There’s something special about seeing local creators come together, and Backyard Social’s recent Fall Market Event was a perfect example of Southwest Florida’s vibrant, creative community in action. With a variety of vendors, inflatable activities, and a crowd eager to explore, the market buzzed with excitement as people connected over fashion, food, and fun.
A Glimpse at the Vendors: Style, Snacks, and More
Backyard Social hosted a fantastic selection of vendors, each bringing a unique touch to the event. The Clothing Bar stood out with its collection of stylish clothing and jewelry, offering a seamless shopping experience with an engaging app that allows users to watch livestreams of their products. This interactive feature provided a fresh and modern way to browse and shop, blending interactive technology with style. One thing that stood out to me at this tent was the high energy and the welcoming vibes.
Next, Nik Naks Sweet Snacks, which drew plenty of attention with its cute setup,
featuring caramel apples and much more. A mini fridge kept treats perfectly chilled, adding a sweet touch to the day and satisfying every visitor’s cravings. After speaking with Nik, I learned about what pop-ups like the one at Backyard Social mean to her and many vendors alike. This challenged my belief that vendors at markets like these were in competition. Rather, many of the vendors are well connected and treat it like a community, where they help and collaborate with one another.
Moreover, Iced Coffee Girly brought something different to the table, showcasing glassware with custom designs. I loved how well she was able to combine the designs that she makes herself, with the physical glasses presented. Often, I see many businesses simply copying the same designs online and selling them just for the profits. At this stand, it was clear that each piece was crafted with care, using her Cricut, making every cup a one-of-a-kind statement—perfect for coffee enthusiasts and anyone looking to add a cute, personal touch to their glass collection.
One stand that stood out from the crowd was Casually Jacked. This stand impressed fitness lovers with its activewear and emphasis on safe lifting.
Their booth featured t-shirts, hoodies, and the innovative Correct Depth lifting accessory, which helps gymgoers achieve safe, precise squats. The brand’s dedication to both style and functionality resonated with many at the event who were looking for a fun and streetwear styled vibe. After speaking with the owner, I learned that she first had the idea to make a weightlifting shoe with interchangeable soles so that it was not necessary to go buy different shoes, just soles. With the understanding that the technology in the elevated heel was already tested with other brands in the industry, she realized that to solve the existing problem and keep it simple, that a single pair of heels external to the shoe would provide the benefit of a weightlifting shoe, without the headache.
For pet lovers, Brandis Pup Shop offered charming pet accessories, including
customizable bandanas with heat-pressed patches. Visitors enjoyed creating their own looks for their pets, adding a playful touch to the market. One thing I loved at this stand was the wide variety of patches that they offered for the bandanas. This truly meant that dog lovers could express their own, or their dog's personalities through fashionable pet wear.
To add, Full of Charm Jewelry had a constant line of people eager to add charms to their jewelry pieces. These fun,
customizable charms allowed shoppers to craft unique accessories tailored to their own style—another perfect example of the creativity at this market. I did not get to speak with the owner during my visit, however I truly loved the engagement that they were receiving from people who walked up to the stand. A key takeaway from this pop-up is creating an engaging environment to promote interest in your stand.
Meanwhile, Cimi Bikini brought a great selection of swimwear for those dreaming of sunny days. Their booth showcased various bikinis, adding a touch of coastal style to the market. Due to its location in Southwest Florida, it is clear to see that many people were still purchasing items even as winter approaches.
Chasing Bliss Boutique rounded out the experience with cute clothing and hats
that captured the trendy, aesthetic vibe of the event. It was clear that stylish, accessible fashion and jewelry were the trends of the day, with each booth offering something unique for every attendee.
Luxera’s Vision for Community and Style
Although Luxera Jewelry wasn’t part of this event, the experience at Backyard Social’s Fall Market aligns perfectly with our values. Luxera believes in fostering a
community of fashion and accessory lovers in Southwest Florida, bringing people together to celebrate style and self-expression. With several pop-ups through FGCU's Entrepreneurship Program under our belt, we’re excited to participate in more events like this in the future, strengthening the local community of creators and fashion enthusiasts. Thank you, Backyard Social, for creating a space for local brands to shine. We look forward to attending future markets and continuing to build a strong, stylish community here in Southwest Florida.