Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Sifuentes.
Hi Leslie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my small business back in 2022, selling Croc charms. At the time, I only had one table filled with charms — and to me, it felt like so much.
I wanted to join pop-up markets, but many vendor fees were too high. Since I was just starting out, it felt risky to invest that much money without knowing what I’d make back. So for a while, I stuck to selling online — but I still made it a point to go out and support local pop-ups.
That’s where everything started to change.
By attending these markets, I began meeting so many amazing vendors. I became a loyal customer to a few, like Waffly Delicious and El Tejano. I would always chat with them, tell them how much they inspired me, and how they motivated me to start my own business.
One day, they invited me to set up with them.
I was so nervous. I even brought extra items that weren’t part of my business — phone cases and pillowcases my parents used to sell — just in case.
At my very first event, I only made about $40… but I was so happy. It was never just about the money — it was about the experience, meeting people, and putting myself out there.
After attending several events, my friends and I decided to host a truck and car show. That’s when I had the idea to bring vendors into it — creating a mix of a pop-up market and a show.
From there, something clicked.
I fell in love with creating spaces where vendors could come together, showcase their creativity, and connect with the community. I continued hosting more events, gaining experience each time. Eventually, I realized truck shows weren’t fully my passion — but hosting markets was.
After every event, people would ask:
“When’s the next one?”
“Sign me up for the next event!”
That motivation pushed me to create an Instagram page — Galore Markets — and start promoting my own events. I shared my page in Facebook groups, connected with vendors, and slowly began building a community.
As Galore Markets grew, so did my team.
I started investing more into each event — bringing in a videographer for content, adding themed decorations like balloon arches, and creating fun, immersive experiences.
To this day, I love creating themed markets — giving customers and vendors something exciting to look forward to. Some events even include character appearances, especially for kids, making each market feel special and memorable.
Galore Markets isn’t just about shopping — it’s about community, creativity, and giving small businesses a chance to shine.
Alright, 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?
Starting out, one of the biggest struggles was simply getting started. Vendor fees felt too high, and as a new business, it was scary to risk money without knowing if I would even make it back.
When I finally started doing events, sales were slow at first. I remember making only about $40 at my first pop-up. It could’ve been discouraging—but I chose to see it as a learning experience instead.
Another challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone. Talking to new people, setting up at events, and putting myself out there didn’t come easy at first.
As I began hosting my own events, a whole new set of struggles came with it—organizing vendors, managing expectations, promoting events, and making sure everything ran smoothly. Not every event was perfect, and I had to learn a lot through trial and error.
There were also moments where things got overwhelming—especially when I was still figuring out what direction I wanted to take, like when I realized truck shows weren’t really for me.
But every challenge taught me something.
It helped me grow, build confidence, and understand what I truly wanted for my business. Those struggles are what shaped Galore Markets into what it is today.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Galore Markets, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Galore Markets is a pop-up market platform based in the DFW area that creates opportunities for small businesses to grow, connect, and be seen. What started as my own journey as a small vendor has now turned into a space where other entrepreneurs can showcase their products, build their customer base, and be part of a supportive community.
We specialize in hosting themed pop-up markets that bring a unique experience to both vendors and customers. From coquette and seasonal themes to character-inspired events, every market is designed to feel fun, creative, and memorable—not just another place to shop, but something people genuinely look forward to attending.
What sets Galore Markets apart is that I’ve been in the vendors’ shoes. I understand the challenges of starting small, affording vendor fees, and trying to get exposure. Because of that, I focus on creating events that feel worth it for vendors—good energy, strong promotion, and an environment where everyone feels included and supported.
We’re also known for the details—bringing in photo setups like balloon arches, hiring videographers for content, and even including character appearances for families and kids. It’s all about creating an experience, not just a market.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Seeing vendors return, grow their businesses, and even tell me they look forward to our events means everything to me. It’s more than just hosting—it’s about creating opportunities and helping others succeed.
I want people to know that Galore Markets is built with intention. Every event is planned with both vendors and customers in mind. Whether you’re shopping, networking, or setting up your first booth, you’re walking into a space that was created to support you.
At the end of the day, Galore Markets is about community, creativity, and giving small businesses a place to shine.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely didn’t build Galore Markets alone.
A lot of credit goes to the vendors who supported me from the very beginning. Vendors like Waffly Delicious and El Tejano played a big role early on—not only by inspiring me, but by welcoming me in, talking with me, and even giving me my first opportunity to set up at a market. That moment really changed everything for me.
I also want to give a huge thank you to my family—especially my mom and dad for always supporting me, believing in me, and pushing me to keep going even when things felt uncertain. My fiancé has also been a big part of this journey, always there helping, supporting, and being by my side through everything.
And especially my brother—he deserves so much credit. He’s been there through it all, helping me, supporting me, and playing a huge role behind the scenes. I truly couldn’t have done this without him.
My friends and team deserve a lot of credit too. From helping me host my first events, to supporting me during busy days, to growing alongside the business—they’ve been there making things happen.
As the brand grew, I also started working with creatives who help bring my vision to life. My balloon artist @cvroliinvs.creations creates beautiful setups that make every event feel special, and my photo/video creator @goldncaptures captures all the moments and helps showcase what Galore Markets is all about.
And of course, the vendors who continue to trust me and grow with me—you are the heart of Galore Markets. And the customers and community who show up, shop small, and support every event—you are the reason we keep going.
More than anything, I’m proud that Galore Markets has become something bigger than just me. It’s a community effort, and every single person involved plays a part in its success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galoremarkets
