When the Grumpy Gnome and I were exploring ways to build this business, we fell in love with the idea of participating in outdoor markets. The scenic designer in me was thrilled by the prospect of creating an engaging world within a tent, and all kinds of possibilities began to emerge in my mind. The Grumpy Gnome had a clear vision of how to incorporate our love of crystals and collectibles. Through working together, we began building a shop authentic to our genuine interests, curiosities, and experiences. He would bring home vintage treasures, marvelous crystals, and oddities…and I would find ways to elevate them through artistry. This beloved endeavor gave us a focus–a way to express our passion for travel, history, folklore, artwork, books…and it lifted us from feeling stuck in the midst of a global pandemic where travel was highly restricted. Participating in outdoor markets became a kind of window through which we could share our stories, and it’s become a remarkable way to connect with others.