Our Mini Winter Market

During October of the 2020 farmer market season, some of our customers began asking if they could access our products once the market ended in November. At first, we didn’t take the issue very seriously, primarily because only a few customers were asking, and secondly, we weren’t confident that we had much to offer. However, as the weeks went on and we received additional inquiries, Tyler and I felt there was a precious opportunity to offer an innovative solution that would be mutually beneficial to both our customers and the farm.

After much discussion, we decided we would hold a mini winter market on the farm on select Saturdays of the month. Given the last minute nature of the decision, we could only offer eggs, microgreens, and our handmade soap. Still, we moved forward with our decision and pitched it to our customers at the next farmers market. The idea of the winter market was well received by our customers, and a handful of customers happily said they would come out and support us (and we knew they meant it!). Still, we had no idea what kind of turnout we would have, and in the days leading up to the first market day in December, wondered if we had in fact made the right decision. What if people got tired of the few products we were offering? What if no one came out? What if we regretted not using Saturday mornings to tackle our long list of winter projects? What if the whole thing was a failure?

Sure enough, the day of our first mini winter market arrived, and an exceptionally rainy, cold and windy day it was. We were ecstatic when one customer arrived early in the morning - a good start to the day, we thought! While we waited for more customers, Tyler and I kept ourselves busy by cleaning out one of the barns. One hour passed, and then another, without any customers. Disappointed and discouraged, we consoled ourselves by pointing out at least we were able to get some cleaning and organizing done, and that the morning was not a complete waste of time. Just as we were about to call it quits and close up shop, a car came down the driveway. We were delighted to see familiar faces as the car neared, and especially delighted to have the possibility of a second sale for the morning. As I lamented to the woman about the weather being so unpleasant and commented on the lack of customers, the she responded directly, “We felt it was important to show up.”

Those words carried a significance for us that the woman will never realize, a significance that reminded us that one crappy weathered-day is not an indication of the support system we know we have and cherish. Indeed, there are people who are rooting for us, who want to support us, and are intentional with their actions in efforts to demonstrate that. And so, we will continue to put our best foot forward, strive for quality products, and continue to work hard to grow our farm, knowing that it is a totally worthy endeavor.

**January Edit** Since this post was written we have had 3 subsequent mini winter markets. We are so appreciative for the consistent support from our customers, neighbors, friends, and family. We are honored that they have chosen to be a part of this crazy farm journey, and to stay alongside us through our successes and our failures.