When entrepreneur Khadija Millar was brainstorming affordable ways to promote her small business KLOTH Lifestyle, she had no idea that she would be building a household name and curating one of the best-known pop-ups and expos on the island.

Now in its fourth year, KLOTH Pop-Up Shop & Expo provides a lucrative but affordable avenue for over 100 micro and small businesses to sell and showcase their products and services. The event is currently held in June and December every year.

As we commemorate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Millar shared that the gratitude, happiness, encouragement, and excitement expressed by vendors and patrons is one of the best parts of hosting the event.

But why a pop-up and expo? According to Millar, it simply made sense.

“As a business owner operating mainly from social media, I wanted to provide an immersive experience for existing and potential customers where they could see and touch products while having that in-person interaction,” she explained.

KLOTH’s first pop-up was held in 2018 with 17 businesses, and the entrepreneur described it as a success.

“Each year since then, the event has grown exponentially, now being held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, hosting 120 plus businesses where we aim to provide a unique shopping experience for patrons where they can support local businesses and culture, enjoy amazing food and even walk away with prizes and freebies,” she shared.

Even though KLOTH Pop-Up Shop & Expo has grown in popularity, Millar admitted that she sometimes experiences imposter syndrome, fuelled by people who express shock at the fact that she is the sole owner of the business as a young female.

However, she advises women in entrepreneurship to go for the ideas they might have —  and do so authentically.

“I’ve learned that there is never really a perfect time to get started, and not everyone will see your vision when you do,” she declared.

The young entrepreneur hopes to see the KLOTH Pop-Up & Expo brand expand to offer even more activities to enhance the attendee experience and provide other opportunities for small businesses to promote and showcase their products and services outside the semi-annual events.

For the next event, which will be held on December 10, Millar noted that there will be adult and kids’ fashion, lots of food, cocktails, tons of gift ideas, product sampling, fun competitions and more, including their charity drive with the Rotaract Club of South Barbados. (CJ)

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