INDIANAPOLIS — After Joy Heinz got laid off during the pandemic, she created her own business, Raynbow Baked Goods, named for her daughter, Rayne. She wanted to sell her baked goods at farmers markets and other events. But getting started is hard.
"I was actually denied from every market I applied to this season, which was about 12 markets and events," Heinz said.
Then she found the Faire-Share Market, a market exclusively for women-owned businesses.
"There's a real sense of community here. These women are really willing to help each other," Heinz said.
It's sponsored by Cornerstone Bread Company, and held right in the parking lot on Meridian. Cornerstone's owner, Cindy Helmling, who co-founded the market, says farmer's markets can be hard to break into.
"If you haven't been to a market before, then they're not going to invite you, so we wanted to give our vendors the chance to try it out and see if they like it, then put this on their resume for next season," Heinz said.
This is Faire-Share's first season, and customers are starting to trickle in.
"I would rather, first of all, give my money to someplace local, so that's always my goal. Women have not had as many opportunities, or maybe not as much confidence but these ladies here should be very proud," Cindy Schroeder, who was shopping at the market said.
Mainstream markets can have lots of vendor fees, but this one has a sponsorship program that can help vendors get their businesses off the ground.
"We know, because we've been in farmer's markets, consistency is key, and we see these women showing up Friday after Friday, and it's so inspiring. It just makes us want to do more," Faire-Share co-founder Jenna Tull said.
With the help of Faire-Share, Heinz is building a business and a legacy to make her daughter proud.
"I'm really happy that this business was opened, and I'm really happy that my mom got a booth here," Rayne Heinz said.
The Faire-Share Market is open every Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. through September. You can find it at Cornerstone Bakery at 841 North Meridian Street.
-
Mathurin, Haliburton power Indiana Pacers to 132-121 win over New York Knicks
Bennedict Mathurin scored a career-high 38 points, and Tyrese Haliburton added 35 points and 14 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 132-121 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Flacco's struggles draw boos from Colts fans, questions about another QB change
Flacco's final line in the Colts' 30-20 loss to Buffalo was 26 of 35 for 272 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Mobile Grocery Store aims to eliminate food deserts on Indy's far east side
The Mobile Community Grocery Store is set to open in a couple of weeks. The grocery store is located in a modified, temperature-controlled trailer that will travel to various locations.
13-year-old victim shot in Greenwood, 13-year-old suspect arrested
A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in Greenwood early Sunday morning. Another 13-year-old was arrested for attempted murder.
