In efforts to support the local farming community, Living Water Gardens hosted its inaugural Boksburg fresh produce farmers market at Heckers Garden Centre on July 13.
During the event, dozens of farmers, bakers, and makers set up their stalls to exhibit a wide range of products. They included small-scale and emerging farmers who produce homemade food products and run smallholdings where they grow vegetables and keeping livestock.
Consumers meet the makers and farmers
Scores of supporters came along to explore the diverse array of fresh produce, scrumptious baked food items, and unique handmade products from the talented growers, bakers, and makers. They also had the opportunity to buy direct from the farmers or the individuals who made the products.
The business showcase event also afforded vendors and supporters the opportunity to network, share tips, advice and other relevant information.
It also featured educational sessions, including farming techniques, tips on how to start your own garden or business, and money management tips for entrepreneurs.
Organisers described the event as a great success with a good turnout, and they are planning to hold more similar events in town.
The next market will be a two-day fresh market festival (August 17 and 18), same place and same time.
Emerging entrepreneurs
Among the vendors were several young innovative entrepreneurs who are promising to make waves in the local business scene.
These youngsters showcased their small but promising businesses to the local community, and sold their best products including homeware, fresh produce and gourmet delights.
They shared some of their successes and the struggles they have faced so far.
Parkrand’s Janke Nel (15), a Grade Nine learner at Hoërskool Oosterlig, who was among the young entrepreneurs at the market, said she started her small business of selling pieces of fudge about three years ago while she was in Grade Seven.
It all started when she was invited to participate in a school project called entrepreneur day.
“I found making fudge very thrilling and I really enjoy it. In fact, I love baking.
“I would like to have a little shop to sell the products I bake, because I’m not yet making a lot of money at school. I sell and make plus minus R100 a week.”
Janke said she would invest some of the money she made at the market for future things.
“I thank everyone, including my family and friends, for their continued support.”
Boksburg North’s Adelaide Koekemoer (15), a EG Jansen Grade Nine learner, started her biltong business about three months ago and she said it is ‘doing very well’.
“For now, my father is helping me, but I would like to run this on my own and grow the business.
“I do beef biltong, and for now I don’t do fat biltong because it sells very slowly.
“I started doing this because I wanted to save up money for my trip to tour Netherlands next month.”
Apart from running a small business, Adelaide also wants to become a flight attendant.
Abigail Roberts (18), of Northmead in Benoni, runs a small bakery business selling cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.
“I started my business about two years ago after my aunt’s husband passed away and she can’ find work because of her illness and she has a little girl to take care of.
“So I wanted to see if I can help them, and I specifically chose baking because I love baking. For me it’s a passion I got from my grandfather.
“I would like to see my business helping those who can’t afford accommodation, medical services and schools fees.
“I sell my product from home and at old age homes.
“I get lots of support from my mother and my boyfriend who also inspire me to keep going.”
Northmead’s Leané Bestbier (12), a Grade Six learner at Concordia, started a 3D printing business, printing and selling 3D printed products, including small pots and other ornaments.
She started printing earlier this year, but has not had much success selling to her fellow learners at school. The market was her first platform to sell a number of items and make some money.
“I would like to see my business growing and selling both at the market and online.
“I started after observing my father running his own electronics manufacturing business. He would show me how it is done and I became obsessed that I decided to make my own stuff.
“My future plans is to run a business that will make enough money to grow and open up more job opportunities. Not just 3D prints, but also starting to sell engineering stuff.
“I know I’m not ready for that yet but I want to get there some day.
Leané wants to follow in the footsteps of her father, becoming an engineer and starting her own engineering business.
Vendors
Vendors Wilna Janse van Rensburg and her grandson Shaun.
