Faces of the Market – Seven Sundays

Did you know that Seven Sundays got their start by vending at the Midtown Farmers Market? Hannah Barnstable, co-owner of Seven Sundays LLC, discovered muesli on a trip to New Zealand and developed a passion for its heart nature, great taste and health benefits. Barnstable launched her business in the spring of 2011 after hearing about the Midtown Farmers Market. Out of the four original muesli mixes that they sold that summer, three of the flavors are still available and sold in over 4,000 stores across the country!

“It was an incredible space to test out our product. I remember the nights before the market – I was with my best friend bagging things up and labeling until the wee hours of the morning. My memories of the farmers market are that they were really fun days. It was such a great way to be part of the local food community.”

Seven Sundays is thoughtful about sourcing and flavor. And they were quickly discovered! They had launched their brand at the Wedge and Linden Hills Coops, and by the end of that year they were selling in about a dozen stores around the Twin Cities.

What drew you to this community? How was your experience? 
“It was really nice to have local support. The market had an existing customer base that we could tap into. Most of all, we got to know neighbors – customers as well as other food vendors – really well. Those were the best times!”

“We sampled a lot. The market was a space where we could try things. We could get our product out there, and people are willing to provide feedback. So, with the support of our returning customers, we refined our message and gained invaluable insight from our community to continue improving. And we gained the confidence to go to the next stage of selling in stores.”

What advice do you have for emerging entrepreneurs?
“Get as much feedback as you can. Listen to your community – what are the existing needs? When you create a product that you love, you have blinders on and can’t imagine changing it.
When you start listening to customers, you might discover new things like gluten free is important to offer or changing the price point or adjusting the quantity. I say, keep an open mind and be flexible. The market is the perfect testing ground and a space for learning. Everything is going to change and move and grow. The sooner you accept that, the better. Lastly, find a mentor. Relationships are so important. Find someone doing something similar to you, whether it’s your product, your customer base or your scope. Build a community of support.”

Beyoncé Shine Your Light

Join Sarah Warren at the Midtown Farmers Market’s stage for an outdoor celebration of her new book, Beyoncé Shine Your Light. Sarah will be joined by special guests New Black City, J. Juice Music, and local singer/songwriter Maya Breininger.

10am – New Black City
10:15am  – Maya Breininger
10:30am – Author Reading
10:45-1:00pm – Book Signing and Karaoke

Sarah Warren is a teacher and a writer. She loves telling stories about real life heroes and everyday superstars. She thinks big readers turn into smart leaders. Sarah lives in Minnesota with her husband, her son, and her dog, Bruce Valentine. Find out more on her website: sarahwbooks.com.

Market Events

Tuesday, June 25th

Market Stage

Community Tables

Saturday Vendors

Ready-to-Eat Foods
Akshay Paatram
Asa’s Bakery
Kabomelette
Gus Dean Coffee

Farmers + Growers
Alanna Yang
Native Oaks Farm / Sheepy Hollow
Morning Scape Farm
Cha Veggies
Lor Family Farm
Pflaum Farms
Peter’s Pumpkins
Bullthistle Gardens
Hexagon Projects and Farm
Burning River
Growing Lots
Bayfield
R & R Cultivation
Jirik Family Farms
Calvyn Moua
Zoua Lo + Dang Vang
Straight River Farm

Prepared Foods
Centro Tyrone Guzman
Jajja Wellness
Winter Goddess
Green Garden Bakery
Wisconsin Cheese Outlet
Hot Hands Pie (Try It! Vendor)
Young Mountain Tea

Arts + Crafts
mayamade
Orange Fishy Deign
Putzinbob’s
Junket: Tossed and Found