Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fiona Laclair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fiona, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Freak Out Parties & Events was created with one goal in mind: to provide accessible, affordable, and vendor-friendly opportunities through one-of-a-kind markets, parties, and events. I’ve always loved planning parties, but I didn’t start on this side of event planning. For the past couple of summers, I’ve spent my weekends reselling vintage goods at flea markets. And honestly? It sucked. I was paying outrageous vendor fees, barely turning a profit, and worst of all – I wasn’t even having fun. Market after market, I dealt with unorganized events, lack of planning, poor communication, rude vending neighbors, and organizers who were disrespectful, unkind, or absent entirely.
One of the biggest reasons I got into reselling was for the sense of community, but I found the opposite. So many markets claim to be “building community,” yet behind the scenes, it was cutthroat, exclusive and often hostile. And it wasn’t just me feeling the bad vibes. I watched amazing and talented vendors – friends, artists, and struggling small business owners – treated as nothing more than walking dollar signs, if even that. I’ve seen vendors in tears while organizers just shrugged. I’ve watched prices climb higher and higher, while the “cool kids club” gets more and more exclusive. I’ve seen people’s livelihoods disregarded because they weren’t one of the “favorites.” I’ve witnessed vendors pay over $100 to be placed next to a bathroom and ignored the entire event, by organizers, other vendors, and shoppers alike. I’ve seen bullying and harassment go unchecked while organizers stood by and did nothing. I have felt and seen the disconnect, and it’s forcing good people to choose between their passion and paying their bills. Time and time again, I saw market planners put profit before people, offering no real support or truly fair opportunities for vendors. After a particularly bad market, I thought to myself, “Man, if I were in charge, I could do this soo much better.” Then I realized – I COULD be in charge.
And so, Freak Out Parties & Events was born. A space that is affordable, accessible, and – above all – FUN. A space where people are treated like people, not just as the money they have to give. A space dedicated to uplifting and growing the incredible community of creators and small businesses in Rochester. A space where all are welcome, and all have a friend. I won’t pretend I’m perfect, and I know I still have a lot to learn. But if I can bring a little more light to a world that’s become far too dark, I’m going to do it. And I hope you’ll join me, ’cause we’ve got some big things planned.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Freak Out Parties & Events is a community-driven, fun-focused event planning company that specializes in themed markets with a nostalgic twist. Every event is designed to bring out the kid in all of us while building meaningful connections between vendors and shoppers in a truly one-of-a-kind way. But Freak Out is so much more than just a market: snap a pic in a themed photo booth, enter raffles for sweet prizes, play throwback games from your childhood, discover your new favorite local musician, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and more. Plus obviously, shop from amazing artists and small businesses. Because life is hard, and community is more important now more than ever.
We’ve already thrown some unforgettable parties, from Slumber Party to Nostalgic Book Fair to Pride Summer Camp, and we’re just getting started. Upcoming themes include Throwback to the 90s and Outer Space, plus we’ll be celebrating a whole year of Freak Out in May with a Birthday Party theme! Because let’s be real, nostalgia is better than real life.
Freak Out is about more than just popping up once a month – it’s about building a family. Beyond creating affordable and welcoming opportunities for vendors, we foster a space and relationship where small businesses are treated like the absolute gems they are. I strive to be an ally and advocate for everyone I work with, and for all vendors in this community. The friendship and support that I watch blossom and grow at Freak Out events is truly special, as I know how rare genuine support is in this industry. Some of my best friends are people I’ve met on this adventure, and I feel incredibly lucky to help cultivate the camaraderie that I so desperately missed at events. Behind the party themes and streamers, I’m working hard to set a new standard for local markets – one where vendors and artists aren’t just a transaction, but valued members of a beautiful community.
Show your community some love, and come party with Freak Out. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, I promise.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My first thought was “being kind”. Then I hesitated, because kindness should be the bare minimum, right? Everyone should be kind. But then I got a little sad, because basic kindness IS what sets me apart from other event organizers. Not just kindness, but treating people the way I would want to be treated.
I’ve felt unwelcome and unwanted, so I make sure everyone feels at home. I’ve been ignored and disregarded, so I check in throughout every event. I’ve been denied opportunities simply for not being a favorite, so I strive to be as transparent and fair as possible. I’ve felt the strain of high vending fees, so I keep mine as affordable as I can. I’ve packed up in tears without anyone noticing, so I am (sometimes annoyingly) hands-on for the entire event. I didn’t have a friend when I needed one, so I aim to be one.
I do my best to be accommodating and honest, to create an environment where honest communication is welcome in return. I don’t make very much money on these events. Sure, I’d love to support myself doing this full-time someday, but keeping it affordable is more important to me. And yeah yeah, I know, that’s a terrible way to run a business. But the thought of making a couple extra hundred bucks off of amazing, talented, hardworking, kindhearted people? That’s icky. My big heart has burned me more times than I can count. But after seeing the heartless way some organizers operate, I truly believe that my big heart is exactly what this community needs.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
It kind of feels like my life is one constant pivot. A pirouette then, I guess? But also on a roller coaster track. That isn’t finished being built yet. BUT. For maybe the first time in my life, I feel like I’m right where I need to be.
When I started writing music in 8th grade, I was going to be a rockstar. I wanted people to hear my songs and know that they weren’t alone, that someone else felt those things. I wanted to bring people together with song. And I stuck with it. I played shows, busked on street corners, recorded as much music as I could afford, took myself on tour. But after 15 years of chasing that dream, I still wasn’t making ends meet. Then the pandemic hit. Can’t really play shows when nowhere is open. I started to explore other passions, consider opportunities I hadn’t before. I dipped my toe in other career paths; I worked with animals, I worked retail, I had a job at a marijuana dispensary, I even ran an Etsy store where I custom-glittered things. When I realized I could pretty much thrift for a job, I don’t know how I didn’t discover reselling sooner. I wouldn’t have to squeeze all of those cool treasures into my studio apartment, I could spread the joy by sharing them with others! But even that wasn’t the final stop on this pirouette roller coaster. The volatile market scene made me second guess, and that doubt led to something even greater. It wasn’t until the day of the first market I organized that I felt like my other foot finally landed on something solid. And there’s no going back now.
13 year old Fiona was totally picturing Avril Lavigne – touring the world, playing sold out arenas. But I think she’d be cool with what we’re doing instead. I’m still bringing people together, letting them know that they aren’t alone. I’m bringing positivity to a community that needs it. It’s not an arena, but a market or party where everyone is genuinely having a good time? That’s pretty damn close.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/freakoutparties
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/freakoutparties
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/freakoutparties585
Image Credits
Shannon Gage Photography & Freak Out Parties