missed it be sure to watch it below :)

Follow Brie on her social media!

Facebook: Click here to follow her on Facebook

Instagram: Click here to follow her on Instagram

Meet the Vendor: Poppy & Clover

Meet the ladies of Poppy & Clover:

We have had the opportunity to have the gals from Poppy & Clover as vendors with us for a few years and every year we are in awe of their beautiful storefront and hardwork! Not only do they create a stunning display to shop through but they offer one of a kind products they create themselves! We love having them at GypsyMoon!

Poppy & Clover are a mother + daughter team growing their small business one amazing candle at a time! They welcome each person into their booth as if they’ve known them forever! They specialize in making Kentucky soy candles, bath & body products, custom pillows, home decor and more!

Be sure you get to shop with Poppy & Clover as well as our other incredible vendors by purchasing your tickets to GypsyMoon Marketplace November 5, 6, 7.

Follow Poppy & Clover on their social media! Facebook Page & Instagram Page

Meet the Vendor: Ferguson's Finds

Ferguson’s Finds: a wide variety of antique, industrial & vintage items.

We have known Colbi and Brandon for quite sometime and we LOVE having them with us at GypsyMoon. On top of being an incredibly talented couple; they are also thoughtful, kind, caring, and just overall great people who we think the world of!

Watch the video below to get to know them, their story, and all the good stuff they’ll be bringing to our upcoming GypsyMoon Marketplace on November 5, 6, 7!

This GypsyMoon is gonna be the best yet and we are happy to have Colbi and Brandon with Ferguson’s Finds join us. Please remember that tickets must be purchased in advance to attend in November!

Follow Ferguson’s Finds:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FergusonsAnt...

Instagram: @fergusonsfinds

Nanny's Summer Squash Souffle Casserole

One of my very favorite gifts I’ve received was a cookbook made by my husband’s great-grandmother, Nanny. She typed the entire cookbook of all her recipes and cooking tips on a manual typewriter. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, whenever I read the recipes I see her. I imagine her sitting down, typing it word by word and think about the thought she put into it. I love old southern recipes, they are just good for the soul. Having the opportunity to make her recipes has been a real blessing to our family.

One of the recipes in the cookbook was a summer squash souffle casserole. I’m not sure about you but when summer hits, I’m more apt to eat ALL the veggies especially summer squash. I knew I had to try this recipe out and it didn’t disappoint. It’s so good! I hope you enjoy it, just as much as our family has! Let me know what you think down at the bottom in the comments!

If you’re not blessed enough to have a beautiful garden in your backyard, be sure to shop your local farmer’s market for your summer squash!

#shopsmall #supportlocal

NANNY’S SUMMER SQUASH

SOUFFLE CASSEROLE RECIPE:

Nanny’s Summer Squash Souffle Casserole:

What you’ll need:

1 Pound crooked neck yellow squash

1 Medium onion

2 Beaten Medium Eggs

1 Stick of margarine

1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese

1 cup of saltine cracker crumbs (I bought some whole grain bread crumbs and used those for some added flavor)

salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 250

Cut your squash and onion. Cook together on your stove top on medium heat. When it’s cooked tender, drain, and mash.

In your pan combine the eggs, margarine, cheddar cheese (save some for later), crumbs (save some for later), and salt and pepper to taste.

Place into a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and crumbs. drizzle a little butter on top to crisp the crumbs.

Cook uncovered for 1 hour or until browned.

Enjoy!

The Quick & Easy Gifting Solution

This post includes affiliate links*

Written by: Whitnee Mosley

I have celebrated Christmas with the Mosley family for 12 wonderful years and Christmas has ALWAYS been one of my favorites to celebrate with them. The way that we celebrate is that we spend Christmas Eve together in our PJ’s, we open gifts and enjoy some quality time with one another, and, finally, after my kids (8 yo & 6 yo) cannot be patient any longer, my in law’s set out everyones Christmas Boxes. Chris, my father in law, gets so excited to watch everyone open their gifts and Angie is a PRO gift-giver! Seriously y’all, she’s one of the best!

She has always gifted us our “stocking gifts” inside of Christmas boxes and I have LOVED that. It seems so easy, you don’t have to try to stuff EVERYTHING in a stocking, plus it’s something she reuses every year!

So pretty much my mother in law is a GENIUS and got me to thinking- why can’t I use Christmas boxes for ALL presents!?!

When you take the average chaos of Christmas + 2 kids and a husband + out of town family visiting + expecting your 3rd one on Christmas Day = you will try anything that seems easier and makes the holidays more stress-free. Angie visited Hobby Lobby years ago for her Christmas boxes, but since we live in the age of Amazon, I went right on my phone and found some really great Christmas Box options.

Below I’ve linked some of my favorite Christmas boxes that I’ve found on Amazon, so if you have Amazon Prime these can be here just in time for Christmas:

https://amzn.to/2PmMHdY

https://amzn.to/38GxXOL

https://amzn.to/2LXT8BX

If you are already ahead of the game and have all your gifts wrapped with pretty bows, then I salute you! But if you haven’t started then this is a wonderful alternative that you can use year after year!

We hope you are able to slow down during this chaotic season and have the BEST Christmas ever!

Want to see the items inside of our gift boxes? Click the links below:

https://amzn.to/2sMThkU

https://amzn.to/36Vkl0p

https://amzn.to/2tuBoYx

https://amzn.to/38SwULC

Q & A with The Pie Queen of BG

One of the best things about creating GypsyMoon Marketplace has been being able to meet and be surrounded by such talented people. Brie Golliher is one of those people. This Pie Queen not only makes delicious pies, but she is also a wife, mother, entrepreneur, hustler, an inspiration, and a friend. We have had the honor of being around Brie for years, and if you are around her for even 5 minutes, you’re able to see how passionate she is about what she does. We are honored that she was kind enough to answer some questions for us! Read below to find out all the burning questions you’ve been dying to know about Brie Golliher- The Pie Queen of BG

What’s your Business Name?

The Pie Queen of BG

Tell us about your business?

My pie kitchen is located in the Boyce General Store, a country store built in 1869.

What made you choose this type of business?

I have always, always wanted to have a bakery and here I am, living my dream.

What is unique about your business?

I feel like pie has the ability to connect with so many people on a personal level because it reminds them of their grandmother. That’s the biggest compliment ever.

What was a big turning point in your business?

When I started doing local television segments and launched online ordering.

Do you have employees?

2 pie queenies

Bonus Question: If you answered yes, when did you feel that it was the right time to add employees to your business?

When I start to feel myself burning out, I try to reevaluate where I’m working too much and if I can afford someone else to do that.

How do you advertise and market your product/service?

On social media and on our website. I’m a big ambassador for Bowling Green tourism (and the state) and then in some local publications such as Bowling Green Living Magazine.

How do you handle or look at competition?

I don’t believe in competition when it comes to small business; your light doesn’t get any dimmer if you light someone else’s.

What are some of your 2020 business goals?

I want to write a cookbook, that’s my biggest goal set currently!

What does your average day look like?

I get to work around 6am... help the store girls out, hopefully get to bake in the kitchen and fill orders till about 3:30pm then head home to get the boys off the bus and make dinner. During the holiday season, I have lots of after hour events or late night baking sessions to fill all the orders.

What keeps you from burn out?

I try to always have travel scheduled that allows me to visit new places, even if it’s just to Nashville or Louisville where I can get inspiration from other places.

What’s your favorite quote?

“If you love what you do, people will fall in love with you.”

How do you balance family and work life?

It comes in waves, some seasons need more work, and some need more family. Lucky for me, my family helps with the store a lot so I can do both, together.

What are some of your 2020 personal goals?

Better health.

Tell us a fun fact about you

I’m a book nerd. I read cookbooks like a novel and I can remember a recipe after reading it one time.

What’s something you wish you had known when you started out?

No one is going to love your business as much as you.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out?

Success doesn’t come from only working on the days you want to.

What do you want to be remembered for?

How I make people feel, either through my food or the space we have created in our community.

How can people connect with you?

Instagram is my favorite @thepiequeen_bg