You're strolling through a sun-kissed California afternoon, iced latte in hand, when you stumble upon a bustling outdoor market filled with artisanal goodies, handcrafted jewelry, and chic decor. Welcome to Dreamers Markets, the brainchild of Deniz Karmona, a woman who's single-handedly redefining the pop-up scene from LA to San Diego.
But don't mistake Dreamers Markets for just another Instagram-worthy event. Karmona has created more than a marketplace; it's a vibrant community where small businesses thrive and shoppers discover unique finds that big box stores can't touch. Her story? It's a masterclass in turning passion into profit, all while lifting up other small business owners along the way.
The Birth of a Dream
Deniz Karmona's journey to creating Dreamers Markets is as unique as the vendors she now champions. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Karmona cultivated her expertise in marketing, working with big-name brands like Levi's and The North Face. But it was her experience as a small business owner that truly shaped her vision.
"I was designing luxury leather bags," Karmona recalls. "When I moved to the US, I wanted to continue my brand. But then COVID came along and changed everything, as it did for so many others."
Five years ago, Karmona and her family made the leap across the pond, trading the lively bazaars of Istanbul for the sun-soaked streets of California. It was a move driven by dreams of new opportunities and the chance to reinvent herself.
As she navigated the challenges of being a small business owner in a new country, Karmona noticed a gap in the market.
"I was seeing all these cute little curated markets popping up right after COVID. I thought maybe I should participate in one, meet new small business owners," she explains. But as she dipped her toes into these markets, Karmona realized something was missing. She saw organizers focused on the event, but not necessarily on the vendors themselves. It was a lightbulb moment.
"I started thinking, 'They should do this, they should do that.' Why aren't they doing these things?" Karmona says. "After mulling it over, my husband and I thought maybe we should do our own thing. Let's create a place that every vendor would dream to be a part of."
And just like that, Dreamers Markets was born - living up to its name as a place where every vendor would dream of being a part of, and where every shopper could discover their next favorite thing.
From Vision to Reality
Turning a dream into reality is never easy, especially when you're new to a country and navigating a post-pandemic world. But Deniz Karmona isn't one to back down from a challenge.
"Starting a business in a new place like California had numerous challenges," Karmona admits. "From finding the right location to convincing landlords of our potential - what we were going to bring to the area."
Karmona's vision for Dreamers Markets was clear from the start. She wasn't interested in creating just another farmers market. "I was trying to create something more," she explains, "let's say a cozy, vibrant atmosphere, definitely different from a farmers market."
The city of Tustin was the first to take a chance on Karmona's vision. "Tustin city was the first one who opened their doors to us," she recalls with gratitude. "Today we have a strong partnership with them. We host a lot of great events, probably some of the best in Orange County right now."
From that single monthly event in Tustin, Dreamers Markets has exploded in popularity. In just two years, it has grown to 19 locations spanning from LA to San Diego. The growth has been nothing short of phenomenal.
"We started with one location at Tustin only once in a month," Karmona says, the pride evident in her voice. "And now today we have events every weekend, sometimes two events in one day."
With Karmona's determination and vision, it's clear that Dreamers Markets is just getting started. The dream, it seems, is very much alive and growing.
The Dreamers Market Experience
Dreamers Markets isn't just a place to shop—it's a destination where memories are made. Deniz Karmona has crafted an immersive experience that engages all your senses and leaves you wanting more.
"We bring themes, we bring a lot of activity," Karmona explains enthusiastically. "Even if they don't buy anything - which we love when they do, of course - but they don't have to buy anything when they come to Dreamers Markets. I want people to come to Dreamers Markets just to create memories with their loved ones."
From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere. The air buzzes with excitement as visitors explore an eclectic mix of unique products and experiences. You might find yourself drawn to the aroma of freshly baked goods or captivated by local artisans demonstrating their craft.
But Dreamers Markets isn't just about shopping. Karmona has made sure there's something for everyone. "We mostly have pet-friendly events, always kid-friendly activities. There's face painting, meet and greets, workshops, gifts, raffles, and a lot of things," she shares.
Each Dreamers Markets event is carefully curated to create a cohesive aesthetic. The result is a visually stunning environment that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the other senses. It's no wonder that visitors often find themselves reaching for their phones to capture the picture-perfect setups.
Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out, a couple on a unique date, or a group of friends exploring local artisans, Dreamers Markets offers an experience that's as enriching as it is enjoyable. It's more than just a market—it's a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of discovery.
Supporting Small Businesses
At the heart of Dreamers Markets is a vibrant community of small business owners carefully nurtured by Deniz Karmona. Her approach goes far beyond simply providing a space for vendors to sell their wares.
"We have guidelines at Dreamers Markets, like having table covers, creating a cohesive look," Karmona explains. These guidelines aren't just about aesthetics—they're about creating a professional environment where vendors can shine.
This attention to detail is just the beginning of what sets Dreamers Markets apart. What truly makes it special is the sense of community Karmona fosters among her vendors. "I am always present at the events because I want to meet with new small business owners to help them," she shares. This hands-on approach extends to every aspect of the market experience.
"If they have something that they need to correct on their tables or at their setups, we're helping them to get more sales," Karmona says. She even leverages her marketing background to offer advice, ensuring each vendor puts their best foot forward.
This supportive environment has led to some impressive success stories. "I have a couple of vendors who, after being with us for a couple of years, have gone on to bigger things," Karmona shares proudly. "One vendor got into the SAG Awards and now sells their lamps as decorations during the ceremony. Another started attending the Magic trade shows in Las Vegas and is now expanding into wholesale markets."
These successes underscore what makes Dreamers Markets truly unique—it's not just a marketplace but a launchpad for small businesses to reach new heights. By creating a supportive community, providing valuable resources, and fostering connections, Dreamers Markets is helping to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Amidst the endless scroll of online shopping and cookie-cutter retail experiences, Dreamers Markets stands as a testament to authenticity and community. Deniz Karmona's vision has created more than just a marketplace—it's a vibrant celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and human connection.
Curious shoppers and ambitious small business owners alike will find something unique; Dreamers Markets offers a refreshing alternative to the ordinary. So why not see for yourself? Your next favorite find—or your next big business opportunity—might be waiting at Dreamers Markets.
All images provided by Dreamers Markets
Connect with Dreamers Markets Here:
Website: www.dreamersmarkets.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamersmarkets/
Comments