Rising Stars: Meet Jen of Show Low

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our story begins in a local restaurant that, at the time, allowed us to hold a craft fair before they opened for business every Saturday. As the establishment became more popular, the owners decided that we were no longer needed to draw customers.

As vendors, we were at the mercy of whatever space we tried to rent, so we decided to form a Co-Op to protect ourselves and grow our market. Soon after, we partnered with the Arts Alliance, where we still hold our market today. To date, we are their largest draw, and we are mutually beneficial to one another.

At Merry Mountain Market, we celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
Our vendors are local artisans, farmers, bakers, musicians, and makers who create at least 80% of what they sell. We believe in supporting one another, fostering positivity, and building a joyful space for our neighbors to gather each week. We aim to build a space where everyone’s contributions are valued, and participants feel like family.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What would a road be without struggle? Every mile is shaped by the challenges we face and the resilience we build along the way. We use the money we collect to cover expenses such as advertising, signage, insurance, and rent. Even with that model as our driving force, there are competing markets that want to see us fold. They have taken our signage and have worked to undermine our ethos.
Despite these setbacks, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission. Instead of faltering, we channel every hardship into renewed determination and innovation. We have not been deterred. We strive to be the premiere market on the mountain, one that takes care of its vendors like family while following all state and local laws. Our community’s spirit and unity continue to be our strongest assets, helping us overcome adversity and set the standard for markets everywhere.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our Creative Community and Vision
To truly describe the work I do, I must share recognition with all my brothers and sisters in our market. Our greatest pride stems from our dedication to craftsmanship: we create 80% of the products we offer, whether they are tinctures, freshly baked bread, hand-felted animals, stained glass pieces, handmade jewelry, or aromatic spices. Each item reflects the skill and creativity of our group, and together we form a unique collective of artisans eager to share our creations with the White Mountains community.
Guided by a model inspired by European market towns, we strive to bring that vision to life here. Our market serves as the first building block toward establishing a vibrant, interconnected marketplace where local creativity flourishes, and community connections are strengthened.

How do you define success?
Defining Our Vision of Success
For us, true success means cultivating a market so lively and engaging that it attracts visitors from more than one hundred miles away. Our goal is to create an environment bustling with patrons, whose presence and support generate enough income for our artisans to enjoy a comfortable living through their creative work. We envision a thriving marketplace where the talent and dedication of our creators are rewarded, enabling them to focus on their craft and continue contributing to the vibrancy of our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrymountainmarket/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrymountainmarket

Image Credits
Photos taken by Bob Rollar