Slay the Popup, Save Your Sanity: Self-Care for Vendors Who Do It All

Let’s be real: vending at popups takes a lot more than just showing up.

If you’re a solopreneur like me, you know there’s a whole process behind the scenes: planning, packing, loading, setting up (why does that tent always act up?), talking with customers, and breaking everything down at the end of the day and packing it all back up. It’s rewarding, but it can also get very tiring, very quickly.

That’s why taking care of yourself (before, during, and after an event) is one of the best things you can do for your business and your peace of mind.

Because honestly, there have been plenty of times where, by the time I finish unloading my car, I feel already halfway done for the day. And I haven’t even sold a thing yet! Popups are super powerful, they’re a great way to connect with customers, get your name out there, and show off your awesome products (in my case: hypoallergenic jewelry, handmade tees, and handmade bags), but they will drain your energy if you’re not careful.

So here’s my first tip before we dive into how to take care of yourself:

Ask. For. Help.

You do not have to do this all alone. If you’ve got a cousin, a bestie, your teenager, or even a partner who can lend a hand, bring them. Bribe them with snacks or a post-popup meal if you have to. And if nobody can roll with you, don’t be afraid to ask the event organizers. Many times there are volunteers or staff willing to help.

I’ve helped other vendors set up their tents, and they’ve turned right around to help me. Community care is real. 

Remember: you are not alone. Ask for help.

Now, let’s talk self-care.

Self-Care Before the Popup

1. Prep Early.
Packing at the last minute is a recipe for stress. A day or two before, lay out what you need: products, price signs, tablecloths, card reader, snacks, water, chairs, bags, receipts… whatever’s in your setup! Having a checklist keeps your head clear, too. I like checking it twice for peace of mind. I haven’t forgotten much since I’ve had my checklist! It’s a life-saver.

2. Get Your Sleep.
I know it’s tempting to stay up till 2 a.m. ironing shirts or tagging jewelry, but you can’t show up your best if you’re running on fumes. Set a hard stop time the night before and rest up. Your body (and mind!) will thank you for it.

3. Dress for the Elements.
Popups can be hot, cold, windy, rainy… you name it! Wear something comfy, and layer up if needed. I always pack sunscreen, a fan, and an extra hoodie just in case.

4. Eat Before You Leave.
Don’t skip breakfast! Even if it's just a smoothie or toast and peanut butter, starting the day with food helps your energy and focus. And keep snacks on deck. More on that below.

Self-Care During the Popup 

1. Stay Hydrated.
Bring a water bottle. Then bring another one. Heat exhaustion is real, and I’ve had to sit in my car with A/C too many times because I ignored my body. Don’t make that same mistake! Or maybe you already have and know exactly what I’m talking about. Either way, make sure to always have water on hand. Bonus points if it’s cold.

2. Don’t Forget to Eat.
You’d be surprised how fast six hours go by without eating a thing. Pack easy-to-grab food (protein bars, fruit, nuts, sandwiches), and if it’s a long day, schedule a break or buddy with a vendor who can watch your table. But please make sure to eat! Skipping on food at a pop-up is a recipe for disaster, and honestly, you deserve better than that. Bring your favourite snacks or indulge in street food if it’s available!

3. Take Micro-Breaks.
Even five minutes to sit and breathe can reset your energy. Stretch your back. Roll your shoulders. Close your eyes. Step away if you need to. It can really make a difference in your day. You can even use that break to go shop around and view all the amazing things your fellow vendors are selling! It’s always a boost for me when I network with other vendors (and buy awesome new goodies, too!).

4. Protect Your Energy.
Some customers will hype you up, compliment your work, and make your whole day. Others… might challenge your patience. Whether it's someone questioning your prices, touching everything without saying a word, or giving you that “I could make this myself” energy… we’ve all had those moments.

When it happens, take a deep breath. Don’t let one off comment or awkward encounter throw off your energy. You know the value of what you create. You’ve put in the time, the effort, and the heart, and that doesn’t change based on one person’s attitude.

Keep your focus on the folks who do see you, support you, and show up with love. Shake it off, reset your vibe, and remember: you’re out here building your brand, showing up for your dream, and making it happen.

Self-Care After the Popup

1. Give Yourself a Minute.
You just moved an entire store by yourself! Take a moment before jumping back into “what’s next.” That post-event crash is real. You’re allowed to rest.

2. Reflect, Don’t Ruminate.
Did you hit your sales goal? Amazing, celebrate that win! Didn’t quite get there this time? That’s okay too. Not every popup is going to be a sellout, and that doesn’t mean it wasn’t valuable.

Instead of spiraling or second-guessing yourself, take a moment to reflect with curiosity, not judgment. What worked well? Which products got the most attention? What kinds of people stopped by your booth? Was the event well-organized? Did the vibe align with your brand?

Asking yourself these kinds of questions helps you grow with intention. Maybe the crowd wasn’t your ideal customer. Maybe you learned something about your display setup or how you talk about your products. Either way, it's all information you can use to make smarter decisions moving forward.

3. Inventory + Re-Stock at Your Pace.
Don’t feel pressured to restock everything overnight. Give yourself a little time to regroup before prepping for the next event. One step at a time. Which brings me to the next tip:

4. Plan Your Recovery Day.
If you can, take the next day off (especially if you work a 9–5 too). Use it to sleep in, rest your feet, get a massage, binge your favorite show, or just do nothing. That’s productive, too. Just make sure you have some scheduled time to rest, because popups can really drain the energy out of you, and we wouldn’t want that! Rest and recharge, and have some time for yourself. 

Final Word: Protect Your Peace

Popups can be exciting, joyful, and totally worth it! But they’re also a lot of work. So don’t forget the most important part of your business: YOU! You are the energy behind your brand. When you’re well, your creativity flows. You show up more present, more connected, more you.

So drink your water. Ask for help. Take breaks. Say no when you need to. Take time to rest.

Because you run your business, sis. Don’t let your business run you.

On that note, I hope that you’ll take a little (or a lot!) more care of yourself during your next popup, that you’ll have loads of fun and of course, loads of SALES!

How to Be A Successful Popup Vendor Ebook: https://www.graffitipanda.com/collections/business-resources