Summer ends the selling season for most farmers markets, but the Norman Farm Market continues to operate into the colder months.
The Norman Farm Market has been operating since 1980, making it the longest running market in Norman. The market began operating year-round in 2022, signaling a shift for small business owners and allowing them to continue profiting.
Through an application process, the market houses booths for around 60 small businesses throughout the year, allowing each to reach a customer base they may not reach on their own. The market’s mission is to teach the community about local food and teach local farmers about business.
The Vegan Whisk
Elizabeth Warden began her allergen-friendly baked goods business The Vegan Whisk in 2022, starting at the Norman Farm Market. Warden said selling at the market attracted her because it offered easy access to a customer base.
Elizabeth Warden at her booth at the Norman Farm Market.
“I think farmers markets are a great place to start,” Warden said. “It’s something where you just jump in.”
To make baked goods more accessible to those with dietary restrictions and allergies, Warden started The Vegan Whisk as a side business while attending graduate school, making all of her products from scratch including packaging. Warden said she turned The Vegan Whisk into a full-time business after selling at the market generated enough income to cover her expenses.
According to Warden, The Vegan Whisk allows her to connect with the community by educating customers on the alternative ingredients used in her baked goods, such as pea protein-based milk and rice flour.
With no building commitment, Warden said the farmers market is an accessible venue.
“The nice thing about farmers markets is that you don’t have to commit forever. You’re not buying a building,” Warden said. “If things don’t work out or you aren’t selling well, you can cut your losses.”
Sadee’s Sourdough
After her first Saturday at the Norman Farm Market, OU alum Sadee Bone quit her job at a law firm and turned her micro bakery business into a full-time steady source of income selling at the market year-round.
Sadee’s Sourdough is a micro bakery for sourdough products aiming to emphasize the health benefits of sourdough and represent an avenue for health education and a connection to community.
Bone started Sadee’s Sourdough in 2022 when she began paying more attention to what role food plays in her health. Bone, who is also a hormone and fertility health coach, said she found in her own research on nutrition that sourdough can improve hormonal health, gut health and blood sugar levels. As the bread is also accessible to those with gluten sensitivity, Bone said she believes in education about sourdough.
“I think bread can change people’s perspectives on what health is,” Bone said.
Sadee Taylor selling sourdough during the Norman Farm Market on Sept. 21.
Through self-taught lessons, Bone went from making sourdough for herself to making products for customers. Bone said she bakes around 100 loaves of sourdough, which take around 24 hours to make, each week over two to three days. Bone also sells sourdough-based cookies and bagels, but her focus is artisanal loaves of sourdough.
Sadee’s Sourdough represents a sense of self for Bone as well, which she wants to translate to customers.
“Mine is made with love,” Bone said. “I am authentic to myself. Yes, I am making sourdough but I am the voice and the heart of my business.”
Fresh From OK
Local co-op Fresh From OK has operated at the Norman Farm Market for 25 years. The company consists of five small businesses including Rockin’ HD Ranch, Kordeleigh Ranch, Big Bitty Blonde, Bird Nest Farm and Grounded Living Homestead.
Grounded Living Homestead owner Evonne Barrier and Bird Nest Farm owner Randy Bird manage Fresh From OK’s booth at the farm market. Barrier said the co-op has transitioned between different business owners over the years, so the current group is different from the original.
Fresh From OK sells goods ranging from seasonings to wagyu beef. Barrier’s own farm within the co-op, Grounded Living Homestead, offers eggs and canned goods.
Evonne Barrier with the Fresh From OK booth at the Norman Farm Market.
By selling at the farm market, Fresh From OK can reach customers without having to compromise any extra environmental costs.
“I think it’s a great way to connect with the local community especially for local farmers who don’t want to put a lot of expense into shipping,” Barrier said.
Fresh From OK aims to be transparent with customers about its sourcing practices and ensures that the goods have been ethically sourced and are from animals that have been treated well, according to Barrier. She also said Fresh From OK hopes to show the community the value of buying goods from local farmers.
“I think the community is seeing more of the value that the people are providing but they don’t see what’s going into the back end of it,” Barrier said.
The Norman Farm Market operates Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 210 S. James Garner Ave. Beginning in November, the market will operate 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the winter season. More information about the market can be found on its website.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. This story was copy edited by Andrew Paredes and Sophie Hemker.
