The Market Season has begun!!

Open air markets are an essential part of what makes Victoria, BC fun in the summer time! It's a great opportunity to check out what local artists are creating and to meet and chat with the actual artist that made the products. A social time to meet friends, sip organic, local coffee, listen to live local music, while checking out artisans from your community. A great way to support small, developing businesses in your area by only spending a buck or two and having a wonderful time in the process.

Though markets from the vendors point of view can sometimes be a little different... There is a whole separate entity that people walking through never get to see. From having your products juried, logistics of setting up, not to mention the fees and costs associated with all of this. It can be a pretty lengthy processes, before you even get out on the streets! Finding the right market for your products/services is also challenging. Plus there's the fact that there are a lot of markets to choose from and only, usually, 2 days in a weekend to have them. This is part of the reason why, 7-8 years ago, vendors cleaned house at markets. It was so worthwhile to show case your products/services because there weren't many markets for the public to choose from, so they probably went to one you were at and spent some cashola. Wanting to support this type of thing for the future, maybe they spent a bit of cashola, and maybe they made a habit of coming to the same market, to that same vendor, and buying their local produce from them.

That's not to say that markets nowadays aren't as viable ~ they are. It just seems a little more 'hit or miss' than it was in 'the good ol' days of markets'. You have to do your research about a specific market beforehand. You have to have a product/service that people are, not only going to love, but purchase as well. Plus tell their friends about. Because that's what this whole market community is about ~ community. Supporting, growing, loving our own local communities because this is where we live and love to live for our own personal reasons. So get out there, find your fav community markets, and support LOCAL!

Make Jordan River a Park T Shirts

When I first heard about the development taking place at Jordan River, I was shocked that I had not heard of any up rise about it. I had not heard anything on the news or any buzz around town. Looking back now, I have realized there is so much hidden development happening on Vancouver Island that I should not have been surprised. Chris and I decided to look into it more and piece this puzzle together. It did not take much digging and scratching to find a couple organizations that were fighting against the condos, million dollar mansions, restricted public access, and numerous environmental concerns that are a possibility at Jordan River if it isn’t protected.

Surfrider Victoria Foundation is an organization that prides itself on the protection and preservation of our coastal ecosystem. I was stoked to work with them and they were stoked to work with The Gypsy Soul. I got in contact with Brooke, the pres of the Victoria Chapter to discuss possible avenues to take. We wanted to create a clothing line with designs that read “Make Jordan River a Park”, “Save the Waves”, “Save Jordan River”. We wanted to create t shirts that would attract the public’s attention and awareness of what was progressing at the popular spot. Thus the creation of the “Make Jordan River a Park” shop extension on The Gypsy Soul was born.

Currently, the shirts are only available on our online store. However, we are in the process of selling locally. The shirts will be sold in the Salts Studio Boutique located in Sooke asap. If you are a local shop owner, please contact me to work out the details to have the shirts available in your shop.

Profits go to the Surfrider Victoria Foundation Chapter.

When I first moved out to Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca (where Jordan River is located) was one of the first places I visited. As I walked through the forests, then along the beaches, I realized what a special place this is. I have traveled to many countries, but, when I return to Canada, I am always drawn to this majestic area. I know I am not the only one who feels this way, hence the developmental issues happening here. But I do feel I am one of the few people who know we need to develop slowly, consciously, and the most environmentally sound way possible.

For more info, please visit:
www.SurfriderVictoria.org
www.CoastalBC.com

Our shirts that inform the public and support the cause are at:
www.TheGypsySoul.com