Guest Contributor: The Bean Boss, Wesley Bryant
www.bluestrawberrycoffee.com
At every market, vendors show up with dreams, displays, and a goal to sell. But let’s be honest—sales can be a rollercoaster. This week, we’re featuring a fantastic tip from our very own Bean Boss, Wesley Bryant of Blue Strawberry Coffee Co., who offered a powerful mindset shift to help vendors stay focused, positive, and connected during events.
“Never look at your sales!”
Wesley writes:
“I used to constantly check to see how I was doing. This is a trap! It is self-sabotage in my opinion. Here’s my reasoning… If things are slow and I see that sales are below my expectations, I become discouraged—and customers can tell when you’re down. That vibe impacts every interaction, and it only gets worse.
On the flip side, if I’m doing well, I might get ‘cocky’ and take my foot off the gas, thinking I don’t need to show up with the same energy. Neither scenario helps.
So I’ve started a new practice: I don’t look at my numbers until after the event. That way I can either be pleasantly surprised or cry in the car on the way home—but my customers never have to deal with it!”
A Note from the Booth Boss (Cynthia Freese)
Wesley, thank you for this honest, funny, and incredibly useful advice. So many of us fall into the sales-check trap, and your approach is a brilliant reminder to stay present and protect our energy.
Your ability to lead with authenticity is exactly why you’re not just the Bean Boss, but also our eBooth Boss. Your leadership, humor, and generosity make a real difference in our vendor community.
To all the makers, bakers, artists, and entrepreneurs reading this: Take Wesley’s advice to heart. Focus on the experience, bring your full self to every customer, and trust the process. The numbers will still be there tomorrow.
— Cynthia Freese
Booth Boss | Made in Iowa
