If you haven’t heard about the CNU Farmer’s Market, then you are surely missing out. Every Thursday from 3-6 p.m., (and this Thursday 4/23 from 1-4) vendors from Newport News and surrounding areas come to sell their products. With the installation of live music and the flow of students as well as community members, this weekly event has become a large part of CNU’s traditions. Below you’ll find pictures and small excerpts from all of the vendors who were present at the market on April 16.
Irihana and Yarnykins
Who: I spoke with James Smithson and his adorable son Caleb Deans Smithson, who were both standing in for James’ wife, Mikayla Meyer, as well as his mother, Becky Smithson.
What: Mikayla runs and creates pottery for Irihana, a small, independent, handmade pottery company. Becky crochets and sells her product with her company, Yarnkins.
Seasons (one season = one semester) in attendance at the market: Having joined the Market last spring, this is the group’s third season with CNU.
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: On behalf of Mikayla, James answered, “Mikayla loves pottery. It’s a side business so there’s no stress and she has a lot of fun with it.”
Artisan’s Bakery & Cafe
Who: Karen and Georg Seyrlehner. Karen and her assistant, Ali Reilly (a CNU student), were manning the table today.
What: Artisanal breads, pastries, and all things that are doughy and tasty.
Seasons in attendance at the market: Eight seasons, aka four years!
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: “We are very proud that we make all of our products from scratch,” said Karen with a smile.
Check out their website and Facebook page.
NYR Organics
Who: Shelby Mingee (pictured above with her sons) is the independent consultant for the Newport News chapter of NYR Organics. The creator, Romey Fraiser, is based out of London, England.
What: Organic beauty and skincare products.
Seasons in attendance at the market: Four.
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: Shelby shared with me that she loves how “actually ethical and organic the skincare products are… I also love that we do absolutely no greenwashing, it’s all real.”
Check them out on Facebook.
TJ’s Homemade Treats
Who: Tamie (pictured above) and her husband, Jeff Brunt, are the creators and owners of this delightful bakery.
What: Incredibly fresh homemade goodies such as cookies, bars, and breads.
Seasons in attendance at the market: This is their 2nd.
What’s your favorite part about the CNU Farmer’s Market?: “Just seeing all the kids. I have a daughter who is starting college in the fall, so it’s a little sad really. But I love chatting with them all,” relayed Tamie.
Check out their website.
Happy Seeds Super Food
Who: Michele Sears, along with her two daughters, started this independent company.
What: Happy Seeds is a mixture of chia, flax, and other plant products jam-packed with good oils, vitamins, protein and more.
Seasons in attendance at the market: This is their 3rd market season with CNU.
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: “Well, Happy Seeds was created out of need. I was diagnosed with diabetes and by incorporating this intense concentration of fiber and fatty acids, I’ve been able to keep it under control. Our product is gluten-free, vegan, and 100 percent plant based. I love sharing it with others.”
Find out where their next market location will be here.
Smithfield Orchid & Nature Company
Who: John (above) and Karen Zukosky.
What: These two provide beautiful plants and specialize in raising orchids.
Seasons in attendance at the market: These two joined CNU last fall.
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: John shared with me that his favorite thing about the company was, “The variety of blooming plants – around 30,000 species – that I never get tired of. They treat you like you treat them.”
Want some killer cool plants? Give them a call.
Creekside Catering Co.
Who: Dorsie (above) and Chef Jason Reese
What: This couple provides delicious dishes for any of your catered events!
Seasons in attendance at the market: They’re very excited to have been here for their second season!
What’s your favorite thing about your company?: “We are true to the quality of our product and our customers. We’re big on the WOW-factor too. We want to make sure you’re our number one so we try to give the best quality product.”
Check them out on Facebook.
Mattawoman Creek Farm
Who: Hunter Melson (above) is the foreman for the wonderful couple, Rick and Janice Felker, who started this farm.
What: Fresh, organic, local produce.
Seasons in attendance at the market: “This is just my second time here!”
What’s your favorite part about the CNU Farmer’s Market?: “For me, it’s just seeing the high level of interest from the young people on campus. It’s good to know that there will be someone after me who’s interested in this stuff.”
Want some more of their produce? Find ‘em here.
The Bunny Hutch
Who: Dr. Angela “Max” Maxwell started this from her love of animals.
What: The Bunny Hutch is an “animal shelter with style.”
Seasons in attendance at the market: “I’ve been here since the beginning but only the past few seasons with the Bunny Hutch.”
What’s your favorite part about the CNU Farmer’s Market?: “Well, I had everything in my car at first so I just started coming [to CNU] to help the company grow. Soon enough I got all the proper equipment, and brought animals to the campus I knew students would be missing. Even if I don’t get donations I still get to spread environmental and animal awareness.”
Want to volunteer? Contact them here.
Kettle King
Who: Brandon Chittum started the company and gets help regularly from family members and friends.
What: Kettle corn!
Seasons in attendance at the market: “We’ve been at the market for four years.”
What’s your favorite part about the CNU Farmer’s Market?: “Meeting the different students, learning why they’re here, and what they’re preparing to do for life. We love to ask every student that when they stop by our tent.”