Vendors and visitors at the East Warren Farmers Market in August
East Warren farmers market cultivates community and aspiring entrepreneurs
DETROIT – As the Covid pandemic began, and her job at major auto company was downsized, Stacey Davis needed a new opportunity. A weekly outdoor market had started up on East Warren, close to her home, and she heard that the market was looking for vendors who lived in the neighborhood.
Stacey Davis, owner of Stacey’s 2 Day Tea
Stacey had an idea for a small business, and she thought this would be an opportune time to take a chance. She had been making tea for her family from her own special recipes for 20 years.
“They loved it, and believed others would love it, too,” Stacey said. “So I decided to test the waters at the new market.”
Stacey’s 2 Day Tea was launched, and it proved to be a hit. Last year, Stacey sold about $10,000 of her product at the East Warren Farmers Market.
Stacey is one of about 20 different vendors who regularly participate in the market, which is operated by East Warren Development Corporation (EWDC). During the summer months, the market happens every Thursday evening in the parking lot of EWDC at 16835 East Warren.
Joe Rashid, Executive Director of EWDC, at the farmers market
“The concept for the market came from residents in the neighborhood, and it is designed to serve and help uplift the community,” said Joe Rashid, Executive Director of EWDC. “We really needed a venue on the east side where people can gather, get fresh produce and local goods, and support one another.”
The market is now in its third year, and it has already put about $100,000 in revenue back into the community, Joe estimates. The success of the market necessitates its expansion to accommodate more local vendors and visitors, and to help the vendors fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations. Recently, EWDC secured a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), which combined with grants from other funders will facilitate the expansion. Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) is serving as the fiduciary of the CFSEM grant for EWDC.
“EWDC is one of our 100 member organizations, and we are thrilled to help them with this important project, which certainly aligns with our mission of equity-centered development,” said Madhavi Reddy, Executive Director of CDAD.
The market is a part of the revitalization of the East Warren commercial corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. The revitalization plan is supported by the Strategic Neighborhood Fund and involves neighborhood stabilization and beautification, transforming the corridor streetscape, and adding mixed-use housing and retail projects. EWDC is playing a key role in community engagement for the development initiatives.
Lanika Hampton, owner of Aura Vibez
The market expansion will include a shed to host 30 stalls, two commercial kitchens in the adjacent EWDC building, picnic tables, public Wi-Fi, and other amenities to attract foot traffic and create a hospitable public space. Vendors who have grown their small businesses through the market are looking forward to the expansion and hope it will allow them to grow their businesses even further.
“We’ve worked hard, supported each other every step of the way, and feel that we and our community deserve this expansion,” said Lanika Hampton, whose jewelry business is called Aura Vibez. “Being at the market has taught me how to market the jewelry I make and that people are very interested in my designs.”
Cheryl Smith, owner of Detroit Teas
Cheryl Smith is one of several vendors who are excited about using the new commercial kitchens to make their food items. Cheryl’s business is called Detroit Teas, and it features her unique tea blends and homemade tea cakes.
“The commercial kitchen will help my business get to the next level, since it will be state-certified and I can make more of my product for sale,” Cheryl said. “Ultimately, I’d like to have my own brick and mortar store in the neighborhood and then hire people from the neighborhood.”
Tina Anderson, owner of TbakesTreats
Tina Anderson also plans to use the commercial kitchen to make her baked goods and test the idea of one day having her own storefront for her business TbakesTreats. Tina works full time for a head start agency in the city. She lives a block away from the market and started her small business when the pandemic began.
“The market is a great thing for our neighborhood and had given us a way to turn our ideas and talents into business opportunities,” Tina said.
About CDAD
For 25 years, the Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) has served as the leading voice for Detroit’s community development industry. With over 100 dues-paying members, CDAD advocates for public policies and resources that advance the work of nonprofit, community-based organizations in Detroit neighborhoods who are engaged in physical development, land use planning, community organizing, and other activities designed to stabilize and revitalize the quality of life in Detroit.
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