Do you or any of your friends own a business that needs to be promoted? Are you looking for a place to go where you are able to support small businesses? Well, once a month you are able to attend the Gainesville Bazaar. This event is for businesses that are just getting started and in the area that would like to be promoted. Here you will find clothes, pastries, balloon garlands, purses, flower arrangements, personalized items, lash techs, and more. 

This past Saturday, there were a total of 55 vendors from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 764 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. They all gathered together and started off with a small prayer. Lilly-Ana Davila, the founder of the event, is only 16-years-old but from a young age, she started modeling and selling her own things. She created this event in hopes of bringing attention to local people instead of sticking to the norm of shopping with big corporate companies. 

The participants celebrate one another’s accomplishments and are always willing to promote each other’s products. 

“This event has helped create a support group for everyone involved, whenever someone comes out with a new product everyone helps promote it on their story or news feed online,” said Davila. 

To her, having a business requires a heart of will and dedication to push through until you make it to where you want to be. She currently owns a balloon garland business but is also making websites for businesses. Although she is still in high school, she has taken on this event by herself and makes sure that everything works out in the end.  

“To see your business grow you have to go from point A to point B, you can not skip to point Z”- Lilly-Ana Davila

The community has been very supportive by stopping by and looking around. Friends and customers of the vendors come out, support, and post on social media creating more attention.

“Every month we go up in followers; every month we get 100 more followers. I started this event in July and I know this is only going to get bigger if the community keeps on supporting us,” Davila said. 

Brisa Luna, a student at UNG, likes going not only to support her friend but also to support other people that are starting off. 

“They have a variety of things here, things that you may not necessarily find at any local store,” said Luna.

Her favorite thing about the event was how everyone was very welcoming and kind. She left with multiple bags and was happy with her purchases.

“I definitely left with more things than what I intended to but I feel happy because I am supporting my community by doing so,” Luna said. 

If you would like to keep up with this event follow them on Instagram: gainesville_bazaar and Facebook: Gainesville Bazaar.

If you know of anyone that would like to participate at the next event, email [email protected]m or call (770) 294-2333.