The Mom Market supports local vendors across Canada

In a world increasingly dominated by big-box stores and online shopping, The Mom Market, founded by Jasmine Ancona, offers a refreshing alternative that brings communities together while supporting local businesses. Launched over five years ago, The Mom Market has grown into a collective of over 30 locations spanning from Vancouver Island in the West to Newfoundland in the East.

Barrington-based Ancona's inspiration for The Mom Market arose from a personal need to connect with other moms and entrepreneurs.

"At the time, my daughter was a toddler, and we had just moved back to my husband's hometown. I was starting in real estate and didn't know too many other moms or entrepreneurs in the area. So, I wanted a place to be able to connect with them," Ancona explains. What began as a simple market quickly gained traction, blossoming into a network of monthly events that attract anywhere from several hundred to several thousand customers.

PROVIDING HOLISTIC EXPERIENCES

One of the unique aspects of The Mom Market is its focus on creating a holistic shopping experience.

"When people come and they shop local, they're not just buying from one vendor. They're able to buy food, like red preserves, locally, then go to a soap vendor and buy soap. It's that whole experience," Ancona says.

This experience allows shoppers to meet a wide variety of artisans, bringing a sense of community and personal connection. The Mom Market is dedicated to supporting small businesses of all types, from makers and service providers to bakers and everything in between. They collaborate with many familyowned and local venues to bring the best of everything local.

The purpose of the ‘pop-up-markets' is to give back to the community, boost local economy, enjoy quality customer service, support someone's dream, reduce environmental impact, invest in quality products and know the owner of the business.

ENCOURAGING KID ENTREPRENEURS

The upcoming Fall Festival on Sept. 21 and 22 at the Barrington Exhibition Grounds exemplifies The Mom Market's commitment to nurturing local talent as young as kids under 12 years of age. This event will feature a dedicated space for young entrepreneurs, encouraging their creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive.

"We have a whole opening for them where they can come and showcase what they've created and sell them at the market in their own mini makers area. Anyone under 12 years can participate," Ancona says.

This initiative not only supports budding entrepreneurs but also inspires the next generation of creators.

Ancona's daughter, who is eight years old, is one of these young entrepreneurs.

"My daughter makes bracelets herself and sells them at the market. She has a few friends her age who also like to make things and bring them to the market. I thought it would be fantastic to give them their own market space," Ancona says.

The markets operate yearround, taking only January off for a break.

"We host every month other than January. We have a little bit of a break, but every other month of the year, you can find us popped up across Canada," Ancona notes.

In Nova Scotia alone, markets are held on both the South Shore and North Shore, as well as in the Annapolis Valley, the Halifax region and Cape Breton. Each location features a diverse array of vendors, ensuring a unique experience every time.

Among the many vendors who participate in The Mom Market, several have become local favourites.

"We have Scentsy, Manna Clay, who does clay earrings, Kendrick's Krafts, who makes wood products and bird houses, Thistle & Weeds Soaps, who makes handmade soap and woven items, and Charlie's Treasures, with their fun carnival-themed items," Ancona says.

These vendors, along with many others, benefit from the exposure and community support that The Mom Market provides.

A particularly notable vendor is Sterling Belliveau Rope Crafts, who crafts items from leftover lobster ropes.

"He weaves them into mats and all kinds of stuff. It's really, cool," Ancona says. This kind of innovation and creativity is exactly what The Mom Market aims to showcase, offering a platform for artisans to share their unique talents with a broader audience.

For more information on The Mom Market, visit: https://themommarketco.com/.