This holiday season, Proof. transformed into something truly special.
Throughout December, our Holiday Pop-Up brought together a diverse group of small businesses, makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs – all under one roof – creating a space filled with energy, connection, and local pride. What started as a seasonal retail opportunity quickly became a reminder of how powerful pop-up spaces can be when community, creativity, and collaboration come together.
Where Proof Fits into the Holiday Magic
Located in the heart of Downtown Bellefontaine on Rainbow Row, Proof. sits within one of the most vibrant and recognizable blocks in the city. Rainbow Row is known for its colorful storefronts, walkability, and constant flow of visitors – making it a natural stop for shoppers exploring downtown.
During the holiday season, that visibility becomes even more impactful. As Ohio’s Christmas Capital, Downtown Bellefontaine welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come specifically to experience the festive atmosphere, shop small, and make holiday memories. From carriage rides and parades to decorated storefronts and special events, December brings consistent foot traffic and energy to the downtown streets.
By positioning Proof. right along Rainbow Row, the Holiday Pop-Up allowed vendors to tap directly into that momentum – placing their products in front of holiday shoppers who were already primed to explore, discover, and support local businesses.
A Win for the Community
As Downtown Bellefontaine buzzed with holiday visitors and shoppers, Proof. served as an accessible, welcoming stop for those looking to shop small and discover something new. The pop-up added variety to the downtown retail experience, encouraged foot traffic along Chillicothe Street, and gave visitors the chance to engage directly with the people behind the products.
For shoppers, it meant:
- Discovering unique, locally owned brands
- Supporting entrepreneurs firsthand
- Enjoying a fresh, ever-changing retail experience
The Holiday Pop-Up helped reinforce what makes downtown special – a sense of place, creativity, and connection.
An Opportunity for Vendors to Grow
For participating vendors, Proof. offered more than just a storefront. It provided a low-barrier opportunity to test products, explore the Bellefontaine market, build brand awareness, and gain valuable face-to-face customer feedback during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.
Pop-ups allow vendors to:
- Experiment without long-term commitment
- Learn what resonates with customers
- Increase exposure through shared marketing
- Build confidence in new or expanding markets
Many vendors joined for a single day, while others stayed for full weekends – creating a dynamic, rotating lineup that kept the space exciting for repeat visitors.
Meet the Holiday Pop-Up Vendors
Our Holiday Pop-Up featured an incredible mix of businesses, each bringing something unique to the space:
Freed by Design – Showcasing creative apparel and custom pieces with bold personality and thoughtful design.
Renewal by Andersen – Connecting with the community through home improvement solutions and expert consultation.
Forever Bonds Permanent Jewelry – Creating meaningful, lasting jewelry experiences right in the space.
Eva’s Joy & Kim’s Wig Fashions – Providing beauty, confidence, and personalized care through wigs and hair solutions.
The Vintage Clutch – Bringing curated vintage accessories and timeless style to downtown shoppers.
Each vendor helped shape the experience and brought their own energy to the space – making Proof. feel vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibility.
Forever Bonds Permanent Jewelry
Eva’s Joy
The Vintage Clutch
Kim’s Wig Fashions
Renewal by Andersen
Freed by Design
Vendor Spotlight: Freed by Design (Owner: Bridgette Garrison)
Freed By Design began as an online boutique rooted in a mission to create thoughtfully designed adaptive wear and women’s clothing that blends style, comfort, and purpose. The brand focuses on supporting real lives, real bodies, and real movement – empowering women to feel confident and comfortable without sacrificing self-expression.
Through the Holiday Pop-Up at Proof., Freed by Design had the opportunity to step into a physical retail space for the first time, connecting directly with the downtown community it designs for. The accessible layout, fitting rooms, and welcoming atmosphere allowed customers to experience the quality of the garments firsthand, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to intentional design and inclusivity.
“Freed By Design has always been an online boutique, but I’ve long dreamed of having a brick-and-mortar space where I could connect more deeply with our community. When proof. came onto my radar, it immediately intrigued me.” – Bridgette Garrison, Freed by Design
Vendor Spotlight: The Vintage Clutch (Owner: Brandy Bowers)
The Vintage Clutch invites shoppers to step into a world where every handbag carries a story. Each piece in the collection is a hand-picked, authentic vintage bag – carefully sourced, preserved, and cherished – representing moments, memories, and decades gone by. From structured mid-century handbags to beaded evening clutches and well-traveled leather satchels, every bag is more than an accessory; it’s living history ready for its next chapter.
Rooted in timeless style and sustainability, The Vintage Clutch celebrates fashion that never expires – offering pieces that have journeyed through life and are now ready to continue their story with someone new.
“We truly enjoyed the Pop-Up and it brought good exposure. We have had several sales because of the pop-up after the event. The feedback was very positive from the people that came in. I personally would love to do another pop-up!” – Brandy Bowers, The Vintage Clutch
Vendor Spotlight: Eva’s Joy & Kim’s Wig Fashions (Owner: Samia Azzam)
Eva’s Joy and Kim’s Wig Fashions brought both self-care and confidence to the Proof Holiday Pop-Up, offering products and services rooted in empowerment, education, and personal care.
Eva’s Joy is a self-care and body-care brand designed to bring a spa-like experience into everyday routines. Focused on quality, simplicity, and sensory experience, the brand helps customers create moments of relaxation, confidence, and care at home.
Kim’s Wig Fashions, established in 1970, is a trusted wig and hair shop specializing in high-quality wigs and hair solutions for women experiencing hair loss or looking to enhance their style. Through personalized consultations and education, the brand is dedicated to helping clients feel confident, supported, and empowered.
“The Holiday Pop-Up at Proof was a very positive experience that helped us gain local exposure, connect with new customers, and test the market. We loved the thoughtful mix of vendors, which created a balanced environment where each brand could shine, and we would be happy to participate in future pop-ups and collaborations.” – Samia Azzam, Eva’s Joy & Kim’s Wig Fashions
Why Proof Exists
The success of the Holiday Pop-Up reinforces why Proof. exists in the first place – to give entrepreneurs a place to show up, stand out, and test what’s possible. Proof. is designed to be flexible, approachable, and supportive, whether someone is launching a brand, expanding into retail, or exploring a new market.
While pop-ups can’t guarantee sales or traffic, Proof. is committed to:
- Providing consistent marketing and exposure
- Creating a professional, ready-to-use retail space
- Supporting vendors through communication and collaboration
- Building momentum for long-term downtown growth
Looking Ahead
The Holiday Pop-Up was just the beginning. The relationships built, lessons learned, and feedback shared will help shape future activations at Proof. – from vendor weekends to longer-term pop-ups and potential permanent placements.
We’re incredibly grateful to every vendor who participated, every shopper who stopped in, and everyone who helped spread the word. Together, we created something meaningful – and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
If you’re interested in popping up at Proof. or learning more about future opportunities, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Brianna Lewis (937) 565-1993 or Brianna@Buildcowork.com for more details!