Exploring Life & Business with Darcy Myers of Foothills Community Market

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Myers.

Hi Darcy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started as the supportive wife of a kombucha vendor back in 2019. My excellent better half started Bosn’s Buch Kombucha, and I was along for the ride. He attended every local market with space available, and I was there cheering him on and supporting him in that endeavor. He and I had talked about creating a market that truly supported the local small artisans, crafters, bakers, food trucks, etc., not just looking at it as “money in our pocket” but rather truly a market based on supporting small businesses. Then, hello 2o20, when everything shut down, 6-foot rules, masks, etc. One market in particular was really where we made friends with the vendors and the manager, Foothills Sunday Market. Thus, the spirit of “Community Markets” was born within me and Joe alike. We had found our niche, social day, and passion for providing a service.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What road is ever smooth? The struggles with starting a new community/farmers market range from securing a location- fortunately, Greg Hundt, the market’s founder, had that obstacle covered- to getting vendors who want to participate. But the biggest obstacle is getting the community to know where we are, what we do, etc. With Facebook, Instagram, Google ads, TikTok, and a few others I need to learn about, there is a constant struggle with where to place ads and videos to get the best coverage.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Foothills Community Market?
Our market is a new Farmers/Community Market in Tucson; everyone should know that we strive to support local small businesses by providing an economic space to set up without the crazy overhead expense of a brick-and-mortar building. We allow each vendor to have face-to-face interactions with customers, which in the days of online shopping needs to be improved. I am most proud of the brand slogan “Supporting Small Businesses, one tent at a time.” This has so much meaning; any given week, we provide a space for 40 to 60 small businesses to set up and interact with their customers. As far as what sets us apart, the vendors are friends turned vendor family; we treat everyone respectfully and strive to see them succeed. Our vendors are not just a fee in our pocket; we celebrate when they have their best sales day and can pay for an extracurricular event for the child, and we have empathy when they don’t.

It is often partly due to others that we are where we are. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Oh, this is an easy question. My husband Joe is by far and away my biggest cheerleader and supporter. Without him reminding me that the market is where I thrive, there would be doubts swirling in my mind. Even while fighting cancer, he has never strayed from pushing and supporting me while growing this business. Greg Hundt, a fantastic businessman who was a vendor with us before starting the market, has helped guide me and Joe in this endeavor and continues to surprise us with pop-in visits. My dear friend Carrie Spiess with Needmore Crochet, my right hand for creating the weekly vendor ads and posts and helping to ensure Saturdays run smoothly.

Pricing:

• Vendor Space Oct-April $30
• Vendor space May-Sept $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.foothillscommunitymarket.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/foothillscommunitymarkets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foothillscommunitymarkets
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/foothills-community-markets-tucson