Everything I Brought to My First Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up

I actually booked my first pop-up before I even had my starter kit in hand.

I was that excited.

Something about diving straight in—with no turning back—lit a fire in me. I picked a small, local outdoor event where I knew I’d recognize a lot of faces. That was intentional. Being surrounded by familiar people gave me a huge confidence boost, especially since I was brand new to the trade and still learning the ropes.

I gave myself plenty of time to practice before the big day came. I still remember the morning of the event so clearly—my car was packed, my stomach full of butterflies, and my heart racing with that perfect mix of nerves and excitement. I was about to do something completely new, and I was so thrilled that, for once, I wasn’t headed to a 9-to-5 shift.

There’s just something special about local vendor events. The ones with live music, laughter, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and people genuinely excited to shop small. It was the perfect first pop-up location—relaxed, friendly, and full of great foot traffic—and it set the stage for my brand-new permanent jewelry business in the best possible way.

But let’s talk about what I actually brought that day… and the things I really wish I hadn’t forgotten.

Leading Up to My First Pop-Up Event

One of the best things I did leading up to my first pop-up was creating a checklist and actually practicing my full setup at home. I laid everything out—table, tools, chains, signage—just like I would on event day. And let me tell you, it made a huge difference.

It did more for me than just make sure I had the right supplies (though that was definitely part of it). Practicing gave me a chance to see my booth through a customer’s eyes. I caught little things I would’ve completely missed otherwise—like how the customer would feel sitting at my table, how my signage looked from a distance, and how awkward it felt to dig for tools I hadn’t properly organized yet.

Running through the setup also gave me the chance to test my welder and get really comfortable with the flow of things: greeting someone, measuring their wrist, showing them chain options, and completing the weld. By the time event day rolled around, I didn’t feel nearly as “new” as I actually was. I could focus on the fun stuff—meeting people, making connections, and welding gorgeous permanent jewelry—without constantly second-guessing myself.

Related: How to Start a Permanent Jewelry Business

What I Packed (and Was So Glad I Did)

So let’s break down exactly what I packed, organized by category, because having all of this ready and laid out truly set me up for success going forward.

Jewelry Tools & Supplies

If you want your first event to cost as little as possible and only include the absolute basics, this section of items is non-negotiable. I made sure to pack my permanent jewelry welder, along with all the essential tools I had practiced with—flush cutters, pliers, eye protection, electrodes, and extra jump rings. I also brought a variety of chains and a few dainty charms for anyone who wanted to personalize their piece.

Since this was an outdoor event and I knew I wouldn’t be anywhere near an outlet, I brought a portable power station to run my welder. It was a total lifesaver and gave me complete peace of mind throughout the day. If you’re planning to do any outdoor pop-ups, a reliable power source is an absolute must—you do not want to be caught without it once customers start lining up.

One thing I quickly learned never to leave behind is a good light for my welding station. Clouds can roll in at outdoor events, or you might end up in a dark corner at an indoor market—either way, lighting is a must. I use and love the Canvas lamp. It’s easy to set up and perfect for both seeing your welds clearly and capturing beautiful jewelry photos for marketing.

Honestly, there’s so much you could bring to your permanent jewelry pop-up events, and when I was just getting started, it felt overwhelming trying to figure it all out. That’s why I decided to join LINKED Permanent Jewelry Training—easily one of the best decisions I made—because their kit came with everything I needed in this category and took all the guesswork out of it.

Related: LINKED Permanent Jewelry Training Review

Furniture & Booth Setup

I brought a 10×10 pop-up tent to define my space and give some much-needed shade, which made the whole setup feel more polished and professional. Inside the tent, I set up a 6-foot folding table for my main display, giving me plenty of room to lay out my chain display, charms, and decor.

Just behind that table, I created a cozy little welding station using a small round metal café table and two chairs. It made the service feel more intentional and gave each customer a comfortable spot for their appointment. Sadly due to portability, I ended up switch to two folding chairs and a small folding table, but ultimately that made it so much easier to transport everything.

I also packed a couple of extra chairs for friends who stopped by or for customers waiting their turn. It made my booth feel more welcoming and gave people a reason to linger—which often turns into more sales and great conversations.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Permanent Jewelry Company?

Display & Branding

This is where my practice setup really helped me out. I brought a simple white tablecloth to elevate the look of my space, an accent color cheesecloth to use as a table runner, and some jewelry displays—nothing super fancy, but enough to drape chains and display charm options. I also had a small standing mirror (a must!) so customers could check out their new pieces.

I printed a clean price menu and used a small acrylic stand to display it upright. I also chose to create a large display banner to help answer immediate questions about the permanent jewelry process, and I brought a sign with my social handles, a QR code for joining my email list, and a few business cards for anyone wanting to book an appointment later. Little touches like these made me feel professional, even as a beginner.

Related: How to Get Gorgeous Marketing Images for Permanent Jewelry

Payment & Legal Preparations

This one stressed me out a bit before my first event, so I made sure to triple-check it. I brought my phone and charger, my Square card reader (make sure yours is fully charged!), and a small amount of cash/change just in case someone wasn’t paying by card.

Before my first event, I also made sure to apply for a sales tax permit for my state. It was a quick and easy online process, but definitely something you’ll want to handle before you start making sales. If you’re selling products—even something as simple as permanent jewelry—you’re typically required to collect sales tax and remit it to your state.

There are only a handful of states that don’t require this, so it’s worth doing a little research ahead of time. Having your permit in place helps you stay compliant and professional from day one, and it’s just one more way to make sure your business is built on a solid foundation.

I also had a waiver printed and clipped to a cute clipboard for quick signatures. I kept my calendar app handy in case anyone wanted to schedule a future event or party—it was helpful to show them open weekends right then and there. And to be safe, I had a general liability insurance policy through NEXT Insurance to cover any slips or trips inside my tent. It gave me extra peace of mind knowing I was protected, especially at a busy outdoor event.

Comfort & Emergency Kit

I’m so glad I thought about this part ahead of time. I packed a small bag with a water bottle, snacks, and a mini fan (game changer at an outdoor summer event). I also brought hand sanitizer, a lint roller, breath mints, and a few band-aids. I even tossed in a backup pen, which came in handy more than once.

One of the most comforting things I did for myself that day was asking one of my sisters to come along just for support. Having someone there to chat with between customers, help with small tasks, or just give a reassuring smile made a world of difference as I eased into this brand new venture.

Since it was a family-friendly event, my husband brought our kids to join in on the fun too. Seeing their familiar faces nearby gave me an extra sense of comfort and made the whole experience feel a lot less intimidating.

Related: Can You Do Permanent Jewelry Without a Welder?

Things I Knew I Wanted to Change Going Forward

After that first event—and honestly, a couple more that followed—I made it a point to jot down little notes after each one. What worked well, what needed improving, and what I could tweak to create a better experience for both me and my customers.

Sturdier Displays

One thing I realized right away is that I needed sturdier tabletop displays. A breezy day had some of mine tipping over more than once, and it was not the vibe I was going for. I also wanted a better way to display charms—digging through a jumbled container didn’t feel very professional, and I knew there had to be a cleaner, more inviting way to showcase them.

Better, More Portable Welder

I also knew pretty early on that I wanted a better welder. The one I chose upfront worked, but it was 12 pounds of bulky, awkward equipment—not exactly fun to tote around from event to event. It also wasn’t the easiest on the eyes, and I cared about the look and feel of my setup.

I recommend starting with the budget-friendly Zapp Plus® 2, if your budget allows. Not only is it sleek and travel-friendly at just 2 pounds, but it also gives you way more control over power settings for cleaner, more consistent welds. It’s one of those upgrades you’ll wish you’d made even sooner.

Related: Zapp Plus® 2 Permanent Jewelry Welder Review

Argon Gas

I also started using argon gas for stronger, cleaner welds. Once I made the switch, the difference in quality was undeniable, and I felt even more confident in the results I was delivering. You can usually connect with a local gas supply or welding company to get a tank of argon, or check out Sunstone Engineering‘s mini argon tanks—they’re much easier to pack up and bring along to pop-up events.

Private Party Information

And finally, I wanted to be better prepared to talk about hosting private parties. After getting asked about it multiple times, I realized I needed a simple flyer or sign with info and an incentive plan so people knew exactly what to expect—and how easy it was to book one.

Each small adjustment makes a big difference, and you’ll be so glad you took the time to reflect and refine as you go.

Related: What is Permanent Jewelry and How Does it Work?

Building Confidence, One Pop-Up at a Time

If you’re gearing up for your first permanent jewelry pop-up, take a deep breath—you don’t need to have everything perfect to make it a success. Every artist starts somewhere, and the real growth happens when you just go for it. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and what makes your booth feel like you—and that experience is worth its weight in gold.

No two events are the same, and that’s part of the beauty of it. You’ll tweak things, upgrade your setup, and gain confidence with every weld and every conversation.

I’m incredibly thankful I found LINKED Permanent Jewelry Training when I did. It gave me not just the tools and training to start strong, but also a community of encouraging, helpful entrepreneurs who actually get it. When you’re surrounded by people who want to see you win—and you’re building from a solid foundation—you can show up to your pop-ups with ease, confidence, and excitement for what’s ahead.

So if you’re on the fence, just know—you don’t have to have it all figured out to get started. Begin with what you have, show up with heart, and believe that you’re capable of more than you realize.