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A SMALL-GROUP COHORT FOR FUTURE MARKET HOSTS
Host Your Own Craft Fair
You have the idea. You just need someone who has done it to help you stop overthinking and start building.
A small, guided cohort for future market hosts, designed to take you from “I kind of want to host one of these…” to a real event plan in motion. This is a hands-on weekly workshop, where you will have homework and be in action making this a reality. You will get real-world guidance from someone who has actually done it (and who absolutely loves it).
Every 2 weeks on Mondays starting Sept 14th, 2026
9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26
11 AM - 12 PM PST
Founding Cohort - limited spots
Stop spinning in circles, over-analyzing, and trying to figure it all out alone.
Most people who want to host a market have been sitting on the idea for a year or more. They know they want to do it. They just can't seem to get it out of their head and into motion.
That's what this cohort is for.
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
By the end of the 4 sessions, you'll have an actual event in the works
A clear market concept and vision
Defined positioning, audience, and vibe.
A realistic event budget
Numbers you can actually plan against.
A tentative or confirmed market date
On the calendar, not in your head or in "someday" limbo.
A venue shortlist or booked venue
With outreach scripts and decision criteria.
Booth pricing that actually makes sense
Fair to vendors, sustainable for you.
Vendor categories and curation guidelines
So your market has shape, not chaos.
A vendor application or registration process
From form to approval to vendor emails.
A marketing and promotion timeline
A week by week rollout
A detailed event planning checklist
Every step, in order, with realistic timing.
A better understanding of what makes markets successful
Plus what quietly makes them flop.
Support and accountability while you build
You won’t be doing this alone.
4 LIVE Zoom Calls every other week
Each call is 75 minutes:
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60 minutes focused on one core topic
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15 minutes for questions, troubleshooting, and group discussion
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Calls will be on Sept 14th & 28th and Oct. 12th & 26th
2 Individual Support Calls
Two optional 30-minute one-on-one calls.
Use these for personalized support on venue selection, budgeting, vendor strategy, pricing, troubleshooting, timelines, marketing, or whatever feels most overwhelming.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
How the cohort runs
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Four Fridays.
Four focused topics.
Each week builds on the last, so by Week 4, you’re not learning theory, you’re finalizing your launch and taking micro actions to get there.
01
Market Vision & Feasibility
WE'LL COVER
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Different types of artisan markets
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indoor vs outdoor events
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Seasonal timing
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Understanding your local audience
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Defining your market vibe and goals
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Choosing a venue
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What makes people actually want to attend
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Common first-time mistakes
YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
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A rough event concept
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Possible event timing
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Venue research started
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Clarity around what kind of market you actually want to host
Sept 14th
RESOURCES INCLUDED
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Different types of artisan markets
-
indoor vs outdoor events
-
Seasonal timing
-
Understanding your local audience
-
Defining your market vibe and goals
-
Choosing a venue
-
What makes people actually want to attend
-
Common first-time mistakes
READY FOR MORE?
This is for you if...
Have dreamed about hosting a market or creative event
Want to create community in your town
Are an artist or maker wanting to expand into event hosting
Love local small businesses
Want to create a thoughtful event experience
Feel overwhelmed by where to begin
This is not for anyone who is...
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People looking for an easy, plug-and-play event
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People who aren't willing to do the legwork (markets don't fall together on their own)
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People who want a done-for-you template instead of learning the why behind the decisions
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People hoping to throw something together last-minute with no planning
FAQ
Common questions
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Do I need event experience?
No. This cohort is built for first-time hosts. If you’ve produced events before, you’ll move faster, but it’s not a prerequisite.
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What if I don't have a venue yet?
That's totally ok! Week 1 is dedicated to defining what you want, and Week 2 covers vendor and pricing strategy. Most students leave the cohort with a venue shortlist or a confirmed space.
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What size markets is this best for?
Anywhere from 10 to 60 vendors. The frameworks scale, and we’ll right-size them to your goals.
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Will calls be recorded?
Yes. You’ll get the recording within 24 hours so you can rewatch or catch up.
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Can I host outdoor or indoor events?
Both. We cover the operational differences and how to plan for each.
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Is this only for handmade markets?
No. Vintage, plant, food, holiday, and hybrid markets are all welcome. The principles apply across formats.
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What if I'm still unsure?
Start with the free 30-minute workshop. It’s designed to help you figure out whether the cohort is right for you.
NOVEMBER ONWARD
$449
future cohorts
Smaller groups mean higher value and better support. The truth is... I’d rather have 6 thoughtful people than 40 chaotic ones.
Optional Add-Ons
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Market Map Design Review
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Vendor Application Review
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Marketing Audit
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Sponsorship Strategy Session
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Day-Of Timeline Review
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Hi, I'm Frannie.
I learned most of this the hard way.
Bad venue choices. Vendor mixes that didn't land. Pricing that cost me money on my first event.
I've been planning events for over a decade, from weddings to fundraisers to artisan markets across Skagit Valley. I started Creative Avenue because I wanted the kind of creative gathering I couldn't find in my own community.
Everything in this cohort comes from real experience. The stuff that worked and the stuff that didn't.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Apply for the Fall 2026 cohort
Tell me a little about your market vision so I can make sure this cohort is the right fit. I read every application personally and reply within a few days with next steps and the payment link.
Spots are limited on purpose. Founding price is $295.
Not ready for the full cohort? Join us for the free workshop first to see if hosting markets is something you really want to do!