The West Covina Farmers’ Market is an event held at Glendora Avenue every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. From fresh produce and handmade crafts, this market allows the community to connect with local farmers and vendors, fostering a sense of camaraderie while also promoting sustainability.
Although the market is advertised as a place to get fresh produce, there were more small businesses dedicated to arts and crafts than produce vendors. Farmers’ markets are a way to get local businesses’ names out in the industry by attracting a wider variety of shoppers who may not be aware of a small business otherwise.
“It’s just to get my name out there, you know, for other businesses, and see what’s out there,” said Ruka Chopra.
Chopra, the owner of Golden State Dezign, sells customized cups, tote bags and stickers. She is a graphic designer who transforms everyday items such as cups and coasters into unique masterpieces themed around pop culture like Dodgers, Marvel, and Disney. She first started off selling her products on Etsy, an online marketplace that sells handmade and custom items, but moved to selling at the farmers market together business out in the community. Through the West Covina Farmers Market, Chopra sold her products in public for the first time.
“This is my first pop-up and I need to check the demographics and stuff,” said Chopra.
Additionally, farmers’ markets offer a unique opportunity to understand the dynamics of the small business industry because it allows people to observe how individuals operate small businesses rather than large corporations. Patron Glitter Cardenas visited the market to learn more about the challenges small business owners endure because she likes to support small businesses. During her visit, she got advice from a small business owner who emphasized that success won’t come easily and that perseverance is key. Cardenas found this piece of advice powerful and meaningful for her learning journey.
“I guess everything’s meant for you. So I think that was pretty powerful,” said Cardenas.
Senior Isabella Mercado has performed as a singer at this farmers’ market. She mentioned how this market brings together various vendors including art and food vendors from different parts of the city. She performs about three times a month singing various songs, alongside her boyfriend Miles Galvan, which also helps them secure more jobs.
“We just get to be there for like, four hours and play for a couple of hours throughout the farmer’s market, and then we get tips and everything. It’s great” said Mercado.
The West Covina Farmers Market is a one way that small businesses can gain more visibility and create connections within a community. By promoting more on social media and having proper community engagement, this market has the potential to become a key spot for vendors to expand their outreach and consumers to find locally sourced and handmade products. The farmers market is set indefinitely to be held everyday Saturday with the exception of holidays.
