Meet Kelly Miller | Farmers Market Manager/ Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is that being a weekly, seasonal event the emphasis is on creating a quality and diverse vendor base. Keeping the focus on food is essential to calling it a farmers market but allowing other local businesses to be involved is key to success. There is also a lot of competition in our industry so having a organized event with good communication is important to attract the best vendors which in turn offers the community the best products available.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my first Farmers Market in Louisville, CO in 2008. I have a background in marketing for the natural foods industry and saw a need for a farmers market in my hometown and community. I was very naive and it was trial by fire with all the hoops and learning curves. It was really hard to get farms to sign on at first and to have vendors take a chance on a new market. I had the philosophy of ‘throw it on the wall and see if it sticks’ along with ‘when the doors close’ it’s over. The doors never closed and continue to open and I am constantly learning, growing and striving to be a better business owner and market manager. This falls in my personal life as well; being the best person, mother, friend, partner, sister, daughter… all of the hats we wear. The lessons I learned (and still learn) are perseverance, patience, staying focused on the goal and never give up. All good things in all good time. It take a long time with a lot of support to be successful. Trying to create a balance of work/life is a tightrope. I am so lucky in that I could have my kids be a part of it and they still choose to do so. The markets are important to me as I love food. Natural, health food is something that I was raised on and wanted to provide that to my family and community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would go to the Farmers Markets, of course! Buy food to cook at home. I love hiking and being in the mountains so we would do some great hikes with the best views. Nederland is a gem as well as Rocky Mountian National Park. I love to eat, as you know, so we would go to my favorite restaurants in the area. I would go to Lulus in Louisville for BBQ, Barcelona in RINO for Spanish tapas, Casa Allegra in Louisville for family Mexican, and my house for Italian food from my families recipes. Red rocks is a must and hopefully there is a good concert. If not, hiking there is gorgeous as well. My favorite thing about Colorado is hot springs so this is mandatory: Hot Sulphur Springs, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat… to start.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success of what I do is reliant on so many people outside of myself. The number one contributing factor to the success of my events has been the unparalleled vendor base that I am honored to be in touch with. They are who the customers come to the markets for weekly. I also rely on the support of local businesses who sponsor the market. This helps to fund the marketing campaign that is essential for community outreach. I work to create positive and mutually beneficial relationships with the Cities and Towns I work in as well as the local businesses who are in close proximity of my events. I started my first market when my kids were little and they grew up there. They have always been a part of this venture and I could not have done it without their support. They are grown up now and to this day still have roles in the markets and take pride in its success. I am especially grateful for the vendors and the then mayor of Louisville, Chuck Sisk, who took a chance on me and believed in me when I started my first market.

Website: realfarmersmarketco.com

Instagram: realfarmersmarket

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-miller-13a82618/

Twitter: @realfarmmarket

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patti.nagle/posts/pfbid02moFjFkP1sA6Zkt2cuqDX7KgUPLsBfkGNoEaem4LALBNzfpHwRxC72R3UCLFHXZsJl?comment_id=315780154573150&notif_id=1700273231611721&notif_t=feed_comment_reply&ref=notif

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLq_rKlhFv51ZXDQ8mBfWA

Image Credits
IMAGE CREDIT: Erin Cox I have permission