Market puts Greenwood Park on the map

THERE’s a new buzz in Greenwood Park and all of the credit goes to the Greenwood Park Lifestyle Market, which was held at the Havelock Grounds recently.

The market is the brainchild of Nevanna Burton, a businesswoman and local resident, who told Northglen News that the aim of the event is to help people to get back on their feet again.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has left some financially crippled, and then the July unrest added to this pressure. People lost their livelihoods and had nowhere to turn to. I am hoping this market will give them the boost they need,” said Burton.

ALSO READ: I Heart Market returns to Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend

As a person who likes to keep her finger on the pulse, Burton, who is a member of numerous Facebook groups, said she would often see posts of talented individuals who lacked the platform to showcase their goods.

She then had her lightbulb moment and the idea for the market was born.

“You hear the plight of the people and the need for upliftment in the community. There was nothing of this sort for the community to enjoy. In these groups you also see the talented individuals out there who have nowhere to sell their items,” said Burton.

She left the corporate world 17 years ago so that she could open her own business. Burton said it all started with trading at flea markets.

“Before I obtained a business premises, I sold my products at flea markets and I still trade at markets. It’s a great way to network and market your business and I want the people of Greenwood Park to have that,” she said.

“I remember the first flea market I went to. I paid a R350 vendor fee, I had no gazebo and it was scorching hot. By the end of the day, nobody had bought a single thing. I was ready to give up there and then but my husband motivated me to try again, which I did,” she said.

Burton said she hoped the home baker, the seamstress, and other talented individuals will persevere and have their own success stories to share one day.

Geared with all of her knowledge on flea markets, Burton set out to plan the first lifestyle market for Greenwood Park in August, but finding a suitable premises was a problem.

“There were many places that were on board, but there was either red tape, lack of ablution facilities and other issues that were hurdles. The Havelock Grounds committee was very keen, so I started planning,” she said.

Logistics, marketing, adverts, surveys and vendor vetting followed and the first market was held on November 27.

“I have had such positive feedback from the community and the vendors, who want another market. I have also had some great suggestions that I am taking into consideration,” she said.

At the next market, on December 18, patrons can expect more food vendors, entertainment, and the like.

“Overall, it will be bigger and better. I encourage all to come out and experience this market, even if you are not from the area,” she said.

To obtain a vendor application, email gwplifestylemarket@gmail.com or WhatsApp 076 287 1502.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za)

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram