Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzi Fichman.
Hi Suzi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a former Montessori teacher, I saw a change in the children throughout time and came to realize a large part was due to their diet. I had been very interested in nutrition since early teen hood and decided to go back to school myself at the age of 52 and pursue education in integrative nutrition and wellness coaching. From there I developed nutrient dense grab and go types of things for the endurance athletes in my family. By the way, we were/are vegan. Fast forward 13 years, I now find myself the director of a tiny farmers market in South KC which was established in 2009 and still thriving today! A unique year round natural foods market that offers an incredible variety of things, including my vegan sweet and savory creations. I also teach small hands on classes in my Montessori classroom that was renovated to be a teaching kitchen.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As many would probably site, 2020 was a time to navigate, be flexible and forthright and find our tribe. We had a strong following, but we lost our host provider when we were literally left out in the cold with nowhere to set up and welcome our people every Saturday morning. We had been hosted by a senior living facility since 2009 and were strictly reliant on word of mouth with only 2 vendors and an occasional pop up or two. We were blessed to find Red Bridge United Methodist Church who offered us their parking lot in Spring of 2020 and then ultimately their fellowship room for our Winter Market. We have been family ever since, serving our community together in the most kind and healthy way we know how. Locally grown and produced healthy foods and lifestyle goods, with the 100 mile diet in mind.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As most business owners, we have more than one hat. The one that I think is my strength is related to the creative aspects of business and that serves myself and my customers well. You have to know how to flex when called to do so. To bend and grow, while holding on to your main objectives, skills and gifts. Refining them as you go, keeps you challenged and relevant. I create whole food vegan/plants only nutrient dense sweet and savory things for people using local when available and most always organic ingredients, that are primarily gluten free.
Proud of? Im most proud of the fact that we continue (as a market and as my little business as well), to see customers who are now longtime friends, returning every week. Some for over ten years!! And to see so many new enthusiastic ones show up weekly, who are more than likely to join them. It’s quite satisfying and provides incredible reward.
Sets me apart from others? I don’t know another farmers market that is managed/directed by a nutritional wellness professional who has vast knowledge compared to most, where food and health is concerned. I have designed our market to be very particular in what we carry and promote and the ingredients tell all. Well, most all. NO GLYPHOSATE ALLOWED!! For example, Spring of 2024, we welcomed a terrific sourdough baker, but the conditions were set and she met them. Organic flour only. She has found her tribe in no time, as her product is top quality and her ingredients are trustworthy. A perfect fit for us!! At our market, we all come to the table with pure hearts and integrity in our products.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I have helped launch a few start up home based business people in the community with our market. I love the opportunity to be a safe place for them to start. A stepping stone for those destined for bigger things.
We had a lovely family who were customers and the mama was going back to school to study botany and learn how to grow and propagate flowers, locally. She was quite timid and came to ask if she were able to grow, could she sell with us. All of her practices were in line with ours and so of course, in late Spring, we brought Noella in.
She had time to Test, Taste and Tell as I like to say and get confident in her farmers market shoes.
She now is at two of the biggest farmers markets in the city and doing amazing work/business, as well as bringing in her two high school aged children to learn the aspects of business and all the various skills associated with being the face of a small business.
Mentors matter.
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