As many of you are aware over the past two years I've been
working to set up my business, Sosanna’s
Closet. Basically it’s where I sell
clay sculptures, jewelry and more recently I've started carrying cloaks and
dresses. I've attended several Pagan-centric
events, such as Pagan Pride Days Raleigh
and several seasonal events at Truely
Unique in Wilson with huge success.
Recently my hubby and I decided that we’d start branching
out into other more mainstream festivals to get my art out there in the
market. One such even is called “Pig in the Park”. (facebook
page) Now I know what you’re thinking, Sosanna, this is a BBQ event, you’re
a vegetarian, why would you go there?
Well I’m trying to set outside my comfort zone. I wanted to start making Pagans more visible
in my community. I wanted them to see that
we’re just like everyone else.
So I sent in my request to go to the event. I was very excited. I got the following reply from the Director
of Tourism for the City of Goldsboro:
What items do you offer for
sale?
No greeting …
I replied:
Hi (first name removed to protect her identity)
I sell handmade clay sculptures and wreaths as well as new
age/metaphysical supplies. Here is a link to my esty
shop with some of the items I sell. Saturday I will be at the
Yule Bazaar in Wilson.
Today I got an email from the Development Director of the
Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County that said the following:
I received a forward of your email to
our tourism director.
Just wanted to let you know that I do
not think that you would be a good fit for our PIG IN THE PARK festival because
of our venue and theme. Last year, we had some new, unique vendors to the
event and they were disappointed in their sales. I’m afraid that you
would be, too.
Have a good day,
Signature removed to protect identity
No greeting. Had no
one taught these people how to write a business email?
No reference to why my shop isn't a good fit, just a
statement that pretty much says one thing, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE.
Now, being the type of person I am, Ms. Director had her
signature on the email so I called her.
I asked her, “Why am I not a good fit for your festival.” Keep in mind I’m looking at the page and
seeing the list of Christian groups lined up to sing, and the reference that
any “offensive” material is not permitted.
She stutters about and then says, “Well its pocket books, and
people don’t do well that don’t sell pocketbooks and jewelry.”
I said, “I sell
jewelry. I sell custom clay statues and
figurines. “
She said, well you
know, regular stuff, jewelry and pocketbooks’.
I said, “You mean
Christian stuff.”
She got all defensive and said, “now I didn't say that, you
said that and I’m offended that you said that. I’m just trying to save you some
money”
I said, “I bet you
are.”
She said “we’re non-denominational and we accept all colors
and everything, if you want waste your money that’s fine, but people usually
don’t make anything unless they sell pocketbooks or BBQ sauce.”
Someone came to my door and knocked and the dogs were
barking like crazy, so I just said I’ll be writing a letter because I feel you've discriminated against me and hung up the phone.
Really?
I contacted the Travel and Tourism Dept of
Wayne County which apparently only has one person working it and I only got
a voice mail every time. I also checked one
the City of Goldsboro Page and didn't find anything to help me either. (Facebook Page)
So I guess instead of investing money in my own city, I’ll
need to continue to go to other more open minded festivals where I won’t be
judged because of which gods or goddesses I follow. I’ll have to continue to reach out to more
open minded counties that welcome anyone to join their events and help
stimulate their economy instead of doing that here in Goldsboro.
Thank you, Ms. Director thank you for reminding me ever so
strongly why I spent so many years in the broom closet.
I would have posted the entire email here but I’m not really
sure of the legality of publishing their email addresses on my blog, so I
decided to leave that bit off. I do want
to say, that on the Pig in the Park vendor page it lists arts and crafts as
being accepted and it doesn't say a damn thing about pocketbooks.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(