Behind the Booth

When people visit a market, they see the finished products. They see the candles, the herbs, the oils, the carefully arranged displays, and perhaps a little bit of the magic.

What they don't often see is the reality behind a small business.

The late nights spent labeling jars at the kitchen table. The stacks of boxes waiting to be unpacked. The crowded corners filled with supplies. The balancing act of day jobs, family responsibilities, health challenges, and all the ordinary chaos of life.

This photo captures a glimpse of that reality.

Taken the night before a market, it shows my wonderfully overcrowded kitchen, full of preparations and possibilities. Nestled among the baskets, boxes, and market supplies is a gift from a dear friend, given to me after my very first show.

“She believed she could, so she did.”

When I opened it, I felt something shift.

One of those quiet moments where everything suddenly becomes real.

Yes, this is happening.
Yes, I really did this.
Yes, it feels right.

At the heart of Iron Vixen Herbal Co. is a simple truth: I create because I love it. There is something deeply rewarding about sharing a handcrafted piece, telling the story behind it, explaining why it was made and then watching someone connect with it.

Sometimes someone stops at my booth just to look. Sometimes we talk about herbs, old traditions, a curious little object tucked into one of my creations, or the story that inspired a piece. And sometimes someone simply says, “Your creations are beautiful.”

Those words mean more than they probably realize.

Because behind every finished piece is a kitchen that has temporarily surrendered itself to baskets, jars, herbs, labels and boxes. There are late nights, ideas that don't quite work the first time, things that have to be redone, and moments when I wonder how on earth I'm going to get everything finished before morning.

And then somehow, I do.

The boxes get packed. The booth goes up. The table comes together. And what looked like chaos the night before becomes Iron Vixen.

I think that's part of the beauty of building something of your own. It doesn't begin perfectly arranged on a market table. It begins in the messy middle — with an idea, a little courage, a lot of work, and the willingness to keep going.

So perhaps that little towel found its way to me at exactly the right time.

She believed she could, so she did.

I'm still doing it.

And to everyone who has stopped at my booth, taken something I've created home with you, shared a kind word, followed along, or simply encouraged me as Iron Vixen continues to grow — thank you.

You are becoming part of this story, too.

Lisa
Iron Vixen Herbal Co. 🦊✨