07/06/2026
If you have a few minutes to read this, I’d really appreciate it. ❤️
My journey into running markets started in 2021 while I was living in Canada. What began as a single market quickly grew into a collective of five locations across the country. While the world was still recovering from the impact of COVID, I found myself constantly adapting, problem-solving, and finding new ways to support small businesses through uncertain times.
Like so many small business owners, I had to pivot. With everything moving online, I created virtual markets that helped direct traffic to vendor websites and support small businesses by generating sales each month during a time when many were struggling.
As COVID restrictions began easing, I started the process of moving to Australia to be with my husband. Despite meeting the de facto requirements and being in a relationship since 2018, I had to apply for a travel exemption 11 times before finally being approved. That was wild but beyond worth it.
When I arrived in Australia, I had a dream of creating something even bigger and better than what I’d built in Canada. However, because my visa process wasn’t yet complete, I was unable to work for a year while waiting for my partner visa and permanent residency. Once again, I found myself having to start over.
But I didn’t mind.
I worked odd jobs, supported my family, planned constantly, and kept working toward my long-term goal of bringing markets back into my life. Along the way, I opened a spa business that was successful from the very beginning. Unfortunately, life had other plans. I became seriously unwell and spent several months in Cairns Hospital, forcing me to rebuild my life yet again.
Looking back, it feels like every time I started gaining momentum, I had to start over. But those experiences also built resilience. They taught me how to adapt, how to keep going when things get hard, and how to continue believing in a vision even when the path isn’t straightforward.
Like every business owner, I’ve heard plenty of “no’s” along the way. I’ve had experiences that made me question my value, my knowledge, my abilities, and my work ethic. But I never allowed those moments to define me.
Instead, I focused on creating something that would genuinely benefit the Cairns community.
The Happy Market was never meant to be just another market where people walk in, shop, and leave an hour later. I wanted to create an experience.
A place where you can learn something new, decorate cookies, make bracelets, try a workshop, get on the dance floor, enjoy live entertainment, support local businesses, and spend an entire evening making memories.
I wanted people to leave already excited for the next event.
Sometimes people only see the event posters, the ticket numbers, or the social media posts. They don’t always see the years of setbacks, sacrifices, and rebuilding that happened behind the scenes to make it possible.
Will everything be perfect from day one? Probably not. Every successful event evolves over time, and sometimes small tweaks are needed to create something truly exceptional.
What I can promise is that I will continue working every single day to make The Happy Market something special, meaningful, and community-focused. I will listen to feedback before, during, and after each event, and I will always look for ways to improve.
To everyone who has supported this journey so far—whether you’ve purchased a free ticket, applied as a stallholder, shared a post, offered advice, or simply cheered us on from the sidelines—thank you.
This market is more than an event to me. It’s the result of years of rebuilding, learning, growing, and refusing to give up.
I can’t wait to share it with all of you on August 15th. ❤️
