From Candles to Community: How Stacie Bowles is Changing the Craft Market Landscape in Texas
With a focus on supporting vendors and boosting local economies, discover Stacie's journey from candle maker to market producer while providing room for her to reflect on her vision and the impact of her work.
Community Spotlight: Stacie Bowles and the Vision Behind Home for the Holidays Gift Market
What started as a humble candle-making venture has blossomed into one of Texas' most beloved craft show productions, thanks to the hard work, vision, and faith of Stacie Bowles. Based in Katy, Texas, Stacie’s Home for the Holidays Gift Markets has become a powerhouse in the world of craft fairs and expos, helping hundreds of vendors and attracting thousands of attendees across the state. With 17 shows annually, including the popular Autumn Acres, Hollydays Gift Market, Katy Community Expo, and new kids ImagineNation Expo, Stacie has created a thriving business that not only provides a platform for small business owners but also strengthens local economies in towns such as Humble, Rosenberg, Waxahachie, Plano, Waco, and Midland.
A Visionary Entrepreneur
Stacie Bowles never set out to become a show producer. Her journey began with a simple desire: to make extra income while staying home to raise her two children. Like many creative souls, she started by making candles—a craft she loved and found solace in. As she attended local markets and fairs to sell her homemade candles, she quickly realized the potential for something much larger.
“The idea came to me when I saw the sheer talent and creativity of the vendors I was surrounded by,” Stacie shared. “There were so many of us—people with amazing products but limited ways to showcase them. I knew we needed something bigger, something that could bring us all together and help us thrive as a community.”
Stacie’s solution? A series of well-organized, thoughtfully curated gift markets and expos that provide local vendors with the opportunity to connect directly with customers. What started as a small venture has now grown into a production that hosts over 1,000 vendors each year, drawing in over 150,000 attendees. The impact on these communities, both economically and socially, has been tremendous.
Building a Business, Strengthening Economies
Stacie’s vision wasn’t just to create a space for vendors to sell their goods—it was to build an ecosystem where small businesses could thrive, local economies could grow, and attendees could find joy in discovering unique, handcrafted products. The Home for the Holidays Gift Market and its many sister events do just that. From Humble to Midland, Stacie’s shows bring a surge of economic activity, news, and history to every town they visit, attracting visitors from near and far.
“I’m proud to see how these shows have grown and the impact they’ve had on so many lives,” Stacie said. “When you’re able to help someone grow their business or introduce a new vendor to a whole community of customers, that’s where the real blessing happens.”
Each event is designed to reflect the community it serves. The markets are reminiscent of old-fashioned country shopping, with vendors offering everything from handmade soaps and jewelry to home décor and artisan foods. And while the environment is relaxed and charming, the business model behind it is anything but. Stacie runs a tight ship, ensuring that each show is a seamless experience for vendors and attendees alike. This attention to detail is one of the reasons her markets continue to thrive year after year.
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Creating Tradition, Fostering Connection
For many families, attending a Home for the Holidays Gift Market has become an annual tradition. Whether it’s the Autumn Acres event in Katy or the spring shows, Stacie’s markets draw in customers who appreciate the unique blend of craftsmanship, community, and holiday and seasonal spirit that each event offers. The family-friendly atmosphere is a hallmark of the shows, with something for every generation to enjoy.
“We have so many families that come back every year,” Stacie shared. “It’s amazing to see grandmothers bringing their grandchildren, just like they did when their kids were small. That’s the beauty of these shows—they’re not just about shopping; they’re about creating memories.”
A Family Affair
It’s no surprise that Stacie’s business has become a family affair. Her two children, who were the inspiration for her early candle-making days, are now an integral part of the Home for the Holidays team. Her husband, relatives, and close friends also play key roles in producing the shows. Together, they’ve turned this small business into a thriving operation that benefits not just their family but hundreds of others.
“This was always about more than just making a living,” Stacie said. “It was about building something that could serve others—our family, our vendors, and the community. I’m so blessed to have such an amazing team of family and friends supporting this vision.”
Faith, Hope, and Giving Back
Stacie’s journey has been one rooted in faith. Her belief in the power of small businesses and community has not only shaped her business philosophy but also guided her toward giving back. In addition to helping vendors grow their businesses, Stacie is deeply committed to supporting charitable causes. A portion of the proceeds from each show goes to local charities, and she frequently partners with organizations to raise awareness for causes close to her heart.
Her commitment to service doesn’t stop at the gift markets. Recently, Stacie completed her first novel, For a Second Chance, Turn the Page, which is already receiving national attention. The book, a heartfelt story of redemption and new beginnings, mirrors her own journey as an entrepreneur and mother and her interest in serving people.
(Source: Marketing Dynamics)“Writing the novel was a passion project for me,” Stacie said. “It’s about finding second chance that few are talking about in spiritual and prophetic terms — who knows how long these good times and memories last?”
What’s Next for Home for the Holidays?
As Stacie looks ahead, her plans are to continue growing her already impressive slate of shows, with aspirations to reach even more markets across Texas and beyond. With the support of her family and a loyal following of vendors and attendees, she’s ready to take her business to new heights and thrives on improvements and excellence.
“I’m so excited for what’s ahead,” she shared. “We’re expanding into new cities, introducing new vendors, and continuing to create spaces where people can come together to support small businesses and find unique, meaningful gifts. This journey has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”
Stacie’s story is one of determination, creativity, and a deep love for her community. Through her markets, she’s created not just a business, but a legacy—one that will continue to inspire and uplift for years to come. God willing.
Source: Marketing Dynamics
