When Petrona Joseph first dreamed up the idea for the Mableton Pop-Up Shop, she knew it had to be centered on community. As a seasoned publicist and business development expert with more than 20 years of experience, Petrona knew she wanted to create a space that supports small businesses, encourages economic growth, and gives back to local families.
“I realized that while local businesses looked like they might be public relations ready, most of them lacked the basic infrastructure conducive to sales and fostering community,” Petrona shared with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. “I thought to myself, why not create a local marketplace to encourage community and sales, thus laying the foundation of infrastructure? And that’s when the idea officially began.”
Building More Than Just A Marketplace
Joseph’s career began at BMW, where she first learned how business development and sales go hand-in-hand. That knowledge, combined with her expertise in PR, shaped her approach for the Mableton Pop-Up Shop.
“Business development combined with PR is what is needed to push the machine that is a business,” she explained. “While so many are attracted to a basic pop-up shop format without the publicity push, we offer media placement and an hour consultation (post pop-up) to assist local businesses in their future goals.”
This unique model sets her event apart, ensuring vendors don’t just leave with sales, but with tools and strategies to keep growing long after the pop-up ends.
A Boost For Local Businesses And Families
Petrona has seen firsthand how small businesses struggle to stay afloat, often relying on word-of-mouth or social media posts to secure sales. The marketplace hopes to help vendors connect with more customers while funneling money directly back into Mableton’s local economy.
“I have seen instances where a vendor pays $120 for a booth and leaves with $600 in sales,” Petrona shared enthusiastically. “That’s a great profit margin. It’s not only the businesses that benefit, it’s the economy and the community at large.”
And because giving back is part of the mission, the Pop-Up Shop also hosts a school supply drive to support the Family Life Restoration Center, a non-profit that has been serving Mableton families for nearly two decades. “While there is a lot of prosperity in Mableton, there is also a secret face of poverty,” Petrona explained. “We want to help those families and give back to the community.”
What To Expect At The Mableton Pop-Up Shop
While the original August 16th date was postponed due to weather, Petrona is working with the Family Life Restoration Center to announce a new inaugural date. When the doors open, attendees can look forward to discovering artisans, crafters, and small businesses they may not know exist.
“It’s not just a marketplace to come and sell and go back home,” Petrona emphasized. “No, we want our vendors to shine on mainstream media, with organic shares, and with lots of enthusiasm.”
How to Get Involved
Petrona welcomes vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to be part of this growing movement. Fill out this form to participate.
With her vision, passion, and proven track record, Petrona Joseph is turning the Mableton Pop-Up Shop into a cornerstone for community and commerce in Georgia.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
