The Female Entrepreneurs of Midland (FEM) and the Modern Pop-Up Market are joining forces to host the Dive into Summer Pop-Up Market & VIP Style Show at the Bush Convention Center in Midland on May 17 and 18. This event promises a blend of fashion, shopping, and philanthropy, all in support of the Midland Rape Crisis Center (MRCCAC).
Lauren Howard, board president of FEM, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We wanted to join together to put on an event that would be fun for everyone! We haven't seen many Summer Markets with a fashion show so we decided to create one. Our goal in FEM is to have two large-scale events a year that are open to the public and this was the perfect opportunity to work with a female-owned business and one of our board members.”
The festivities kick off on May 17 with the VIP Style Show and early access shopping. VIP guests will be treated to a champagne greeting, local fashion displays, a catered meal, an open bar, auctions, and raffle opportunities, all while learning more about FEM and MRCCAC. The style show will feature three scenes showcasing men’s and women’s apparel, including summer casual, workwear, and cocktail and formal attire. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the style show commencing at 6:30 p.m.
On May 18, the pop-up market will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring over 80 small business vendors, food trucks, beverages from Hops & Bubbles, and more. Howard anticipates a turnout of approximately 3,000 people and aims to foster connections between small businesses while supporting a local nonprofit.
“We hope this event shows the community how important it is to support local businesses and nonprofits,” Howard said. “We chose this event because it has something for everyone and supports a great cause.”
FEM, established in February 2023, serves as a platform for female entrepreneurs in the Permian Basin, fostering networking and providing resources for business growth.
“Our group helps promote economic growth by providing connections for business owners and a support group who understand how hard it is to run a small business,” Howard said. “We also help provide opportunities to female business owners to support nonprofits through our events.”
Tickets for Friday night's fashion show are available on the FEM website, with a special discount code, DIVE25, offering $25 off the ticket price. General admission shopping on Saturday is $5 at the door.
Reflecting on the community's support, Howards said, “It has been truly amazing to see the support from Midland and Odessa for this event. So many amazing people have come together to make this event possible.”
For tickets and more information, visit the FEM website at https://www.supportfem.com/dive-into-summer.