Category: Vendor Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market 7 Kids Foods will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: 7 Kids, 7 Dollars – Get 7 Kids Foods signature Bisnonna’s pasta sauce for only $7

Q.  Welcome to the Poirier Street Farmers Market! How has your market experience been so far? 

When we started back in January at the Port Moody Winter Market, we were both blown away by the unique spirit that is fostered in our community through the markets.  Whether it’s been helping with a finicky tent or sharing information to help our small business grow, our fellow vendors have welcomed us from the start and that spirit had continued into the summer market at Poirier.  Catching up with returning families and meeting new people makes each week is such a pleasure for us.

Q. How did 7 Kids Foods begin? 

7 Kids Foods was really born out of necessity.  Both our families have several food allergies and we wanted to have quick and healthy meal options for them.  We couldn’t find anything that was easy, affordable, tasty and used high quality ingredients, and knew other families must share the same struggle.  That led us to making our own quick, freezer ready meal ideas, starting with our Bisnonna’s Marinara Sauce.

Q. If you could tell shoppers one thing about 7 Kids Foods, what would that be? 

We put a great deal of thought and care into every single ingredient we use and we weigh our choices carefully.  One thing we will absolutely never compromise is the quality of our ingredients- we need to feel good about what we feed our families and we want to share that.

Q. What do you think is next for 7 Kids Foods? 

Both  of us have a strong desire to help people, and we are most excited about exploring different ways we can use 7 Kids Foods to give back to our community!

Q. What do you think farmers markets are important in the community? 

Farmers Market’s bring people together.  There’s something to strolling through booths, listening to live music, meeting and talking to passionate artisans, farmers, fellow foodies.  It makes you slow down and think about the process of food or craft, and the creativity that went into preparing it.  Farmers markets provide opportunities for locals to showcase their talents and share them.

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Gabi & Jules Homemade Pies & Baked Goodness will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Buy any pie on Sunday and get 3 FREE Coconut Macaroons.

Q. Where does the name Gabi & Jules come from? 

Gabi & Jules is named after our two daughters Juliana and Gabriela.  Our eldest daughter Juliana is autistic so we felt strongly that this company should have a community giving component. To that end we have partnered with the Autism Support Network, a tri-cites based charity that helps supports parents of autistic children.

Q. What makes your baked goods stand out from other bakeries? 

All our pies are handmade in Port Moody and we’ve endeavoured to ensure that the whole Gabi and Jules pie experience is memorable and brings back those warm fuzzy memories of enjoying pie when you were a kid! From the pie box to the reusable pie tin to using only quality, real ingredients, our pies are for serious pie lovers.  We want the fruit in the pies to “shine” and not be masked by unnecessary sugary sweetness. Finding that perfect amount of “sweetness” is the goal with all of our products from our jams to our bake-at-home scones mixes and our (delicious!) granola.

Q. If you had to pick just one – which pie is your absolute favourite? 

Picking my favourite pie is like picking my favourite child! So let’s instead say that my current favourite is Strawberry Ginger Peach. This pie is so fresh and delicious with whole slices of peaches and fresh ginger root that beautifully compliment the sweet strawberries. It’s a unique flavour that keeps people coming back for more!

Q. What is your best selling item? 

Traditional Apple Pie! There is something sentimental it seems about Apple Pie and definitely our most popular.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community? 

Farmers markets are such a wonderful part of our community as they create the rare opportunity to meet and interact with the people who make, bake and grow the items you purchase. In our world of online shopping and big-box stores the chance to create personal connections are increasingly limited but farmers markets create a fantastic place to make those connections and appreciate where things come from. Knowing to the person and the story behind all of the unique items you can find at the market is an invaluable part of building a thriving local community and we’re so thrilled to be a part of the Coquitlam Market.

CONNECT WITH GABI & JULES

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Sola Skin Care! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: $2 off our best selling 70g size Coconut Deodorant (regular price is $13, spotlight deal $11)

Q. First – welcome to the Coquitlam Farmers Market! This Sunday will mark your first day – are you excited? 

Thank you! We are *so* excited to have a booth at the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market. We attend almost weekly with our girls to make sure we are stocking up on our favourites, and now that we’re a part of the market family? Totally fun 🙂

Q. Sola Skincare, where does the name root from? 

Our business is a family business. It’s a mix of my and my husband Eran’s strengths. He’s a Dr. of Chinese Medicine, and a big part of his practice is Chinese herbal medicine. My forte in this biz is the research and development of the products. Once I come up with a product idea, he decides what Chinese herbs would best compliment the product, and we go from there. Since we’re already involved, we wanted to incorporate our girls in the name of the company, so Sola is simply a combination of their names, Sophie and Lila. Once they’re older we hope to put them to work so they can pull their own weight 🙂

Q. What does into the process of making one item?

Making the products is broken down into many steps. Because we make everything in small batches and by hand, it can be quite labour intensive. I’ll give the example of our Coconut Deodorant. It involves melting and incorporating the ingredients, setting out the containers, carefully weighing and pouring them all by hand, letting them set, then putting the lids on them, recording the batch number on each label (by hand) and finally hand labeling them. It’s definitely a process of many small steps!

Q. What are your best selling products? 

Our best selling product by far is our Coconut Deodorant. People are always on the look-out for a natural deodorant that actually works and keeps the stink out. It’s been so wonderful to hear feedback from so many people who say they are thrilled to finally have found a natural deodorant that works, all day, in the heat, through exercise, for men and women, etc.  Our Balancing Face Oil is also a real favourite with many. It’s an oil based moisturizer that you can mix with a bit of water or hydrosol and use as your face ‘cream’. All of the oils in the blend are high quality, plant based, almost all organic, and non-comedogenic (which means they don’t clog your pores). The Balancing Face Oil absorbs really quickly, and does not leave you feeling greasy at all.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community? 

We think farmers markets are important because they bring people together. We spend the majority of our time at home, school or work. Going out to the farmers market allows you to really meet and connect with people in your community, whether it’s fellow vendors, meeting your neighbours, or bumping into other friends from your community. We always see people we know at the market, and have come to really know the vendors as well (since we’re always there!). We really love the community aspect of farmers market, and think it’s so important.

CONNECT WITH SOLA SKIN CARE

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Whipped Baked Goods and Confectionary will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Buy two bags of Marshmallows and get a Marshmallow Sampler FREE

Q. You are a new face at the Poirier Street Farmers Market – How did Whipped Baked Goods and Confectionary start?

I have had a dream of owning an Afternoon Tea Café/Pastry Shop ever since I was a little girl. I actually ended up in the Human Resources Profession, all the while having this dream in the back of my mind.  Just recently, my father passed away while I was on maternity leave. It was then and there I decided that life was too short not to follow your dream.  My dad used to say that “When you do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life!”. We don’t have a location as of yet, but we are working on it with all of our might so please stay tuned!

Q. What is your best selling product?

We have a few best sellers so it’s hard to name one. I would say that it is a tie between our S’MORES BAR, and TOASTED COCONUT, MINT CHOCOLATE and RASPBERRY LEMONADE marshmallows.

Q. What is your favourite item to make?

I love working on customized and specialty orders such as sweet tables for weddings and parties. I also enjoy coming up with off the wall and wacky flavours or fun spin offs of nostalgic favourites.

Q. What makes your marshmallows different than the ones we see in stores? 

The difference is that our marshmallows are made with honey and natural flavouring, such as real fruit, pure extracts, tea, coffee and beer/liqueur.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets are more than just places to buy food and artisan items.  What makes the farmers market such a special place is that you’re actually creating community around food. Guests of the market purchase their food directly from the producers, and they build relationships with the people who provide them with their food. That is my favourite part!

CONNECT WITH WHIPPED BAKED GOODS & CONFECTIONARY

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Gary’s Kettle Corn will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: Buy one Large Bag of Kettle Corn and get one Small Bag FREE!

Q. This is your second year taking over the Coquitlam Farmers Market for your father, how do you like it?

We love it!  We really enjoy the company of the vendors and customers at this market. It’s an amazing atmosphere!   We live just down the street so it’s great that we have this chance to meet the people and vendors in our community. We’re very proud to be a part of the Coquitlam market.

Q. How many years has your family been making kettle corn?

My Father started out 12 years ago and a few years after my brother joined in.  Since 2009, I would stop by once a week at the market to help out my father at the front. It wasn’t until late September 2013 when I was truly introduced to popping my first batch of kettle corn. I remember being a bit nervous and thinking I would burn it all. To my surprise it turned out perfect! Must have had a great teacher! When my father Gary decided to move to Vernon, B.C it gave my wife and I the chance to experience the markets first hand. I was truly surprised how much we loved the markets. Ever since then, we’ve never looked back.

Q. What is the secret behind getting that perfect pop?

Spot on timing, just the right amount of ingredients, perfect temperature and of course the rest is TOP SECRET!

Q. What’s next for Gary’s Kettle Corn?

We would like to spend more time getting involved in our community and help spread the word of our local farmer markets.  We’ve also talked about adding new flavors. We just recently added Caramel Corn. We’re working hard trying to bring the kettle corn taste you can’t resist to everyone throughout the lower mainland!

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmer markets are the perfect places to connect with others within their communities while supporting their local businesses. It’s also an experience that promotes a sense of place within the community and sets the perfect social atmosphere while families shop and meet their local business owners. We know many of our regular customers by their first names and it’s always a pleasure to see them drop by even if it’s just to say “Hello!”

CONNECT WITH GARYS KETTLE CORN

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Mediterra Soaps will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: 20 % off Organic Aloe Vera Gel and Body lotions. (This offer now expired)

Q. Why did you start making soap?

My Grandfather, Youlious Tallia, taught me the secrets of soap making when I was a young girl. The first soap I learned to make 15 years ago was my pure Olive oil soap, also known as the famous Mediterranean Castille soap. Once I mastered it I then started to experiment with clay colours, essential oils, fragrance oil, and different styles. I love making my soaps unique and almost eatable, partly because it satisfies my inability to bake.

Q. What is your most popular product?

My most popular product would have to be my Detox Clay soap bar. It is excellent for acne, eczema, and other skin problems. It has olive oil, Bentonite clay and activated charcoal. That combination makes it super effective on any troubled skin, yet keeps the bar mild enough that you can use it on your face along with the body.

Q. Do you have a personal favourite?

My personal favourite is my Cranberry crush soap made with red clay and cranberry fibers, followed by my Organic Aloe Vera gel. The Aloe gel is a miracle worker; it heals, repairs and soothes the skin; great for your face and body.

Q. What is next for Mediterra Soaps?

I would love to one day have my very own store front; the possibilities are endless. Being part of the farmers Market world is something I would not give up. I love the environment, positive energy, and the local support by all who play part in making it happen week after week, year after year.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets are so important for communities. They allow a chance for many to showcase and sell their goods. They bring communities together and make us aware of all the local goodness we have access to. The traditional way of shopping many years ago is brought back along with the culture and love.

CONNECT WITH MEDITERRA SOAPS

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Rockweld Farm will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL: 20% off boneless skinless breast strips. (This deal has now expired.)

Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because the rooster saw a hen on the other side…ha ha

Q. Why was receiving SPCA certification important to you?

We became BCSPCA Certified 13 years ago because the care of our chickens is very important to us and having a third party to audit our farm once a year insures that we are maintaining those standards (check the BCSPA website)

Q. What is your most popular product?

Our most popular product is our whole boneless skinless chicken breast.

Q. What is the most commonly asked question in your truck and what is the answer?

“Are you Certified Organic?”
Answer: “No we are not Certified Organic BUT our chickens are FED Certified Organic Feed, and we are BCSPCA Certified. They do not go outside but they have double the square footage, twice the feeders and waterers and 8 hours of complete darkness. (AND we play country music for them…:)

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

We think farmers markets are very important because it makes it possible for the community to buy local, healthy products. Also because they are FUN (going to the grocery store is not fun).
And it’s great for kids to see where their food is coming from. They make people in the community feel like they are a part of something – supporting the local farmers and growers. Local…Healthy…Ethical…is our motto!

CONNECT WITH ROCKWELD FARM
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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Delish Gluten Free will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL on muffins – 2 for $5.

Q. What was your inspiration behind starting Delish Gluten Free?

My grandma was diagnosed with celiac in 1962. Growing up, I’ve always been aware of celiac disease and how hard it was finding good tasting gluten free goodies. Before I opened my own business, I worked as a baker and saw a growing demand for gluten free celiac friendly products.

Q. What are your most popular items at market?

Our quinoa bread and quinoa flax are very popular as it is difficult to find a good tasting and texture gluten free bread. Our vegan oreo cookies are our most popular treat followed by vegan quinoa carrot cake muffin.

Q. What makes Delish Gluten Free treats so special?

Baked with love!! All of our bakers are super passionate about what they do. It’s very satisfying giving people with gluten allergies/celiac disease the pleasure of eating treats again and feeling normal.

Q. What is next for Jenna and Delish?

This year is our second anniversary of our retail store. We are starting to get into more savory items and celiac friendly catering. A second retail store is most definitely in our plans.

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets are very important because it encourages people to eat locally, meet the people who bake/grow their food. It’s also great for kids to pick their own food and learn the produce doesn’t always come from the grocery store. I like to incorporate local dairy, produce and anything local into our products. It’s a nice relationship to have between farmers and gives the market a sense of community.

CONNECT WITH DELISH GLUTEN FREE 

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SALE: This Sunday at the Poirier Street Farmers Market Ripple Creek Organic Farm will be offering a special deal! Stop by their tent on Sunday and ask for the SPOTLIGHT DEAL on plant starts: cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and peppers – a combination of any 3 for $10. (This deal has now expired.)

Q. How long have you been farming?

My wife and I met on an organic farm in Virginia nine years ago and have been involved in farming in some way since then. My wife also studied agriculture at university in Ecuador. She was exposed to farming by her grandmother, who had avocado and mandarin orchards, and grew many different types of fruits and vegetables.
2014 was the first year that we had our very own farm business.

Q. What is the Yarrow Eco-Village and why did you decide to farm on that land?

The Yarrow Eco-Village is a co-housing community in Chilliwack, that apart from 33 households, also has 15 acres of farmland, some of which is leased to different individuals or businesses. More information can be found at www.yarrowecovillage.ca. We chose to farm here because the land is beautiful and the community is very supportive. So much so that when Ana went into labour on a harvest day last summer and our second child was born, many neighbours came together to harvest and process our vegetables and even went to the Abbotsford farmers’ market the next day to sell them!

Q. What is your favourite vegetable to grow?

I get satisfaction from growing all types of things, there’s nothing like harvesting a perfectly ripe strawberry or salad mix in its most tender and delicious stage. But my favourite vegetable to grow is the cherry tomato!

Q. You received your full organic certification this year (congratulations!), why was that process important to you?

We have always been dedicated to farming organically, but chose to go through the certification process so that new customers can be confident that they are buying a product that is grown in an environmentally responsible way and consuming produce that is free from harmful chemicals (and hopefully tastes great!)

Q. Why do you think farmers markets are important in the community?

Farmers markets enable a connection between people and their local food source. Supermarket chains that provide imported produce throughout the year with little to no seasonality have a tendency to disconnect people from that source. Customers that shop at farmers markets are rewarded with a product that is generally fresher, tastier and more nutritious than what is offered at a supermarket.

They also provide an opportunity for farmers to meet the people who are eating the product of their many hours of labour. It is much more gratifying for a farmer to interact with a customer, and see their excitement about buying a head of butter lettuce, than sell that lettuce to a wholesaler and never know where it ends up.

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