Thinking about selling your products at local markets, or looking to take your vending game to the next level? Join us for a panel discussion with both market producers and experienced vendors as they share insider tips on what makes an application stand out, how to set up your booth effectively and efficiently, and the do’s and don’ts of vending.

Hear from Sarah Moore of AVA about what organizers look for in applications, plus Osha Thomas from Escential Things and Cassandra Tucker from Divine Purity Aurapothecary, who’ll share their real-world tips for making your booth shine, selling with confidence, and keeping setup stress-free.

Whether you’re brand new to markets or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with practical advice and inspiration to make your vending experience a success.

This free panel is presented in partnership with B.O.O.M., powered by RISE, and The Chattery.

About the panelists:

Osha Thomas is a candle enthusiast and owner of Escential Things, a handmade candle company based in Chattanooga, TN. She started Escential Things in 2020 after searching for a hobby to influence her creativity. Her love of candles and different scents led her on the journey of candle-making. After 9 months of testing different waxes, wicks, and fragrances she developed an amazing candle that she has been selling consistently to several customers across America via her website (www.escentialthings.com), and locally at several Chattanooga markets. You can find her on her social media (@escentialthings) where she shows some behind the scenes videos of her business.

Cassandra Tucker is the founder and creative force behind Divine Purity Aurapothecary, a plant-based home, body, and wellness brand rooted in intention and care. For over twelve years, she has grown her business through mindful creation, a commitment to craftsmanship, and an approach that values connection over speed. Her work has reached well beyond her local roots, finding its way into both intimate boutique spaces and large-scale corporate gifting programs. Cassandra believes growth should be guided by alignment, not pressure, and measures success in the trust and relationships built along the way. She brings her full self to every part of her work, creating space for truth, care, and community to flourish.

Sarah Moore is a native Chattanoogan who has spent her entire professional career in the nonprofit sector, dedicated to arts and educational causes. With a BA in art from Carleton College and an MA in museum studies from George Washington University, she enjoys helping others find ways to create a meaningful space for art in their lives. She currently works as the Director of Festivals at AVA (Association for Visual Arts), spending her year putting together the annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival and the Between the Bridges local arts festival. She also serves on the board of the Brainerd Community Food Pantry, WTCI (Chattanooga's PBS station), and is the Vice President of the Board at Orange Grove Center. In her spare time, she’s an avid knitter, is learning to weave, loves to cook and bake, and attends as many concerts as she can wedge into her calendar. She lives with two ridiculous cats who have their own social media following.