Hannah Gustafson, founder of The Tiny Project, oversees the Tiny Farmer's Market, The Tiny Post and the Studio Series. (Courtesy The Tiny Farmer's Market)
Hannah Gustafson started the Tiny Farmer’s Market in her East Austin neighborhood last April, selling homemade jams in her front yard. She had just been laid off from her job and was looking for a way to meet her neighbors and create the community she had been craving.
“In those first three hours of the Tiny Farmers Market, it was like I had met more of my neighbors than I had in the three years of living in that house,” Gustafson said. “So, it just completely sparked something inside of me, and I was just like ‘I think I could do this every month, like I could be consistent.’”
Within a year, what started with a sole vendor turned into a lineup of more than 30 artisans and an influx of support for the monthly Tiny Farmer’s Market.
Market attendees can shop food, drinks, flowers, jewelry, clothes, trinkets, art and more. (Courtesy The Tiny Farmer's Market)
What they offer
Each market has unique offerings with a vendor waitlist of about 300 applicants. Attendees can always find something new, including matcha and coffee, ceramic goods, art, hand-sewn items, jewelry, coffee syrups and stained glass decor.
Gustafson’s favorite products at the market include miniature clay magnets, fish-inspired keychains and beaded brooches.
Who it’s for
As a market for the people, several intentional details make it accessible to all. For starters, Gustafson crafted the offerings to include free drinks and live music, so that no one in attendance felt like they had to pay to participate in the community.
“It's really turned into more of this goal of having a third space where people can come and they don't have to spend money, but if they would like to, then they can support a local hobbyist,” Gustafson said.
Next, nearly every vendor is at the beginning of their career as an artisan; therefore, the market serves as a place to experiment and fail without pressure.
The farmer’s market also offers free items at its markets, including a newly debuted beer dubbed “Tiny Beer.” The beverage launched at The Tiny Farmer’s Market’s one-year anniversary market April 18. (Courtesy The Tiny Farmer's Market)
One more thing
An additional pillar of Gustafson’s brand, The Tiny Project, she also has a mail club called The Tiny Post, where about 5,200 subscribers from all over the world get a monthly envelope filled with art, writing, stickers, a recipe and more.
As the final branch, Gustafson has the Studio Series to uplift hobbyists and help them make money from their craft. The series allows artisans and crafters to teach a class at the studio, bringing the community together in a new way.
Stay tuned
Up next for the Tiny Farmer’s Market is its first pop-up after dark, taking place June 7 at P6 in downtown Austin. The market will feature 30 vendors and three live bands; attendees are encouraged to make a $10 donation in exchange for a drink ticket, with all proceeds going to the Andy Roddick Foundation.
Following the night market, additional monthly markets this summer are scheduled for June 13, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.
