Oklahoma City is constantly adding to its collection of small businesses. Saturday, 240 of those will gather in one spot for local-loving consumers thanks to mother-daughter duo Karen Jobe and Stacy Jobe Lea, who founded Indie Trunk Show two years ago.
“I had just quit my job to raise my son, but I needed to do something part-time with my business degree,” Lea said.
Her mother, Karen, who was retiring from a teaching job, was always creating arts and crafts of her own. She decided to try out the business side of things, and Indie Trunk show was born.
The event founders are particular about the booths they approve for the event, and the pair continually travel across Oklahoma to attend arts and craft shows and decide which businesses are best suited to represent the noncorporate feel of the event.
“People call it a craft show, but it’s more than that,” Lea said.
Both women wanted to improve and combine local boutique shopping and arts and crafts to create an event unlike other shows in the state.
“Every show needs to be unique,” Jobe said. “We have to make sure our customers know what we have. Vendors have to have the right products. We go to every show we can, from big craft shows to small ones. We look high and low for them. Being in Oklahoma, there are so many.”Big businesses are not a part of Indie Trunk Show. Its appeal is directed toward people who find comfort in selecting gifts and products that are well-made, usually handmade and local.
It’s important to Indie Trunk Show that all retailers at their four planned shows — three in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa — sell high-quality, distinctive goods.
Events showcase diverse small businesses that sell a variety of handmade goods from hand-poured candles to meticulously stitched purses. Jobe and Lea strive to keep the shows part of the local movement that attempts to keep small businesses afloat by circulating money throughout Oklahoma.
Even vendors without handmade products ensure inventory is unique. Shoppers will find wooden furniture, purses, jewelry, art, baby clothing and accessories, bath products, pet accessories and even Oklahoman-written books.
“The word gets out and people flock after hearing that it’s local,” Lea said. “People are excited.”
Indie Trunk Show is a great place for those who enjoy original, locally produced wares to shop for holiday gifts or treat themselves to something special.
The next event is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in the Cox Pavilion building at State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd. Admission is $5 but is free 3-5 p.m. The first 100 guests receive goodie bags with surprise items from select vendors.
Jade Creek Boutique, Chateau Blanche Design, The Wooly Bear Cubs, Bark & Breakfast OKC, Londyn’s Moments, Savannah Lane Boutique, Olive & Grey Company and Local Lather are just a few of the vendors at Saturday’s show.
Visit indietrunkshowokc.com.
Print Headline: Traveling trunks, Indie Trunk Show Oklahoma features unique gifts by local crafters and small business owners.
