From Hesitation to Inspiration – Mali Bags

From Hesitation to Inspiration: Finding My Creative Home at the Original Eumundi Markets
Stall Mali Bags – Rita Casaubon

When I first heard about the Original Eumundi Markets, I wasn’t sure it was for me. I’d spent nearly a year sitting on the fence—curious, but hesitant. Was a market stall really the right move for my handmade business?

But then, something shifted. Conversations with fellow creatives, customers, and friends kept circling back to one place—OEM. Over and over, I heard the same words:
“You have to try Eumundi—it’s amazing.”

Eventually, I listened. I took the leap. And honestly? It changed everything.

Before OEM, I was running a solid online store. But as any maker knows, selling through a screen has its limits. At the markets, I found something I didn’t know I was missing—connection. Real, face-to-face moments with customers. Genuine feedback. Smiles, stories, and shared excitement. There’s nothing quite like watching someone fall in love with your work in real time.

And it’s not just the vibe—it’s the structure. Unlike a shopfront, OEM doesn’t come with the weight of ongoing rent or big overheads. It’s flexible, it’s dynamic, and it’s full of opportunity.

What truly sets the Original Eumundi Markets apart, though, is its reputation. This isn’t just any market—it’s the market. Known across Queensland, interstate, and even internationally, OEM draws people from all walks of life. Tourists plan entire holidays around visiting. Locals make it a regular ritual. The energy is contagious.

Since joining, my business has grown in ways I never expected. Customers have discovered my art, supported my journey, and helped me reach new audiences. I even film most of my content right here at the markets—it’s the perfect stage for sharing my process and my story with the world.

If you’re a maker, artist, or small business wondering whether it’s worth it—trust me, it is. OEM isn’t just a place to sell, it’s a place to be seen, to be supported, and to truly grow.

So here’s my advice:
Say yes. Show up.
Capture the magic of your stall. Talk to every passerby. Take it all in.
And most importantly—enjoy it.
Your people are out there, just waiting to discover what you do.

Editor & Photographer Kita Lawrence OEM