Tell me about yourself Sophia: I grew up Navy and was raised in a small town an hour west of Seattle. I went to college at the Art Institute of Phoenix, worked full time as a Graphic Designer, and finally moved to Vista in 2015!
How and when did you get started with Lotus Moon Market?
I started off making crystal jewelry (Sup Goods) as a part time gig
while I worked full time; I did street fairs and local markets
throughout Phoenix and carried it over when I moved to California. I was
a vendor at local street fairs and even did a few in Temecula. Along
the way I've met so many talented artisans that I thought it would be
nice to have a shop dedicated to makers (for those who have missed the
markets).
At the end of January 2018, the
company I was working for closed and laid everyone off. That's when I
decided to make Lotus Moon Market come to life! It's funny because the
universe really works in mysterious ways! I had this makers market shop
in the back of my head for probably over a year before I actually made
it happen. I even had my logo and name drawn out already!
What is your goal for the store and what are your future plans?
90%
of the shop is handmade. I work with a lot of local artisans (around
the US) and work with global artisans as well. The global artisans are
all fair trade meaning they get a fair wage for their creations living
in underdeveloped environments so that they are able to sustain jobs
feed their families and communities. That's really important to me. My
goal is to help small businesses and artisans by showcasing their hand
made creations.
The future of Lotus Moon Market
has so much potential, especially in this new amazing location. I
really want to really bring in the community. I eventually want to host
workshops to learn how to make macrame, jewelry, essential oil rollers,
etc. I'd like to host events like plant swaps, maybe have a farmers
market type thing a couple times a month. So many possibilities!
Why Vista and what do you love about the city?
I
chose a location in Vista because I live here! I also think there is a
need for a handmade focused shop here. I've seen similar stores in the
coastal cities, but nothing in Vista (or not to my knowledge) I have
been a vendor of the Vista Vintage Makers Market multiple times (now
Artifact), Vista Night Out, Winter fest, and Alley Art Festivals so I
know there is a market here. There is so much talent and art in Vista
and I am thrilled to be located here.