Hi, all!
Here in the Bay Area we have a lot more local market options available to us than we ever did back in Gold Beach - when we were more of just hobbyists than a business. Now, things feel real!
Black Market Gourmet in Coos Bay, Oregon started the local Winter Farmer's and Artisan Market, simply called the Winter Market for short. This market runs from the start of November through the end of April and is open every Wednesday from 10-2.
We joined the first week, 11/5/25, and got a lot of customer interaction and engagement, which was great! We met a lot of new faces, made some connections, and gained a lot of ideas for products this holiday season. We also sold a couple of small pieces, which was honestly hoped for but unexpected as it was the first market of the season and our first market in this community.
Today, 11/12/25, was amazing! It was a slower day but that seemed to encourage those who came in to take their time and have fuller conversations. It's great to get to know our community! One adorable person had an entire conversation with me about our shared love of bats and some local places where honeybees have made their homes in unusual locations. I have a few honeybee crochet patterns I'm feeling especially motivated to make now.
Not only did we have some lovely conversations with locals, we sold enough to cover our booth fee and make a small profit! Overall I'm feeling very proud, welcomed, and grateful to this wonderful community for bringing us in and having an interest in our crafts. Johnathan and I both love what we do and the freedom it allows us to craft with our kids. We are so happy to have found a place that is welcoming and supports our family.
Thank you all!
With love, Sarah