PALM COAST, Fla. (8/26/23) – Hosting smaller pop-up events and large-scale semi-annual markets in the spring and fall, event planner Ashley Tiller was ready to take her business ecosystem to the next level. Offering her regular vendors something more, a number of them were eager to jump on board when she announced the creation of the Serendipity Marketplace this summer.
Brick and mortar locations can be expensive and she wanted to provide a place for local crafters, artisans and retailers, tailored to their needs.
“I do vendor shows all over and they’re huge. I wanted a place for people to set their stuff up and not have to break it down the exact same day. People don’t have to wait to see that person maybe twice a year. So, this is where this came in,” said Tiller.
“There’s a couple of different options. There’s a few five by sevens which give you wall space so you can use it for hanging on pictures and items and then we have five-by-fives, and then also vendors are able to just purchase shelves. They can just rent out a shelf too. Some of my jewelry people they don’t have enough to fill out a five-by-five. Jewelry, little stuff like that, they don’t have to not be here because they can’t fill a space.”
Opening the doors to the vendor marketplace on Saturday in the spacious building that housed the Hispanic American Club of Palm Coast for many years, Tiller transformed the location into an easily navigable shopping experience.
“Realtors have this building now and they’re the ones who built the offices,” said Tiller. Each office except for one has been transformed into a mini boutique where a single or multiple sellers have created a unique ambiance reflecting their wares.
“I came in with this idea and they loved it,” she said.
Shopping and supporting the grand opening, sisters Pam Baird and Marlene Williams were impressed.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Baird. “I’ve done a couple of events with Ashley and became friends because of events way back, three, four years ago, and this is something that Palm Coast really needs.”
“I think that it’s bringing the community together. Buying local is extremely important, so I love this. I can’t wait to share it on Facebook. It’s amazing.”
Williams agreed.
“Everything is top notch, it’s wide open, it’s clean, it’s displayed beautifully, and I think she’s going to do well,” she said.
Talking with Jennifer Caroll, Paige Gambaro, owner of Zelphie’s Boutique loves being able to display her inventory of clothing and accessories to the public. While working with women one on one at her home or theirs, this opportunity allows her to expand her business and introduce her finery to new clientele, including the feature of the month item and a sale rack.
“I love it. I’m so excited about it. I essentially work from home. Now they have an opportunity to come in and see what I offer,” Gambaro said.
Front and center, Joy Wetherington and Lorin Wilder oversee Joy’s Jams and Jellies. Offering just about every flavor you can imagine, the pair say they never know what will be popular with customers at outdoor fairs and markets.
“I’ve been doing these events for the past three years,” said Wetherington. “This is so nice, and the air conditioning is great. And what a great turnout she had today.”
Top sellers include Mango Jalapeno, Cherry Berry and Peach Cobbler Preserves, and Blueberry Lemon, Spiced Blueberry. This fall Wetherington will offer Caramel Apple Coffee Jelly, and Cranberry for Christmas around the first of November.
Tiller stayed busy the entire day as well-wishers popped in to say hello and shop.
“Today has been crazy. It has been so overwhelming. I’ve been in tears multiple times because the community showed up and that’s all I could ask for. That door has not stopped opening. It has been fantastic,” said Tiller.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/theserendipitymarketplace to learn more about classes and workshops.
Serendipity Marketplace is located at 5 Commerical Court, Palm Coast, Florida. Directions: Old Kings Road South past Cracker Barrel, turn left on Utility Drive, turn left into cul-de-sac. 
Handcrafted – Flagler News Weekly
