Miami is a huge, busy city. Farmer’s markets serve as hidden gems that locals can visit often. You can get items such as flowers, clothes and food from all over the world. Not only do they offer fresh food, as well as creative wardrobes but they also exude a sense of community.
When driving up to the Pinecrest Farmers Market, there is always a line of cars waiting to park. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market is full of people walking up and down, enjoying food and being with family and friends. Many people have made meaningful connections with sellers, and they know the sellers by name. In return, the sellers know their names and orders.
The market also offers a place to learn. One can learn where their food comes from, as well as other products. The markets can also help the community, as every dollar that is spent goes straight to a local business. Working at a market can be a gratifying and unique experience. Sellers can connect with the community, share their stories and see how much people love their items. With the recent growth and relocation of the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market, new sellers and old come together to uplift Miami’s small business scene. For Natasha Roldan, a long time seller at the Pinecrest Farmer’s Market, having a stand at the market helped her create accessible candles for many people with allergies.
“I have always liked making stuff with my hands, I would always make jewelry or draw so I just thought I should start selling some of my stuff. But, I knew it had to be unique,” Roldan said.
She decided to make soy candles. After doing her research, she found out how good for homes, the environment and allergies soy candles were.
“I’m allergic to a lot of stuff, and so is my best friend. But, we were always giving each other candles and lotions for birthdays and holidays, and then we would end up with a stuffy nose,” Roldan said.
Another new business at the market is 4 My Temple owned by Juan Carlos Mojica. It is an all vegan food stand. In 2016, his house was burnt down, causing him to want to change his life. After working for hospitality for more than 20 years, he decided he wanted to leave his job, become healthier and start his own business.
“I was never a chef. I was always a manager, but I was always in the kitchen. So I started making my own food. And I said ‘Well, maybe people will enjoy the type of food that I do.’ And I started selling food at the market,” Mojica said.
Not only does a market give one the freedom to make whatever you want, but it is a lot more cost efficient for people just starting out.
“Because at the moment, at that point, I couldn’t open a restaurant, and I’ve been boxed a lot of cash and working on a farmer’s market, it gives you the opportunity to small business owners, to, pay small rent, which is usually one of the highest costs when you want to open a business. And so a farmers market gives the opportunity to the vendor, to be able to afford or start something that is kind of affordable,” Mojica said.
The farmer’s market has consistently been a place for small businesses to thrive and present their products. Not only is it a great way to spend a Sunday but every purchase is going toward a business that cares.
