Our story began with a simple request: Deliver locally-sourced food…for the Dave Matthews Band. Well, let me take a step back. Living in Wesley Chapel, I had found it difficult to find and buy fresh produce, meat, fish, and poultry, which surprised me given the number of farms in our surrounding area. Certainly, I was not alone. So, my vision was to create a way to connect local farmers with consumers and we planned to officially open a mobile market business in September of 2019.

Now back to that request. Since I was in junior high, I’ve been going to Dave Matthews Band concerts. Inspired by their music and their mission, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support the Farm-to-Stage program for their Tampa concert…and so we launched our business two months early. While we were in the non-growing season in Florida, we were ambitious to help

and able to pull together seven farmers to deliver the goods.That experience gave us even more insight into just how tough it was, not only to produce but also prepare and transport fresh goods to the local market. And as we continued to meet more growers, we discovered they shared this problem and we could be their solution. We would be the go-between and create a marketplace for their products. The farmers could then focus on growing, and we would take care of the rest.

We started small, focusing mainly on vegetables, gradually expanding our selections to what you see today: Fresh, local produce, meat, chicken, eggs, seafood, honey, tea, and organic oils. Our next goal is to open a retail location that will include a variety of local food and other items, fully-prepared meals and serve as a hub for our deliveries. But there is more to our business as we are also committed to serving our community. We are focused on getting kids in the garden and ensuring we have minimal food waste. Last year we helped launch a garden club for students at Quail Hollow Elementary and all of our unsaleables are donated to local food pantries, to farms for their animals, or go in compost to make soil.

As a family, we have started a farm of our own. We call it ‘Little by Slow’ to remind us that life (as well as farming) is a journey to be enjoyed, one moment at a time. This business has been a personal challenge and an incredible learning experience for my family and me. Safe to say, what once was only an idea, a dream even, has become a reality. I am so grateful for all those who support us and excited for what lies ahead.

Nichole