I was a vendor at the Olathe Farmer’s Market from 2004 – 2012. We had one location in downtown Olathe in a city parking lot. We tried moving to the Mahaffie Farmstead one year, but quickly decided it was better to go back to the downtown location. The market was the best it ever was in 2007. The economy was great then, and we had plenty of customers! These numbers slowly declined over the following years and several of my friends who had been vendors with me – even longer than I had been – decided they were done in 2013, so I threw in the towel with them. It was about that time that I was able to start the Soap Challenge Club.

Last year, the City of Olathe opened a second location for the farmer’s market in Blackbob Park – really close to my house! It was a smaller site, but definitely convenient to visit for our family. They also moved the downtown market to the new Community Center parking lot soon after it opened. I heard reports from the market manager that both of these locations were excellent and had great traffic. I still wasn’t sure I wanted to go back though. I had gotten used to having my Saturday mornings freed up! By the time I made my decision, another soapmaker had already joined the Blackbob venue close to my house, so I went with the Community Center location. The Community Center is fairly close to downtown where I had met most of my original customers, and many of them had kept in touch.

It’s been four weeks now, and I think this is going to be a good thing for me. Traffic isn’t extremely busy yet since most people are waiting until the tomatoes and corn are ready, and still I’ve been happy with my sales! We’ve also had some issues with the weather. I didn’t show up for the opening weekend since it was raining all morning, and almost missed out yesterday because the forecast said rain when I went to bed Friday night. Yet, somehow things cleared up and I was able to go! Last weekend a really nice photographer came through and took some photos of me and my booth and sent them to me:

I’ve realized over the past several weeks that I really enjoy the interaction with my customers, and those who may be customers eventually, but aren’t quite ready yet. I love how the college students will ooooo and ahhhh over all the different scents, and the older generation likes to take their time and tell their stories. I get to hear about people’s various skin ailments and what they are looking for to find some relief. It’s so rewarding when the people who tried a product from me the week before come back for more the following week! I enjoy giving away little surprises to my customers when they least expect it and seeing the joy that it brings. And of course, the best part is spending some quality time with my girls – when I can get them up early on a Saturday morning to come with me!

I’m looking forward to a great season! Want to come find me? Here’s a map! The market is open from 7:30am to around noon every Saturday morning. Hope to see you there!