Stacie Henry Bowles has been an entrepreneur for the better part of her life. She’s the owner of Katelyn’s Korner, Katy’s oldest candle company. And she’s the founder of Katy’s ever-popular Home for the Holidays Gift Market.

“For 15 years, I traveled with Katelyn’s Korner as a vendor to different craft shows and gift markets. But in 2007 I saw the writing on the wall. Expenses were high and I knew in my heart I needed to get off the road. I thought it would be nice to promote a local show…to do things different, from a vendor’s perspective. And in late 2008 we had our very first Home for the Holidays Gift Market. It did indeed keep me at home for the holidays!”

The show was a success. In fact, it grew and escalated…and now in it’s ninth year, the Christmas Market is expected to see more than 10,000 in attendance. Home for the Holidays promotes five markets each year…the first is the Spring Market April 16th and 17th. “People ask me how I did it,” says Stacie. “It’s a long story, but basically, it’s a God thing.”

When you’re a Home for the Holidays vendor, you’re not just another name on a piece of paper. Stacie truly wants you to succeed. “I like to take the time to work with and get to know my vendors and their needs for each show. These are real people—small business people, crafters, artists and stay-at-home moms. And when you buy from them, you’re buying a piece of lifestyle that’s hard to find in America nowadays. You’re supporting the community, the small business ventures and you know you’re buying made in America. Oftentimes customers build relationships with the vendors they see at each show, and they look forward to buying more of the products they love. It’s simply a shopping experience you can’t get at the local mall or from shopping import stores.”

Stacie and her husband Greg have lived in Katy for 24 years. They’ve raised their two children, Katelyn and Noah, right here. Stacie loves to help non-profits. She even provides a fundraising opportunity through her Market tickets. “Youth groups, school groups or nonprofit groups can sell tickets to the event and earn 50% or more of the sales. No picking up or delivering orders, no more chocolate bars and no more bake sales. More than 10,000 people attend our shows…why not earn a portion of those sales for your group? It’s easy!”

“Initially for me, this market was about promoting and being at home. But now, it’s taken on a life of its own growing to six shows this year. Four in Katy, Thanksgiving weekend at Moody Gardens and a new show in Humble.”

Visit www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com or their Facebook page and find a date to visit one of Houston’s fastest growing shows. The upcoming Spring Market is just in time for spring and summer decorations and graduation and Mother’s day gifts!

Home for the Holidays Gift Market
281-788-4297
homefortheholidaysgiftmarket@yahoo.com
www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com