We speak to Yu Fang Chen who tells us about how the Adult Community Learning (ACL) Market Trader course changed her life and set her up to be a trader at Chapel Market

How did you hear about the course?

I had applied for a licence to run a stall on Chapel Market and the street trading licence manager suggested I should do the ACL Market Trader course as I didn’t know a lot about market trading. It would help me get more information to get me going in the beginning. So, I rang Colin, the tutor, who told me all about the course and how useful it would be to me. It was starting the next day, so I joined straight away!

What did you like about the course?

I liked the community on the course. The teacher, the students together, talking and sharing different opinions in a wider way. Colin introduced us to some excellent guests. I remember Stephanie (Archway market manager) saying “sell something you like”. I worried about people not accepting my product and that one sentence gave me a lot of confidence. The course also provided my first trader day at the Cally Festival, and I got my first sale ever!

How has it changed your life?

Since completing the course, I have new things in my life, not just my kids and family. I love them, but now I have my own life as well. I really enjoy connecting with customers. I feel really proud when they come back and I love it when they say “ahh, here you are!” It has changed my life. I’ve made some money, I have more freedom, and I can treat my kids a little bit which I couldn’t always do. Life is short, so when you have an idea, just go for it.

Do you like being a market trader?

Yes! Market people take care of each other. They are very helpful. At the beginning of the day everyone says good morning with a smile as you walk past the stalls and at the end of the day “goodbye, see you tomorrow!” I am always smiling, and people respond to that. Even when the weather is awful, being there makes me smile. I am always learning new things and developing ideas for my stall. I’m improving every time!

What do you like about Chapel Market?

It’s a really nice local market. Local people are very friendly. Even if they don’t come to my stall they’ll say “hello”, like a neighbour. It’s a mix of young and old visitors; mums, children, lots of students, workers, and even tourists. The police station is around the corner, and they come down to the market which helps everyone feel safe. And there are lots of different stalls. It’s a very friendly and interesting place to come and have a look and to shop. I am very happy that I get to be trading at the market three days a week.

What would you like to tell people thinking of doing the course?

My friend has just finished the course. I told her there are a lot of things behind running a market stall and it’s more than just getting a licence. The  course will help you really understand what you need to do. You might think you are ready, but you will learn so much. You also get help to trade for a day at the Cally Festival or the Archway Christmas market. It’s a really nice experience.

Islington Adult Community Learning will be running the Introduction to Market Trading course again in the autumn term, which will also offer the chance to trade at the Archway Christmas market in November. Full details of all Islington Adult Community Learning courses can be found at: adultlearning.islington.gov.uk or you can get in touch by WhatsApp on: 07734 777 466