Pop-up shopping is becoming a fast, new way for entrepreneurs and businesses to ply their wares to the public. Event planner Amey Hundley of Killeen has taken it a step further.
The Summer Pop-up Shopping event, with a Luau theme was Hundley’s 13th event. Held at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Sunday, by 3 p.m. there had been over 200 shoppers who attended the event.
“The vendors that follow me, are such great people,” Hundley said as she gazed across the room decorated with themed tables and displays on hand. “Some of them are my VIPs.” Hundley has made a success of her event planning business with a network of vendors who work with her, committing to show up and sell goods from jewelry, gift items, clothing and, of course, food items.
“We have a great variety of folks here today,” Hundley said. “Altogether, 29 vendors showed up with a wide-range of items to show and demonstrate, as well as taking orders and selling what they brought with them.”
One such entrepreneur is Killeen’s busiest lemonade producer and distributor, Duane Shaw. A regular during Lemonade Day weekend in Killeen Shaw gets great support from family members. So much so that he has plans to save for a mobile enterprise, such as a food truck in order to work more than one event at a time.
Shaw’s lemonade sold quickly Sunday with temperatures in the 90s outside.
Another self-made business woman is Hannah Michael with Three Tree Studios, She brought many sparkly trinkets and gift items such as key chains, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Michael uses crystals and stones for her craft and uses themes like the moon and stars, and is influenced by things in nature. A graphic design graduate, Michael began crafting items in January when she moved to the Killeen area to be near friends with ties to Fort Cavazos.
“I really like what I do and would love to create full-time,” Michael said.
A Copperas Cove woman and her son popped up Sunday with a display of insulated stainless steel tumblers. Maria Castruita and her son Hector, who she dubbed her “wing-man,” showed off designs for kids and adults, tumblers with handles and some with catchy phrases and colorful images. The business, Creations at the Casa has a Facebook page where items may be purchased.
“We can customize, even using photos,” Castruita said.
A delectable display of delightful baked items was set up by Lady Achu from Lady’s Pastry Paradise. Together with her daughter, Shaniyah, the pair sold out of the turtle cheesecake treats.
“My favorite is carrot cake,” Achu said. She grew up around a dedicated dad who taught her to bake.
“He passed just recently and I miss him,” Achu said. “But, I learned everything from him.” Achu has been in business for several years, competing on the nationally televised show, “Cake Wars.” Look for her items on her Facebook page.
A multi-talented entrepreneur, Tausha Harris-White set up her booth just inside the door at the venue to show her wares. Harris-White is also a DJ, providing great music to shop by. Her main business is called “Her Waisted Treasures” and the energy she exudes when she talks about creating her beaded chains is etheral.
“Waist beads can make a person feel beautiful, strong, peaceful or energetic,” Harris-White said. “Every waist bead that I create has a purpose and a meaning.” For photos and information, Harris-White has a Facebook page.
After another successful pop-up event, Hundley said the her next pop-up event will be held August 3 at the same location.
