Time to Shine: Janet Long

In my ongoing series of posts this week, dedicated to shining a light on other entrepreneurs, I'd like to introduce you to Janet Long, founder of The Clover Market, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

As an interior designer who was growing frustrated with the lack of interesting accessories and furniture for her clients, she decided to create an outdoor market that would feature such items. Inspired by other outdoor markets that she'd visited, she started the long and arduous process of finding a suitable location and ultimately receiving approval from the Township to hold the Market in a parking lot, downtown. All together, the approval process took approximately three years of meetings, petitions, outreach, letters to the editor, appearances before the local Board of Commissioners, and meetings with the local Civic Associations. Tenacity.

Clover Market was finally approved and began operations in the spring of 2010, with a very small handful of vendors, twice a month.  

2010 was challenging. The East Coast weather was not always cooperative, procuring vendors proved difficult, and attendance wasn't always the best. At one point, exhausted from the rigors of the market, being a mom, running the design business, and dealing with the side effects of medullary thyroid cancer, she was tempted to throw in the towel.

Instead, she dove in, deeper than ever before, changed the market to run once a month instead of two, and spent every spare moment networking, searching for more vendors, pitching stories, and reaching out to friends - all to generate buzz and excitement for her event. 

And, it worked! 2011 opened with a bang, with three completely sold out shows at about 60 vendors each, tremendous public support and attendance, and a waiting list of interested vendors. And the weather cooperated as well.

 

Clover Market has helped to revitalize the downtown area which has suffered in these harsh economic times, and Janet is proud to say that it has played a small part in incubating and providing a venue for many small business owners who otherwise wouldn't have a venue to market themselves and sell their work and their products.

Congratulations, Janet! You're hard work is an inspiration.

Click here to find out more about Clover Market.

Click here to "like" Clover Market on facebook.

All images by Carla Zambelli.

Comments

[Carla]

Thanks for using my photos!

[Serena]

Carla, Thanks for the photos! Lovely.
xoxo, Serena

[Janet L.]

Thanks again Serena. It was the MOST
wonderful surprise to get your email today letting me know that the Clover story was going to be included in this lovely series. I can't wait to read the rest! xoxo Janet

[denise sabia]

Great story of someone truly dedicated to their passion! I live 20 minutes from the market and and can't wait for the next one. I had no idea the back story and Janet's struggles. Thank you Janet for creating such a unique and inspiring place for us! I hope to meet you at the market.
d e n i s e

[Brooke]

thanks for this story, finally something I'm not too far away from to go to without getting on a plane :) Looking forward to Sept 18th Its only 2 hours away!!!!! WoooHoOO!

[Janet L.]

Would love to see some Farm Chicks fans join us at one of our fall Markets if you're in the Philly area (9/18, 10/16, 11/6). Or, Serena, maybe I'll rustle up a big Clover Market contingent to head west for the next Farm Chicks Show :)

[Heather Kaspar]

I just absolutely LOVE to hear stories like this! When the going gets tough...you bare down and get tougher!!

P.S. Love your blog site. Thanks Rustic Chick!!

-Heather Kaspar
buckupbaby.blogspot.com

[Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale]

this is a wonderful story, such tenacity is right! what a payoff though. i've often thought about pursuing this in my town...maybe someday!
thank you, Serena for posting about these inspiring women and business!

[Allison Ector]

Great choice, Serena. I'm one of Clover's original vendors and can honestly say that working with Janet over the last two seasons has been a delight... She's quite the powerhouse and an amazing example for anyone with a dream. Despite the obstacles - including bad weather, crankpots and naysayers - she persevered and almost always, did it with a great big 'ol smile on her face!

[krys]

It is actually Tenacity that is the driving force behind success. Talent is important, but you have to have the drive behind the talent to make it work. Celebrating our 25th anniversary at Bunnies By The Bay...and I know this is true for us. You must also love what you do too!

[Allison Ector]

To see Janet's Clover Market in action, don't miss her sweet video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=825SdwoCu7Q

[Duni]

Inspiring story! Too bad I live so far away...would love to visit a Market like this. Brilliant job, Janet!!

[Regina]

Love Clover Market and so glad Janet didn't give up! So many interesting, amazing finds from tin ceiling panels turned in to artworks to handbags made of recycled upholstery fabric to jewelry made from snippets of found items, all in one place and more. When you visit Philly, make Clover part of your plans if you can. It's easy to get there, just hop the commuter train from the city (20 mins) or, heck, the Amtrak from NYC stops in Ardmore too!

[jill harris]

I am excited to say I will be a "newbie" vendor at the Clover Market this Fall ... and can not wait to participate!! I can appreciate ALL of this fine lady's hard work and dedication ... we so badly NEEDED and wanted just such a venue here in our area!!
xo
Jill
Gypsy Brocante

[christine edmonds]

we love janet and we are so happy to have been a part of clover market since day one!

christine, rebecca & meg
trove decor

[Hilary]

I love Clover Market...the suburbs of Philly are a beautiful area and now Janet has brought a wonderfully vintage monthly event to us inspiring decorators!!