The Bandwagon Society: 2025 Year in Review

Going into this year, I had a ton of ideas that I wanted to tackle - I am proud to say that I have tackled them all (sort of).

My main goal for my small business in 2025 was to participate in at least one market a month. I have accomplished that goal, in fact, exceeded it some months this year!

• January: 1 Market

• February: 1 Market

• March: 1 Market, 1 Convention (my first one!)

• April: 1 Market

• May: 1 Market

• June: 1 Market

• July: 2 Markets

• August: 3 Markets, 1 Convention

• September: 3 Markets

• October: 4 Markets

• November: 5 Markets

• December: 4 Markets

I participated in 29 events with The Bandwagon Society this year. It was fun to play the puzzle game with my calendar, find which markets worked best, test and see which were more profitable with my target audience, and repeat! Because of the multiple venues I tried, I was able to collect enough “data” to find out which markets are best for me, and I have a better plan on where to look for markets this next year.

One of my favorite business ventures that I kept up this year was giving away stickers at Universal Orlando Resort. As an annual passholder and a local, I can visit frequently. However, this year, with my calendar stuffed with markets and events, I didn’t get to the park as much as I wanted. When I did go, whether that be for my EPIC Universe Passholder preview or my night at HHN, I was able to take my stickers to give away and connect with fellow fans! In fact, for HHN, I tried a new system. I instead started using a clear backpack with a decal, and new branding for the “Bandwagon Lockbox, and guests can see through my bag to select a sticker! I think in the future it will be a better alternative to my original plan, given Florida's weather and the need to repeatedly take the keychain attachment for the stickers on and off. I’m excited to experiment more with-it next year!

I also set a silent goal for myself to gain 1,000 Instagram followers.

Thanks to the fantastic Orlando small business/market community - they made that possible!

I even had an Instagram reel go viral this year! It was a funny meme reel that I didn’t even strategize. It gained traction with the Stranger Things fandom and just kept growing! It reached over 500k views. I even designed a fun sticker based on my meme - and sold some online!

This silly meme helped me gain over 100 followers in a short time, and now I know what kind of content resonates most with my target audience. So . . . You may see some changes to my Instagram feed next year!

Throughout the year, I created/designed enough artwork to add over 120 stickers and over 30 prints to my shop! I surpassed my goal of creating one new artwork a month. What helped me find the spark to design so much was applying to themed markets (Twilight, Stranger Things, ACOTAR, Wicked, etc.)

This process also allowed me to test and adjust designs and find out what my audience is really looking for. The best is that any stickers that didn’t cut (see what I did there?) can just be paired in sticker packs or in mystery packs, so I don’t lose any profit.

Speaking of the biggest challenge I faced this year was ROI (return on investment).

As with any new business, or in my case, one you decide to finally take seriously, finding a huge ROI is rare. I have been profitable, but more sustainable. I mean, the money I have been making with my small business has been going right back into it. I haven’t been able to pay myself from my business just yet. I have been using my revenue to purchase better displays for my booths, shipping materials, crafting materials, art supplies, business cards, inventory, etc.

These are all necessary business expeditors - so I personally wouldn’t count it as a loss.

In fact, I wouldn’t count anything I have done this year with my business as a “loss”.

Yes, there were some things I spent time making that didn’t sell.

Yes, there were a few markets where I didn’t make back my vendor fee.

Yes, there were many busy nights.

But - I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

It was a year of growth and learning. I know, with all the experience and knowledge I have gained - as both an in-person seller and a market/artist alley vendor - it can only get better. And I’ll keep getting better with time.

So, here’s to 2026.

Here’s to more mistakes.

Here’s to more growth.

Here’s to more jumping on the Bandwagon.

I can’t wait to share what I have in store!