It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of September, and life has moved so fast since the Minnesota State Fair ended on September 2nd. I’ve been meaning to sit down and reflect on my experience, but time slipped away as my shop got busier, and I received so many messages asking about how it all went. Today, as I take a moment to look back on those incredible 12 days, I can sum it up in one sentence: I did it. It wasn’t easy, but it was fun, and it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.
Preparing for the Fair
The days leading up to the fair were intense. We had two weeks to set up, and I managed to complete my booth in just four days. I did the best I could with what I knew, though there’s definitely room for improvement—especially when it comes to being at the booth for 13-15 hours a day!
Two days before the fair, I felt the absence of my dear Grandma Lenore deeply. She always prayed for me, and this year, not having her by my side was incredibly hard. I missed her presence, her wisdom, and her unwavering support. In my moment of weakness, I reached out to my in-laws and Grandma’s daughters, asking for prayers to help me face this new chapter as a first-time vendor at the fair. Their prayers were special, a comforting reminder that I wasn’t alone. My in-laws even came to the booth with me and my husband, and we prayed together. Even though I still feel the emptiness of Grandma Lenore’s absence, I am so thankful for the love and support around me.
The Fair Begins
Everyone told me we’d make a lot of money at the fair, and we prepared tons of inventory, even planning for the possibility of selling out. On the first day, my family and I were excited and ready to share our Nepali handmade items, our story, and our purpose. I had a dream team with me—two staff members, three family members, and friends who volunteered as drivers. We were all set to make big dreams a reality.
However, by midday, we weren’t even close to my goal of making $10K a day. In fact, we weren’t making much at all. It was hard to stay optimistic, but I kept reminding myself that this was a dream I’d worked so hard to achieve. Despite the slow sales, we remained hopeful. On top of that, two out of the first five days were marked by heavy thunderstorms, which brought crowds into the grandstand but not many buyers. It wasn’t easy, but I held onto my faith, knowing that something greater was at work. One small blessing was that, while other booths around me had leaks from the rain, my booth remained dry, untouched by the storm. It felt like a small miracle.
A Silver Lining
Around day eight, I had almost lost hope of making any significant sales. Then, something unexpected happened—I was interviewed by Kare11 TV, and they featured us on the news. From that point on, the last four days were busy with customers, and I witnessed firsthand the power of media and public relations. People who saw me on TV came to visit, and the excitement built up as sales finally picked up.
Some of the most touching moments came from the people I met. At least 2 dozen of people said they want to visit Nepal after the TV interview, and many came to share their experience being in Nepal. One man said he has been to Nepal 7 times and want to go again. He made us proud to be a Nepali. An 87-year-old woman told me she hadn’t been to the fair since the pandemic but came specifically to see me after watching the news. Another memorable encounter was with a woman in a wheelchair who told me that our Nepali collections made her smile, even in her pain. We hugged, and I was overwhelmed with emotion—these connections reminded me why I do what I do.
Gratitude and Community
There are so many people I’m grateful for. My mother, who cooked warm meals every day for the team. My dad, who worked at the booth whenever he could. My in-laws, who let us park in their driveway and watched the kids when needed. Friends like Ken, Kathy, Craig, and Beth, who volunteered as drivers. I also can’t forget the friends who came to the fair just to pray with me—those prayers kept me grounded, peaceful, and strong, even when the days were long and unpredictable. In fact, I was so inspired by those moments that I went to other booths to offer prayers for fellow vendors too.
Unexpected Highlights
The fair also had its share of humorous moments. Some customers mistook my family members for employees, and one even thought my husband was there to help interpret Nepali! Then there was the customer who had a conversation with us but left so quickly after passing gas that we couldn’t help but laugh. Despite the long hours, we found joy in the little things.
Looking Ahead
Many people have asked if I’d do this again next year, and my answer is a big, resounding yes. Despite the challenges—the bad weather, the long hours, and the slow start—I learned so much, and I’m already thinking about how we can improve for next year. I’m grateful to the State Fair administrators, especially Pam and her staff, for giving us this opportunity and supporting us along the way.
This experience wasn’t just about me—it was about providing hope for Nepali artisans, who now have jobs because of this business. It was about sharing the beauty of Nepali art and culture with the world. And most importantly, it was a reminder that when you want something badly enough, you’ll make it happen.
Thank you to everyone who supported us in making this dream a reality. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year!
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
Namaste Brows and Boutique
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