Rising Stars: Meet Nikki Portman of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Portman.

Hi Nikki, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Columbus Flea started in August of 201o with, what was going to be, a one-off Summer Flea event. We were in an empty parking lot in the Short North area with roughly 40 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and records to original artwork (paintings, ceramics, etc) to odds and ends like bike parts, baked goods, coffee, etc. At the time, there weren’t many events like this in Columbus. There were some great craft markets but nothing outdoors with a neighborhood flea feel. We were going for a mix of “Brooklyn Flea energy” with a hint of dirt-mall nostalgia. And the response was incredible, so we came back the next year with fleas Spring, Summer & Fall, eventually adding a big indoor Winter event as well (which we may bring back soon).

In 2012, we moved over to Seventh Son Brewing in the neighboring Italian Village area. Our initial lot was being developed, and our friends were getting ready to open their brewery, which had a large parking lot to spare so it was perfect timing. We’ve been partnering with them ever since.

Over the years, things have evolved. Of course, Covid impacted our flow. In the height of the pandemic, we held a few virtual events and some safe-distance events until we were able to get back to business as usual. More markets have emerged over the years and it’s cool to see how many incredible makers and eagle-eyed vintage scavengers are so close by.

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?
Learning how to edit and say no to people has always been the hardest part. With such limited space, we can only accommodate so many people and there are way more quality vendors out there than we have room for in a one-day event. So, we work hard to strike a balance of fan-favorites and new faces in our rotation. Also, coming back from Covid and seeing the the rise in new markets across the city, we are constantly challenged to find ways to set our market apart.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a marketing creative in the corporate retail world by day, so I love tapping into the smaller, indy feel with the local/regional makers and dealers to balance that out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @columbus_flea