This month, we were able to catch up with Andrea Kerlinger, the market manager for the Lake Nona Saturday Farmer’s Market. If you have not yet attended the event, the market runs on Saturdays at the Lake Nona Valencia Campus. A variety of different vendors are showcased at the event, from Tesla to JMS Coffee, sure to offer something for every taste and preference.
Check out our interview with Andrea below!
NHN: What inspired you to move to Lake Nona and where are you from originally?
AK: The market started at Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and Education Center in the fall of 2014, therefore, it has always been in Lake Nona since its conception.
NHN: Tell me about what inspired Lake Nona Saturday Market? What is the event’s origin story?
AK: It originally started at The Wildlife Center on Clapps Sims Duda Road as a way to raise additional funding for the animals that needed care at the center.
NHN: How did the event begin to come together?
AK: It was the brainchild of the volunteers and staff at Back to Nature Wildlife Center.
NHN: Who are some of the vendors present at the event?
AK: We are an open market, which means we allow direct sales as compared to most markets, which don’t. Our vendor list includes doTERRA Essential Oils, Local Raw Honey, Eagle Landscape Nursery, Caribbean Sweet Treats, Wildtree Organic Seasoning, Spices and Sauces, JMS Coffee (owned by a disabled veteran), Boston Creation’s, Boot Camp of Orlando, REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated spotlights with us), Tesla, A Bit of Energy Charms, BathFitters and Wholesale Direct Seafood, Avon, and locally grown produce when available.
NHN: How does Lake Nona Saturday Market add to the local community?
AK: We provide an unusual shopping opportunity for residents to purchase locally-sourced products where possible and unique items that would be of interest to the residents of Lake Nona. We showcase, promote and support local small business, women in business and artisans.
NHN: If you could describe the Lake Nona Saturday Market in three words, what would they be?
AK: Unique, aspiring and collaborative.
NHN: What do you hope for the future of Lake Nona Saturday Market?
AK: That it continues to grow and prosper so that we will be better able to support and care for the animals who live at the Back to Nature Wildlife Center and so that we can continue to bring new and innovative vendors to the residents of Lake Nona. A huge thank you goes out to Valencia Community College for hosting us and, in particular, Mr. Johnathon Hernandez, campus director.
NHN: What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in putting the market together?
AK: Being that it is an outdoor market, the elements play a large factor in our day-to-day success. The constant “wind tunnel” effect makes for interesting times for vendors and customers alike.
NHN:What has been one of the most memorable moments in the market?
AK: Having the opportunity to sit and talk with several disabled veterans who have come to the market, to be able to listen to and share their experiences. Several celebrities we have met and the overwhelming, heartwarming response we have received from the residents of Lake Nona, several of our customers having become vendors at our market.
New vendors can put in an application at btnsaturday@gmail.com or just come out to the market and meet the team!
