This Sunday I had the pleasure to sell my jewelry at Hope Farmers Market in Austin, Texas. I was a bit nervous at first since I haven't ever participated in an actual Farmers Market. Luckily, the vendors and employees of Hope Farmers Market were so friendly I was put at ease in a instant.
The morning started off with a Kids Shakespeare play, Hamlet, put on by The ImprovEd Shakespeare Company. The day then followed with friends and family. I couldn't believe how many of my loved ones stopped by to hang out with me for the day. I couldn't have done ANY of the setting up or taking down without them. Not to mention, they all continued to stay and help even though it was 91 degrees outside! Yes, 91 degrees in NOVEMBER. I couldn't believe it.
I was able to meet so many new people, and get a glimpse of how tight-knit this community really is. In this industry I have definitely experienced competition among other small business vendors, but at HOPE it is a completely different story. Each of the vendors made sure to do a loop of the market to see and introduce themselves to all the new booths. At the end of the day during the meeting, it was so clear that all of the vendors were rooting each other on. They genuinely want to see everyone succeed within the farmers market, in order to continue to do what we each love so much. To see how close they really were was absolutely heart warming.
Some of my favorite vendors included...
Austin Honey Co - When we first began to set up my family was having a bit trouble with the tent. Without even hesitating Raul, the owner of Austin Honey Co, quickly came over to assist us and teach us the tricks of the trade. We definitely made sure to stop over to his booth once the market began to pick up some of his local pure honey. Austin Honey Company takes a nourishing blend of local pollens and nectars to create their delicious honey. Austin is known to have terrible allergy seasons, so I am very thankful to have some local honey to help put my allergies at ease. Take a peek at their Facebook here.
Healthy Hound - This booth definitely seemed like a customer favorite. So many of the Sunday shoppers brought along their furry friends. Healthy Hound made sure to provide tasty treats to these cute pups. My sister even bought her 2 little dogs some of the Healthy Hound Chicken Breast Treats. They use 100% natural ingredients, no preservatives and no corn.
Curious Confections - If you have a sweet tooth Curious Confections is the place for you. This booth had some of the best marshmallows I have ever eaten. They were so good we even left the market with a few packages of them. We brought home the Honey Marshmallows, and the Maple Melts, aka the "Marshmallow's Canadian Cousin". And let me tell you, these are absolutely divine. Just as the name says, they literally will melt right on your tongue.
Find more of the Hope Farmers Market vendors here.
If you missed this Sunday's farmers market you are not to worry, I will be there again this Sunday, November 24th, from 11am-3pm. So all you Austinites should definitely swing by. There are so many lovely people to meet and not to mention fresh produce. Supporting local businesses is so very important. You keep the money you spend in your community. Helping farmers and artists continue to live their dream and provide the best quality food and crafts to you.
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