We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica & Joseph Dougherty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica & Joseph, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always loved sharing things I love with others, so I began Funky Finds as a blog in 2006. This was before social media so we had a very large readership. We began offering paid advertising, then attending craft shows in Austin and Dallas and recapping on the blog afterwards. Many of the artists we became friends with encouraged us to host handmade events in Fort Worth. We decided to host our first all handmade craft show in the Spring of 2009 and, after seeing how many artists need a venue at which to sell, we continued the tradition the following Spring. Many expressed interest in a holiday show, so we added a November market in 2010.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We believe that Funky Finds events have grown in popularity each year for three primary reasons. We continue to only accept unique artisans selling their personal handcrafted wares, as well as vintage pickers, and our events are always free for shoppers to attend and pet friendly. We also hold a large and immensely popular charitable raffle at each event with all proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of North Texas who facilitates pet adoptions on site each day of the actual event! Additionally, we raise funds for child advocates CASA of Tarrant County in March and Dallas-Fort Worth Toys for Tots in November. Shoppers have continued to thank us for not accepting direct sales and manufactured goods. Each event is truly an opportunity for everyone to support small local business owners who are working hard at something they are passionate about.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We were encouraged by so many DFW area makers to host our first event. It was amazing to have talented artisans believe in us and support us by helping promote the event. We have a large group of friends and family who love working at our events & we truly couldn’t do it without them.

Website: www.funkyfinds.com

Instagram: @funky_finds

Facebook: www.facebook.com/funkyfinds

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIK6qFXkjoUMgSFXbNreMBw

Image Credits
Jessica Dougherty (photos are of vendors who have participated in our events)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.