HMS Interview: Holly Day Market Chair, Natalie Jensen
If you have attended the Junior League of Lexington Holly Day Market then you are aware of the massive preparations that must occur prior to your arrival. For those that have not attended this event…[should!]…HMS caught up with Natalie Jensen, this year’s Holly Day Market Chair, to help give you a little background on the event and merchants represented.
Natalie (on right) pictured here with fellow League member
What is the background on the HDM? (when it began / how it got started)
This is the 3rdAnnual Holly Day Market. Four and ½ years ago, a group of Junior League members decided to create a second fundraiser so that the Junior League could give more back to the community. This second fundraiser was modeled after Junior Leagues from across the United States that has had a huge success with their version of the Holly Day Market. The idea of a Holly Day Market is to bring vendors/merchants from all over to sell unique items that would appeal to diverse shoppers. In addition to the shopping experience, have activities for children.
The HDM is in its third year this year, how has the event changed?
With the Holly Day Market still being very new, each year we have made changes in order to improve on our shopper’s experience. However, moving it from the Horse Park to downtown at the Lexington Convention Center has been the biggest change. We hope with it being downtown, we can attract more shoppers to the event.
How many vendors/businesses participate in the HDM?
Each year we have grown due to more merchants hearing about our wonderful hospitality and more people in Kentucky hear about the event. I see the Holly Day Market becoming a major event in November for the people of central and eastern Kentucky. Last year we had approximately 70 vendors and we are expecting the same amount of vendors.
Do businesses come from across the country to participate or mostly local?
Yes, we have vendors from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Here are a few websites from out-of-towners:
www.sugahcakes.com
www.lunnyandlu.com
La Cigale Tablecloths from Provence
What makes the HDM different from other big holiday sales events?
The first and most obvious is we are not a crafts event. We try to appeal to everyone by bringing in merchants that sell clothes for women, men and children, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and items, specialty dips and sauces, UK items, toys, and specialty gifts. The Holly Day Market is a “one stop Christmas shopping experience”. We hope to create an event where someone can get the Christmas shopping complete in one day at one location.
What are some of the most popular / recurring themes at the HDM regarding vendors/businesses?
There is not one recurring theme because our shoppers come to the Holly Day Market for many different things. The items our merchants sell are different from every other merchant there. Also, we bring merchants that have items you will not be able to find locally and also some local vendors who are very popular.
What is your favorite aspect of HDM?
I have served on the Holly Day Market since the beginning and I look forward every year to seeing our shoppers walk out with many bags from every merchant. The shoppers seem to have had a wonderful time and were able to get most of their Christmas shopping complete. Also, I must mention that I am a shop-a-holic and I love the opportunity to spend 3 days shopping and visiting with all of the merchants.
