Craft markets and gift fairs

[NapronEmma]

Hi all, first post here so please be gentle! I've just started a business selling some luxury, handmade products. I've launched the website but am looking to start getting my brand 'out there'. I have a list of magazines, etc to work through for editorial reviews and product placement.
I've booked in to a few small craft/gift fairs and my first county show but I wondered if anyone has any recommendations for good events that don't cost the earth? My ideal event would be something like Burghley Horse Trials because of the footfall and consumer profiles but I can't yet justify the cost as a start up. Items are a spin on something quite mundane that's gone luxury, priced from £75, so they're quite disruptive when it comes to quality and pricing. Based in Northants but willing to travel for the right events. If anyone knows of anything, it'd be much appreciated!
Also, getting instagram followers - I know it's not the be all and end all, but currently it's a chicken and egg thing, having more followers kind of verifies your brand, does anyone have any positive advice about boosted posts and the like? Is it worth spending a bit on marketing costs to increase followers? Or is it just about being a bit more patient?
I appreciate it's not going to happen overnight but what would you do to get your brand 'out there'?
Thanks in advance, I've read some really insightful stuff on here over the past few months and would appreciate any advice that people who have been in a similar situation can offer.

Thanks for updating this thread. Your products look lovely!
I really like the hostess apron idea having just spent Xmas in a less than glam option.
i would say the website needs to show a few more images per product if possible.

if I can put my oar into your product development I’d suggest leaning into the brand with items like:
craft accessories such as knitting/crochet bags etc
dog owner products such as cool collars, bags for dog walks etc
you also don’t need to make new niche items yourself - you could sub contract to a white label eg I’ve seen amazing dog collars online made by someone with those skills, you could hire someone like that to create brand extensions for you which wouldn’t need you to learn another production technique.

It’s been so interesting to read about your business journey. Well done!

Just thought I'd do my thoroughly irregular update, I genuinely can't believe where the time goes! I think I chose the absolute perfect time to start a business - said me, never. I'm still going though!
I did a few larger events this year, some have been a disaster (Farmfest being one, think we were all sold a bit of a pup, lesson learned) and some were great (Rutland Flower Show - I did about 40% more than last year despite there being 220 traders as opposed to 110. Happily, I also won the best trade stand so that gives me a free pitch for next year 2027 - every £ helps). There is an awful lot of effort that goes in to setting up for an event and if you haven't got the right buyers on the day, you wonder how well the money could have been spent elsewhere. It's such a gamble - two events, same venue - one was really successful, the other I didn't even cover my costs.
I have a stand at a Christmas event in Newmarket - it's far cheaper than Burghley (I didn't apply) and a few Christmas based products to launch there but I'm not sure about events for next year - most other traders have been really struggling and I think it's only going to get worse thanks to the economy, cost of living, etc.
I have finally re-done the website and pressed the button on it on Friday so any feedback would be welcomed. Although I did the website myself because of costs, I also had my stuff professionally photographed - it's a real boost to see how someone else views your product and, given our time and budget, I'm really pleased with the result. It now gives me a more professional platform (I think) to promote to a wider audience, which is where the focus is going now.
I've also got a business mentor - he's pretty old school but has definitely walked the walk and has a proper can do attitude, which is really helpful when I get the yips ;) It's a monthly expense, but he's already made the mistakes so he can show me how not to make the same ones!
I haven't taken any money out, but re-invest every penny and am gradually building some funds in order to explore other outlets/ideas for next year. Another photoshoot is definitely on top of my to-do list.
Social media is still a bit hit and miss, I'm not great at that sort of stuff but recognise that I need to get better/more consistent, but for so few 'followers' I do have good engagement. I'll likely look into getting someone to give me some direction when funds allow.
I'm genuinely loving it (apart from when I have a shocker and wonder why I'm doing it) but feel that I've finally nailed my brand and products - took a while to get there but gives me a great basis to go from here. If I won the lottery, I'd just use the money to keep growing the business but at a faster rate.
Hope you didn't mind the lengthy update, and maybe sharing my journey will inspire someone else to either start up or just keep going.
Emmax

That's positive! I guess with fairs you are kind of starting from scratch each time.

We're the reverse, in a way, with a shop we open every day. Of course there are more recurring costs. And no one goes to any shops on a wet Tuesday