More than 235 local handmade shops, bakeries, small businesses and food trucks will gather for a day of shopping and fun at Sweet to the Soul Boutique, a free family event held Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex.
“By giving small businesses our support, we are able to positively impact our communities,” said Jennifer Cluff, co-owner of Sweet to the Soul Boutique. “By shopping local, we are helping a little girl receive dance lessons, a mom and dad put dinner on the table, a child to excel in tutoring, and a family purchase their first home. How exciting is that!”
The first 100 shoppers through Gate B on Nov. 18 will receive a free swag bag.
“Our dream when creating Sweet to the Soul was to create a positive, heartful environment to gather and celebrate the talents within our community,” said Lindsay Persons, co-owner of Sweet to the Soul Boutique. “Our market has surpassed our expectations. Our vendors have created an event that you won’t want to miss.”
Az Business talked with the creators of Sweet to the Soul Boutique to find out the inspiration behind the venture.
Q: How did you come up with the concept of Sweet to the Soul?
A: Jennifer and I (Lindsay) created a Facebook marketplace (Arizona Handmade) where makers could sell the products. We fell in love with the people on our page and wanted to create an in-person market for people to be able to see and touch these amazing products in person. We thought it would be a small get together and ended up having over 80 makers and over 1,000 shoppers! It has grown to about 250 makers, food trucks, bakeries, and other shops!
Q: What makes Sweet to the Soul unique?
A: Our vendors are all great friends. We encourage community over completion, and it really allows our market to thrive.
Q: What can people expect to see if they visit Sweet to the Soul?
A: We have almost 250 vendors gathering! Sweet to the Soul is a free event for the whole family. We have shops selling home decor, bath and beauty products, clothing, baked goods, and more. The first 100 shoppers through gate B will receive a free swag bag. You won’t want to miss it!
Q: What is your favorite Sweet to the Soul-related story that you like to tell?
A: I really love Sweet to the Soul for a number of reasons. But one of the main reasons is because we are able to support local families. The night before our second event, we had a single mom contact us. She wanted to purchase a booth, but we were full. We told her to come and we would make room! The day after the event, we got an email from her thanking us for the opportunity she had been given at our market. Because of Sweet to the Soul, and the amazing shoppers that had visited her booth, she was able to make her car payment that was due that day.
The money going to our vendors isn’t helping a CEO buy their second vacation home. It’s helping little boys play baseball, afford dance classes and tutoring, and put food on the table.
Q: How can people get more information?
A: People can visit us on Facebook or Instagram at Sweet to the Soul Boutique or our website, www.sweettothesoulboutique.com.
