Around this time last week (October 13), I was cramming preps for Art to Cart 2023. It was my first time tabling at an art bazaar with this scale with more than 300 artists with their own booths and merch. I was both nervous and excited! Nervous if I’ll sell anything, excited to see how things will turn out.

Me with my cutie shop assistant and my booth’s main attraction.

As the doors of the venue opened, so many thoughts ran through my mind like “will I sell anything when there are soooooo many amazing artists in this space?,” “is my art good enough for general public’s eye?,” et al.

Amidst all those thoughts, God prompted me to just have fun, engage with the people passing by our tables, and meet new creative people. This allowed me to meet some amazing artists that gave me so much inspiration just by looking at, and buying some of their merch. ✨

As I rested after coming home from this 2-day art con, I stumbled upon a quote (which I think really is a message from God):

“Plant a garden and butterflies will come.”

Best believe I was ugly crying after reading that random scribble on Instagram. You see, I was initially focused on the numbers, on meeting a sales quota, but God reminded me to enjoy the process instead. And that’s exactly what happened! Fellow k-pop fans stopped by our booth thanks to my shop assistant, S.coups. I got to meet with IRL and online friends as well!

The quote also resonated with me in a way that all the art I’ve been sowing through the years has now become a garden and butterflies are finally stopping by to take nectar and nourishment from it.

Very truly grateful for this experience. It was physically and emotionally tiring, but God’s grace, presence, and favor got me through! Thanks to the organizers, everyone who stopped by our booth, and every person who bought my merch!

See you again next month for Paskomiket 2023 at Megatrade Hall 2 in SM Megamall! Happening on November 25-26, 2023, Gem Llave and I will be at the GG table. 🎉