Lil' Local Smiles & Business Tales
- Felicita Hawes
- Oct 8, 2021
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 1, 2024
Sometimes just stopping by and talking to people is all it takes to make your day and someone else's. Colorado Springs Farmers Market just opened up! And there's some sweet treats and stories of the local entrepreneurs there which I'm here to share.
With their permission of course!
Date: 03Oct2021
Location: Colorado Springs Farmers Market off of Ridgeline Dr.
ADVENTURES ON A WHIM
It seems that my most memorable experiences aren't the ones that planned out. Yet instead the ones that happen spontaneously. Though for me random spontaneousness most of the time drives me nuts! I mean it, I try to think things through. Key word, try, this definitely doesn't always work out.
However, on this whim while I was headed back to the Academy I saw a mini farmers market off of Ridgeline Dr. Much smaller than others I had been too. Wimberley Market Place back in Texas made this one look like a tiny spec. But you know what they say, everything is bigger in Texas. Yet, the size was perfect, I just wanted to swing by and check it out since I had time.
So grabbing my trusty camera I went out on this little adventure with a goal in mind. I was going to learn a bit more about these small local businesses, their goals, what made them want to start it and see what they had to offer.
Back Yard Market
First up was Back Yard Market who's sombreros caught my eye. I wondered what the occasion was. Turns out it was crazy hat day. Where Theda Stone greeted me and explained to me a bit more about what she had to offer. From fresh baby tomatoes, to ripe apples that would keep the doctor away, her goal was to offer local produce to people so they knew where it was coming from. And $4.00 fo baby tomatoes is a steal compared to my Walmart or commissary choices! It was from her I learned that this Sunday
Farmers Market was new and the first time it had opened up for local businesses. This was a relief and explained why in all my four years of being here why I hadn't seen it at all! Though my first year doesn't count, I was locked up at USAFA restricted to base for most of the semester and had no car for the first two years to get anywhere.
Though now as a big-bad senior I can go explore and find local produce which is home grown, hand picked, cooked, or created!
Find them on facebook, or on their website where you can order produce online and pick it up at the market!
Contact them at: 719-306-3049
Email: backyardmarketinfo@gmail.com
The Urban Farm House Co.
Next came Prasilla's vendor, who had me sold the moment I saw her honey, because I had never seen honey with nuts in it! This got me curious and cute little story was that her mother started putting nuts in the raw honey such as almonds, cashews etc. simply to get her kids to eat more protein. Now look at her, she's made that a staple of her brand. So I had to get my hands on some of that honey to see what it was like.
The second item which racked her booth was something called Shrub. Made of solely organic ingredients and a plethora of flavors such as, Mango Lemonade, Raspberry Orange, Cucumber Dill and plenty more. Not to mention I really enjoyed the colors. Though I didn't get shrub this time, Prasilla can be found on Saturdays at Black Forest Farmers Market as well, and Sundays she'll be in the Colorado Springs Farmers Market.
Plus if I'm going to make my GAINS in the gym to pass my Officer Fitness Test next semester, I can always use a bit of extra protein...and its a win-win cause its sweet too!
If you're interested you can follow her on instagram at @anurbanfarmhouseco
She can also be found on Etsy and her website where other little nick-nacks and trinkets can be found.
Contact: 910-574-3803
Email: UrbanFarmhouse@yahoo.com
Twisted Copper Flowers
By the time I got to vendor three I think I had solidified that I'd stop by every vendor and I'm pretty sure none of them minded at all. Dave sat back because I was already making my way over traveling clockwise through the 10 + booths or so. His was the first artistic vendor that I'd come across there. And his copper flowers were unique, it's not everyday you see someone take something so simple and make it into something new.
Though this isn't his full time job he hopes that one day it can be. His craft of molding and bending the cooper wire into flowers actually started, because he'd make them for his significant other. Dave can make pretty much any flower, lilacs, tulips, and a lily. Those are my favorite. He also branches out into earrings and necklaces, and a few other trinkets. Though, I have to say my favorite was the lily that he let me look at it. (Dave if you are reading this and its not a lily please correct me because I don't know anything really about flowers).
I'm giving him a follow because I want to see where this endeavor takes him and can't wait to see what he comes up with on his journey forward. I asked him if he intends to try to expand and he says yes, to next year go up to the Canyon City Farmers Market since he does better at new locations or first time shows.
If you see him go check it out in Black Forest Farmers Market. Besides its a flower that is handmade with care, and will be able to withstand the test of time. Your significant other would appreciate it. I know I would!
TwistedCopperFlowers Contact: 970-218-4001
Email: DaveGreenGIS@gmail.com
PAWS & US
Afterwards came George Jordan's dog treats vendor which he hand bakes with no sugars or artificial ingredients. Though these were for me, the labrador puppy behind me was staring straight at his table which must've been heaven for that little guy, and it was just out of reach. George was kind enough to tell me why he branched out. For 18 years he had made treats and kibble for his best friend and beagle pit-bull mix. He made everything, twice he even purified his water. Now that's a man's best friend, and its food for your friend made from the heart.
Though I wasn't going to try it, my hope is that when I graduate one day I'll have a little furry four legged (or three-legged) one of my own and maybe be able to get him a special treat.
George does plan on adding his dog kibble to his vendor eventually but its a lot of work to make dog food for one dog, and if you add on those of his customers its going to be a challenge. But I'm sure he'll make it happen one day.
George's Paws & US can be found on facebook or @pawsandus2021. His treats will be sure to make your dog a happy camper!
Contact at: 719-374-7004
Email: endygenosartwerkz@gmail.com
Seven Blends
Seven Blends Tea was created by Maria who imports her teas from India. As a former nurse she wanted to do something on the side to have a bit more freedom. Originally she started with soaps and sharing them with her friends and family. I naively immediately thought this was a coffee, but it was tea. Now I'm usually a tea person but these blends made it something I'll have to add to my arsenal of wants and needs.
She really enjoys her craft and I couldn't really decide which one was the best, I think it was the Carmilla tea (but I'm no tea expert so I'm going to have to experiment and try different things).
If you'd like she at the Black Forest Market on Saturdays from 9-2pm. I sadly cannot find her website but I will update this as soon as I do.
On the bright side she has free samples!
The Colorado Jewelry Co.
This next one was a pretty eye catching venture. Isaiah Korpita is a high school student in the local area who started his own business making jewelry by hand out of authentic materials to include, minerals and gems. He polishes, shapes and beads them all personally.
I asked him what inspired him to do this venture of entrepreneurship at such a young age. The only thing he said was "because he wanted to" and that is a very simple and clear reason! Who is to tell you otherwise! Good on you sir! I know I personally would like to start my own business one day on the side. Just something small and would let me be creative, to learn and have fun. But Daniel here was years ahead of me in experience and courage.
Though he did admit he's excited to get his permit to be able to drive himself one day, his grandfather helps him out and teaches him the skills he needs, but he's very hands off on the business. Colorado Jewelry Co. is Daniel's own creation. So best of luck Daniel!
I can't wait to see where he'll be in a few years as his creativity grows and skill and experience he builds on. Definitely was able to learn a thing or two from his story.
You can contact him at: Korpita_3@hotmail.com for inquiries and items that he has available. He's constantly at Farmer's Markets and ranches around the Springs, if you see his booth go check it out.
Cotton Blossom Caramel
Liz Deen's booth was aesthetic and reminded me of a country picnic with the plaid table cloth and small glass jars. Her specialty is caramel. A recipe which comes from her grandmother and she wanted to share it with other people.
Being here at altitude she said that she does have to deviate from the original recipe. Different temperatures and ratio of ingredients. As well as access to other items here in Colorado. Liz hopes to create a more community and homey feel throughout Colorado Springs by giving a small sweet treat which is hand made. She also has other little nick nacks and cards which allow her to have creative freedom.
You can find her items on her website and facebook @cottonblossomcaramel. If you want updates on where she'll be and what she's up to follow her on instagram.
Contact Liz at: 719-896-0610
Forget Me Not Farms
The final table which finished my loop-di-loop was Forget Me Not Farms founded by Scott Taylor and Lori Ganni. They had colorful bouquets and freshly cut flowers. Scott and Lori told me that they started their business very recently back in May of 2020 and they wanted something different than the IT office life.
I don't blame them, I sit in front of computer just to write my homework essays and I go a little nuts after a while (or its simply I don't want to do the homework). Mentioned that instagram is not really their thing but I'm here to help them out, because it has been a very long time since I've been to a flower shop. Walmart and Lowes don't count! Especially when it comes to something that it hand grown and hand picked with care.
I really enjoyed the painted jars and the vibrance of color. Made me think of a little project to do, perhaps putting patterns on the jars or even try to make a clay vase. Just my random musings. Though I'm really not too sure how I'll be able to do that in a small dorm. Might have to wait. However, if you want a few flowers for your dinning room table, or in my case my coffee table then check them out on instagram at @forgetmenotfrm or checkout their website linked here: https://www.forgetmenotfrm.com/
Also its a very well put tother site that inspires me to work on my own. I know mine needs some work. But if you are looking for locally grown and freshly cut flowers Forget Me Not Farms is the place to go!
Canon City, CO 81212
Contact them at: 720-364-3989
In Conclusion...
I will go again! And to Black Forest Farmers Market!
All in all that small spontaneous stop was worth it. And those local community home-grown or crafted creators are absolutely onto something. They taught me an important three lessons to take away.
First, a little bit of courage goes a long way, their small town stories are an inspiration and you don't need some big shot idea that ends up making hundreds. Its coming from the heart that counts. Making as many little smiles as possible with the work they do. They definitely go several out of me that day!
Second, to follow your passion no matter how young or old you are. Take Isaiah for instance, he's out making hand made jewelry and learning an incredible amount of skills. Or Maria who is a nurse but decided to take her creative passions and try something new.
Third, not everything has to go as planned. Sometimes a little spunk in your day can make some memories, and also hopefully make peoples day. Hopefully since these community members let me share their stories that this pays it back just a little bit.
STAY WILD MY FRIENDS!
If you have any suggestions let me know! And if you want to support my blog or want to check out my other projects follow me on instagram or facebook at @Wildblondey to never miss a beat!
Stay tuned for upcoming miss-adventures!
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