Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanda Hakanson.
Hi Chanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was a little girl both my parent were antique dealers. My dad would stop on the side of the road when he saw an abandoned house and go on a treasure hunt. Our TV sat upon an old sewing machine and we listen to records on my grandpa’s record player…..So I grew up in the vintage world. I started collecting Skelton keys, tiny vintage books and ironstone dishes when I was in high school.
Fast forward about 30 years and I had the opportunity to bring a wonderful vintage experience to the St. Louis area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My very first event was the biggest struggle…I only had 42 vendor and I think 3 canceled the week of set up. Missouri’s the “Show Me” state which apparently meant I needed to prove to the vendor world and. “show them” that I could bring the customers in. I remember going behind the barn that very first day or my very first event and prayed so hard that people would come….I’ll never forget…it was raining and I was quite scared. I came back around the barn and saw the line forming. It went all the way to the road and we ended up causing a big traffic jam. What a blessing.
For about 7 years we are a completely outdoors event which as you know in the St. Louis area is super risky. We’ve had, rain wind, heat and even tornados but we have fair them all with shiny colors!! We are now all inside so there seems to be no limit to what we can do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from others is my art background. Every decision I make seems to have an art element to it.
From the photo opt wall to the floor plan I’m always looking at the event through an artist’s eyes.
I have people stop me and say that they love my event and feel so special while shopping. They can’t put their finger on why the feel so special…I’m convinced it’s the artist in me that’s making all the decisions.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The cool thing about our event is that we have vendor coming from all over the country. All year long I go out and visit states with markets looking for the best of the best vendors so we have an event like no other in the area.
I should also mention that I’m the mother of 6 kids and some of my vendors have said they think that my training in being a mother has made me one of the best promoters around….I don’t know many other promoters but I’ll take this compliment!!
Contact Info:
- Email: stlouis@vintagemarketdays.com
- Website: stlouis@vintagemarketdays.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagemarketdaysofstlouis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintagemarketdaysofstlouis
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