Breaking bread and breaking ground…

There are some people who were just born to be entrepreneurs. If you find one, they can generally not only find a silver lining in a cloud, they can sell it to you for a fair price, and you’ll wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”. I love seeing friends and family following their passions in business, but I love it even more when I see their faces light up because of the positive impact they’re making in others. A true leader doesn’t just find fulfillment in the net profit they can generate, they invest themselves in the people along for the ride too.

Christa Esquibel (Porter) is my sister, and 10 years ago she started “Momma’s Organic Market” with my mother, Cindy, sister, Cassidy, and my wife, Emy. I remember the first markets, which they held at my mother’s house. They put out signs along the street and it quickly became so popular with the local crowd that they needed to expand and occupy a more commercial location. Park West (www.shopparkwest.com) became this new destination and what was a few pop-up tents and tables quickly became populated parking lots and a bustling atmosphere of local food and fare. We all have children that have grown up watching this take place and seeing the cousins all play together and observing them develop their little entrepreneur minds and even setup their own booths or help out with the market over the years has made lasting memories.

Today, the farmer’s market she now manages solo is one of the largest in Arizona and has provided an incredible venue for the local farming community and entrepreneurs looking to provide something genuine. In addition to the farmer’s market, she’s started several highly-respected expos and events.

What is different about this business venture? Community. Businesses like Momma’s Organic Market inherently build community. Getting outside and enjoying good food and family while making money sounds like a dream, right? She found a way to make it happen. Sure, it’s not all hearts and rainbows, and life always throws you lemons, but when you’re at a farmers market, and life throws you lemons… just sayin’.

I’m proud of my sister for what she has accomplished, and I love that she has surrounded herself with other people excited to provide something worth attending and supporting. She’s a hard worker and a true entrepreneur. If you ever get a chance to meet her and attend one of her events or markets, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about the markets and events, see these links below:

Momma’s Organic Market:
http://mommasorganicmarket.com/

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/mommasorganicmarket/

Food Truck Fridays:
http://mommasorganicmarket.com/foodtruckfriday/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/foodtruckfridaywest/