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| Ian |
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| Diane |
Ian: “Too many questions, too many questions, too many questions”
Diane: “Its ok, you can continue.”
Ian and Diane run one of the largest
stands at the market. Their hats cover three entire tables, ranging in size and
type, (from ball caps to church hats). Both wearing hats, they sit behind their
stand, a slightly awkward distance part. They aren’t touching and hardly look
at each other, which is why when I approach I cautiously ask if they are married.
They look at each and mumble no but something close. Ian is attached to an oxygen machine, which he quickly removes for the photo, while Diane is casually dressed in an overall dark outfit. They started their business based on a need of income and
the fact that Ian always wore hats. After Ian was laid off, the couple decided
to start selling at vendors markets. They began with specialty goods and
quickly realized that hats sold the most, so they slowly started only selling
hats. They attain their hats from all over, in local stores or while they are
on trips. Diane believes the
display of the hats determines the amount the sell. On an average day they will
sell somewhere between 0 and 10 hats.
The pair currently sells at 3 farmers markets; the other two are located
in Silver Spring and on the intersection of 9th St and U St. They enjoy selling at the markets since
they are outside, and they get to meet different types of people from different
cultures. On a windy day, however,
markets become an inconvenient place to sell hats. Which is why in 5 years they
hope to open up their own store. Diane currently works a full time job, on top
of the markets. With Ian hooked up to an oxygen machine as well as unemployed,
the markets may just be a temporary reliever. They may also be the seed to a
future business. As Ian sits behind the stand watching everyone pass, Diane
goes and engages the customers. He
calls her over to help him set up his oxygen tank. She rushes to his side. I
leave the couple in their state of content and frustration. They hide their battle
scares as they keep on fighting.
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