Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley Sumner.
Carley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Okay, my story – A huge contributor to how I got from there to here is I always knew how to work my strengths and weaknesses. I knew (and know) that I am a high energy person who likes to work hard with my hands and be creative. I enjoy putting pieces together, just like events. I also knew that I wasn’t the best at school, with that, I dedicated more time to get hands-on experiences, internships, and volunteering. I knew that a future employer wasn’t going to be blown away at a mediocre GPA. I knew that they would be impressed that I worked with South Beach and New York Wine and Food Festival, Red Bull, Live Nation, Studied abroad in China, and had promoted my own events during my time at FIU. What I didn’t know are the connections that were to be made when I was working my strengths. My time at FIU and working with Red Bull lead to a lifelong friend who is what I like to call a friend-tor (friend and mentor), working tirelessly for 16 hour shifts at SoBe Fest led to continuous free lapdance work, a contract job and trips to New York, and taking an unpaid internship with Live Nation at The Fillmore Miami Beach led to my first real job and moving to Miami Beach where the best memories were made. And even more, connected me with what is now Prism Creative Group who together we started and nurtured the Miami Flea.
After almost three years at the Fillmore Miami Beach, I was curious to know more about the events world, I took a full-time gig with the producers of SoBe Fest’s Burger Bash (and more), with them I produced events like the PAMM opening gala, and Miami International Film Festival’s Opening and Closing Parties. Working on MIFF led to becoming a festival manager for the OUTShine Film Festival, I lived out a dream of going on Vans Warped Tour for two summer’s, moved to Utah for a season to produce 18 events for Sundance Film Festival. Which catches up the story up of where I am now. I work full time in live entertainment and event programming, but as I said before, I am high energy and just can’t sit still. At the beginning of 2019, The Flamingo Flea came about! Our first flea was in March hosted at Tarpon River Brewing. We will host the flea every other month, our next flea is Sunday, July 21st from 12 – 4 PM. We have the best-handcrafted vendors, live music, something for kids and doggies, a special brunch menu and more add ons each flea.
The Flamingo Flea’s mission is to provide a platform where creatives and small businesses can grow from. We want to be the launching point for these businesses and to get them the exposure they deserve. We look to provide a unique experience for the guests, whether that is new local music, dishes they never tried, and allowing them to meet the makers and really dive into their community. I believe we all play a part in how our community grows and that vendors and guests alike should feel that they are apart of the creative process.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I stay pretty positive, flexible, curious. My “road” has had curves, bumps, and detours, but it had some great scenic views and adventures along the way. I have never had to live out of my car or anything like that but I did take a little longer to finish school, which allowed me to take on a total of five internships various side jobs that really attributes to where I am today. After having a steady full-time job, I freelanced for about three years and was always scared that I wasn’t going to find another job. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are amazing places to have a creative career, there are so many people to meet and experiences to work on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Flamingo Flea – what should we know?
The Flamingo Flea hosts multiple artisanal vendor events throughout South Florida. The Flea brings together multiple vintage, handmade, craft, and upcycled vendors simultaneously for the community to enjoy. We showcase the talents of these local artists through continuous market events for guests to shop, learn, and socialize — integrating and building a creative community at every stall. Each event will have new and exciting material to inspire. This unique flea will revolve around a social atmosphere where groups of artisans can network and collaborate. A platform for thrifters, entrepreneurs, and artists to grow.
Our mission is to curate a recurring market of eclectic talents created throughout South Florida. Furthering growth and sustainability for local artists and innovators while inspiring the community and representing Fort Lauderdale as the progressive community it is.
The Flamingo Flea as a brand is expanding, we have our flagship event, The Flamingo Flea event at Tarpon River brewing every other month, we recently started curating Bazaar Under the Palms for CityPlace Doral. The Bazaar is held every 2nd Sunday from 12 PM – 4 PM. We are looking to strategically expand with partners throughout South Florida with ancillary pop up events. See us at the next flea July 21st 12 – 4 PM at Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale. Fort full list of vendors, event details and to RSVP follow us on Instagram or find us on Facebook @theflamingoflea.
Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
I am not too sure if it is luck or not but we at the Flea are extremely grateful for Tarpon River Brewing for hosting us for The Flamingo Flea, and that the community has really supported us. The following and support from day one have been organic. South Florida is really on board for the events from attendees, to vendors, to publications and blogs, giving they’re interested like VoyageMIA, New Times, Venice Magazine, and @Lauderbabe, @whatskatiecraving, and @flamazingbabe who have all done write-ups or Instagram takeovers during the events.
Pricing:
- The Flamingo Flea – Free and Open to the Public
- Vendor Fees vary between $45 – $100
Contact Info:
- Address: The Flamingo Flea
Hosted at Tarpon River Brewery
280 SW 6th St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 - Website: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=the%20flamingo%20flea&epa=SEARCH_BOX
- Email: carleysuzann@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflamingoflea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=the%20flamingo%20flea&epa=SEARCH_BOX
Image Credit:
FujiFilmGirl,Joe Santos
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
