Vendor Spotlight: Pacific Polynesian Enterprise
This week, I am so excited to be spotlighting Paul Fassoth. Paul is the super-friendly owner of Pacific Polynesian Enterprise, and he sets up his booth at space 681 here at the Shipshewana Flea Market.
Paul is from Hawaii, but he resides here in Northern Indiana during flea market season to sell his amazing products in Shipshewana.
He, his wife, and kids have a unique family business featuring products from his home state! The booth carries interesting items like chimes, red coral and shell sterling silver jewelry, a variety of musical instruments including the didgeridoo, handmade ornaments and a lot of unique gift and souvenir items that are affordable for everyone.
Check out photos from his Hawaiian-themed booth and interview below!
What kinds of items do you sell and how did you get started?
"I met my wife in Hawaii 14 years ago and began selling there, then things grew from there.
The items we sell are handmade by a variety of Hawaiian artisans that we know on the islands, and the talent that they bring is what really sets our products apart and helps our business thrive.
Some of the items are designed and made by my wife and daughter like the sterling silver jewelry and lava stone bracelets. Others are designed by local Hawaiian friends we know back home."
Why did you choose the Shipshewana Flea Market and How Long Have You Been Selling Here?
"My dad lived in the northern part of Indiana and that is what brought me all the way from the big island to sell. It is my second full year here at the Shipshewana Flea Market."
Have you always sold the same products?
"No, when we see a trend, we add the product to our line or when one is not doing as well, we drop it.
One of our most popular selling items currently is the bone fish hook necklaces. These really took off after the movie Moana was released."
What is your favorite part about being a vendor?
"The vendors! They're like family. "Ohana" means family, and around here, everyone supports one another.
It's not like the big island where your market vendors have the same type of product competing for each sale. Here, if I don't have a particular item and I know who does, I send them to that booth and everyone else does the same.
I like meeting the interesting shoppers and talking with and learning more about them."
Go meet Paul at space 681 this summer at the Shipshewana Flea Market! You'll love talking with him and watching him demonstrate some of his handmade instruments! You may even learn a few things about Hawaii in the meantime.
Ever thought about selling your items like Paul at the Shipshewana Flea Market? We have spaces available each Tuesday & Wednesday, May through September. Fill out a Vendor Application.
