Past Beautiful Booths:

August 2009: Maggie Duncan, Maggie's Farm

The Duncan family

Surprisingly, I've never highlighted a tie dye booth before, in many ways it's the Market's signature craft. So it's fitting that I chose the tie dyer that has been at Market the longest. Maggie Duncan started selling in 1989. "Back when you couldn't give tie dyes away!" says Maggie. I remember what I was wearing in the late 80s, and the sluggish local economy at the time, so I can see why. After spending a little while in the Maggie's Farm booth, I can also see how she found success even in slow times. Maggie is indeed a wonderful salesperson.

A family approaches, and starts browsing. "Is this your first time at Market? Where are you from? What sizes can I help you find?" She effortlessly chats with them, and directs them to the sizes and styles they are looking for. She knows her well organized inventory inside out. She also knows other folks' inventory, as someone inquires about tie dyed underwear. "I didn't bring any today, but you should try Levana's booth, over there, she usually has that kind of item."

ties The booth itself has a nice, open layout that invites folks in to browse. The racks are neatly organized, and there are styles and sizes to please everyone, even tie dyed ties for the businessman in touch with his inner hippie. Like every tie dye artist's work, Maggie's Farm tie dyes have a distinctive color palette and dying style. This also gives the booth a unified look that ties together what could be a confusing jumble of color. Instead, it's a bright and cheerful spot in the middle of the Market, where a bright and cheerful woman makes her sign living selling tie dye.