More than 1,000 shoppers recently put their holiday stress on hold and headed to the most fun “shopportunity” of the season — CultureMap's 2018 Holiday Pop-Up Shop Sponsored by Verizon. Dozens of local vendors helped them find all their presents to put under the tree — and to have a great time while doing so.
Ranging from skin care to sweets, jewelry to candles, florals to fashion accessories, the favorite local brands set up shop at Silver Street Studios for a Sunday of seasonal fun.
Some 100 VerizonUp members used their early access perks and received VIP gift bags including Verizon mugs, Poopouri spray, Kendra Scott nail polish, tea towels from Renovate Houston, and more.
DJ Fredster played hip and classic holiday tunes as guests entered with unwrapped toys for the event's beneficiary, Kids Meals, a Houston charity which aims to end childhood hunger by delivering free, healthy meals to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children.
Folks stopped to snap a selfie at a 12-foot balloon wall by Balloon Decor and Marquee Letters of Houston. Then it was off for a pic (and wish list secrets) with Santa at a photo booth courtesy of My Event is the Bomb. Shoppers made a beeline for bubbly cocktails at Sparkler Korbel bar, featuring fruity bellinis and mimosas; others refueled at a custom cocktail cart rolled out by Ketel One. A specialty scotch and whiskey stand offered Texas Pecan Old Fashioneds and a chance to customize gift labels of Glenlivet.
Drinks in hand, shoppers stopped at Dandelion Cafe for sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee and other sweet treats. Some folks were caught swinging by the Sugarfina stand more than once for baggies of free samples of champagne gummies and more sweet treats. Speaking of sweets, Dessert Gallery offering custom treats with cookie decorating.
Throughout the day, guests got a hands-on experience with crafting stations such as holiday wreath and ornament decorating, kids crafts with Randi Lauren Art, succulent arranging with Succulent Bar, a soy wax candle making workshop with Love and Make, and a calligraphy workshop with Nib & Pixel.
Ladies who love sparkle were drawn to the fabulous jewelry finds from the likes of Kendra Scott, Courtney Ray Jewelry, Cynthia Ann Jewels, and Fig Tree Jewelry and Accessories. Women also delighted in looks from Collectivo, The Cotton Club Collection, and Melodrama Boutique. Gents perused the offerings from custom clothier Harper & Jones and Forth and Nomad.
Vendors included standout offerings from Ammos & Sea, Annie Digs, Beautifully Bronzed, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Brenda Grands Design, Briggs True, Goth Yoga, King Ranch, My Luxury Gifts, Pomp and Circumstance, Rise N 2, Sanctuary Spa, Sette, Slay All Day Beauty, Source Vital, Tres Chic, and ZO Skin Centre.
After a full day of sipping, sampling, swiping credit cards, and gifting for loved ones, shoppers loaded their loot into their trunks and went on their merry way, filled with holiday cheer.
“I’m extremely impressed,” said shopper Bella Kafarela, a local Verizon VIP member and pop-up shopper. “This is the classiest artisan market I’ve been to; it’s designed well — you’ve got a great mix of drinks, food, and vendors. I plan to renew my service with Verizon — if they offer this again.”
Swag bags made the event even merrier.
Wally Funk became a hometown hero in Grapevine. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race 
Wally Funk in her '20s as a flight instructor. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race