We were lucky to catch up with Sj Grundon recently and have shared our conversation below.
SJ, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Finding my purpose was a journey that took time and reflection. I started out as a flea market vendor and quickly realized I had a passion for creating experiences, connecting with people, and building a sense of community. I recognized there was a gap in the market but never imagined I’d be the one organizing flea markets. I thought, ‘That would be cool to put on, but I don’t know how to do that.’ I had the mindset that it was something others could do, but not me.
As the years went on and I grew more confident in myself, I realized if it’s something I wanted to do, I could figure it out. There was a point when I was vending every weekend, and often I wouldn’t sell enough to cover the vendor fee and merchandise. After what felt like an entire summer of this, the idea of organizing a flea market came back. I began asking myself, ‘Why can’t I put one on?’ My years of vending gave me a unique insight into what makes a good experience for vendors, and as a frequent shopper, I knew what made a flea market fun and inviting.
That’s when I decided it was something I wanted to pursue. I had the confidence to believe I could figure it out, so I started researching logistics, booked a venue, and set a date. Once I sent the deposit and announced the date, I was committed and had no choice but to make it happen. Taking that first step pushed me out of my comfort zone and solidified my belief in myself.
I wanted to create a space where people could come together, feel at home, and enjoy an inclusive, fun, and 420-friendly environment—something that didn’t quite exist at the time. Running my own flea market made me realize that my purpose wasn’t just about selling products or organizing an event—it was about creating a space where people could truly be themselves and form lasting connections. If a vendor isn’t enjoying the experience, that energy translates to the shoppers. They both impact each other.
Through this realization, I started AfterHours. It became more than just a business—it became a mission to create a ‘third space’ for people to connect, relax, and be part of something bigger.
Along the way, I’ve had moments of doubt and confusion, but each step has taught me that purpose isn’t something you find overnight. It unfolds as you follow your passions and listen to what people need. I continue to hold this truth: feedback—whether positive or negative—is essential. As the event coordinator, I don’t get the same insights I used to when I was a vendor, which is why vendor feedback is so important. It’s the foundation for evolving AfterHours and making it better.
Today, my purpose is clear: to build a community, support others in their journey, and be a mentor to those who are finding their way, just like I did.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder and event planner of AfterHours, a flea market dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive, and welcoming community. AfterHours is more than just a market—it’s an experience where vendors and attendees come together to celebrate creativity, individuality, and connection.
What makes AfterHours special is its vibe. We’re 420-friendly, we offer great food, drinks, and a 21+ bar, and we’ve created a lively, engaging atmosphere where people want to stay, shop, and hang out. Having spent countless weekends selling at flea markets myself, I’ve designed AfterHours with vendors in mind. I know firsthand what it takes to make an event successful for small businesses while also ensuring it’s fun enough to make a long day fly by. My goal has always been to create a space that feels just as enjoyable for vendors as it does for shoppers.
One of the things I’m most excited about is how AfterHours is constantly evolving. Each event brings new vendors, fresh ideas, and unique experiences that keep people coming back. Recently, I introduced drag shows to the market, and the response was incredible. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about how people would react, but seeing shoppers crowding around the stage and loving the performance was an amazing feeling. I’m always brainstorming new ideas to make AfterHours a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
At its core, AfterHours is about more than just shopping—it’s about building a community. Whether you’re a vendor, a shopper, or simply looking for a place to unwind and have a good time, AfterHours is a space where everyone can feel at home. I’m so proud of what I’ve built and can’t wait to see how it continues to grow.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been empathy, adaptability, and perseverance. These qualities have shaped how I approach challenges, build relationships, and grow AfterHours into the community-focused flea market it is today.
Empathy has been crucial in understanding the needs of both vendors and attendees. Having been a vendor myself, I know how much time, effort and passion goes into selling at markets. I’ve used that insight to create a space that feels supportive and enjoyable for vendors while making sure attendees feel welcomed and engaged. It’s about listening, observing, and responding to the experiences of others. My advice to those starting out would be to actively listen and put yourself in others’ shoes—it’s the foundation of building meaningful connections.
Adaptability has been another key skill. No event goes 100% as planned, and being able to adjust, troubleshoot, and pivot in the moment has been invaluable. I’ve learned to view challenges as opportunities to improve and grow, and trust that it will all work out. For anyone starting out, I’d say embrace flexibility and don’t be afraid to experiment. Things may not always work out perfectly, but every experience is a chance to learn and refine your process.
Finally, perseverance has been essential. The journey hasn’t always been easy, and there have been moments when I doubted myself or questioned whether I could make it all work. But pushing through those moments, staying committed, and believing in my ability to figure things out has made all the difference. For those just beginning, I’d say don’t let fear or setbacks stop you. Trust that with determination and effort, you can overcome anything.
Ultimately, it’s been these qualities—empathy, adaptability, and perseverance—that have helped me create AfterHours and build something I’m truly proud of. For anyone starting their own journey, focus on cultivating these skills, and remember that every step forward is progress.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Pandora Spirakis has been one of the most impactful people in helping me overcome challenges and grow into the person I am today. She’s not only an incredible tattoo artist and entrepreneur but also a mentor and a true friend. Pandora’s unwavering belief in me, even during times when I doubted myself, has been a source of strength and inspiration.
Her own journey as a business owner showed me what’s possible when you combine passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. She was the one who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue ideas I once thought were out of reach—like starting AfterHours. She’s always been there to provide honest advice, celebrate wins, and help me navigate setbacks.
Pandora’s support isn’t just about words; it’s in her actions and the way she consistently shows up for the people she believes in. Seeing how she approaches her own work with integrity and creativity has been a constant reminder for me to stay true to my vision and values.
I’m incredibly grateful for her role in my journey. Having someone like Pandora in my corner has not only helped me overcome challenges but has also made me a stronger, more confident person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afterhoursmarket.co/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/afterhoursmarket/?hl=en
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@afterhoursmarket
Image Credits
Steve Meier
Instagram: @stevemeierphotography
https://www.instagram.com/stevemeierphotography/?hl=en
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
