Maggie Samples
A vintage clothing store downtown is holding a vendor fair, showcasing small business and artists in the area Nov. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The fair will serve as a follow up to a block party held by Vibe Vintage Clothing during the summer.
Kevin and Lisa Douglas, the owners of Vibe, hope the store can continue to grow and serve the community of Searcy.
”We love the downtown scene,” Lisa Douglas said. “We’re just trying to figure out different ways to make it grow down here, so that everybody has something to do. I grew up here. I want [students] to have things to do and it’s always good to shop local, support local.”
Douglas said the goals of events like this fair are building community and networking.
When finding vendors for the fair, Douglas said she was looking for small businesses that share Vibe’s love for vintage things and thrifting.
”It’s a whole community,” Douglas said. “I just love that and to let other people have an opportunity to show their avenue of expression. Because a lot of times that’s what it is — it’s just their creative side.”
Douglas said the community can look forward to another Vibe hosted block party in the spring.
Senior Gillian Hinkley runs a pottery business, and she decided to join the vendor fair after seeing it on Instagram and with encouragement from friends.
”I always have so much fun doing markets whether they are at Harding, in Little Rock, or in Searcy,” Hinkley said. “However, it’s always a little extra special when it is local, and I get so much joy out of sharing my art and my little business with the community.”
Hinkley encouraged other artists to start their own businesses.
”Give it a shot,” Hinkley said. “It’s intimidating, but so worth it and I promise people want to see what you do.”
Junior Mikayla Jones sells ceramics through her business, Mayhouse. Jones got connected with the Vibe vendor fair through Instagram and friends.
”I did my first market during homecoming, and it was so exciting to see people find things they like,” Jones said. “I still get giddy every time I see someone drinking from one of my cups or wearing my necklaces; it’s so exciting.”
Jones said this fair offers her learning opportunities and will help her continue to invest in Mayhouse and learn new things.
Vibe is located between Soda Jerk and Beyond Boundaries. Find more information about the vendor fair on the Vibe Instagram page, @vibe_shop_vintage.
