Want a fun, sustainable, and environmentally friendly part time job? Get the inside scoop on Potomac Falls students’ opinions on their jobs at the local farmers markets. Take a trip over to One Loudoun to see some familiar faces.

Sierra Bacchus:

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: I’ve been working at the farmer’s market for a little over a year for various vendors!

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING?

A: My favorite part about working is being outside and talking to people. Most people who shop at the farmer’s market are super nice and fun to talk to! A lot of them have cool life stories that are interesting to hear too.

Q: WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE JOB?

A: I pick up my stand and product for the day from my boss’ house, go to the market, set up my stand, sell for about 5-6 hours, and then pack up my car and bring everything back to my boss’ house. I usually have to wake up at 6am and I’m back home by 3pm.

Q: WHAT DOES YOUR STAND SELL?

A: My stand sells cured meats, bacon, charcuterie, sausages, and barbecue!

Q: ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: There are tons of benefits of working at the farmer’s market! One of the biggest ones is that we get paid super well for what we do and it’s typically more than retail and food service jobs – depending on the vendor and owner. The markets are usually outside which is nice, you get the fresh air and vitamin D, and during COVID it was one of the only ways I could socialize with people so that was nice. You also get to trade with other vendors so tons of free food. Everyone’s so nice and down to earth, it’s just such a nice work environment.

Q: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS JOB TO A FRIEND?

A: I would definitely recommend this job to a friend, it’s so much fun. We’re actually hiring right now too! 

Maddison Hansma:

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: I have been working at the farmers market since august.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING?

A: I love getting to talk to different people and form bonds with my regulars at the market. I got the job through a friend who goes to briar. I enjoy getting to work with her and getting to know my other co-workers.

Q: WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE JOB?

A: What I do on the job is on Friday nights we go to the warehouse. We each get assigned a market and we pack the coolers with the juices and then we ice them. On Saturday mornings we either drive to the warehouse and then a driver drives us and the coolers to the farmers market. Or we drive straight to the market. We then wait for the van to get there and the driver helps us set up our tent and the tables. We then have to set up the display bins with the juices and ice in them. We then make sure we have a square all set up and that the display looks pretty. I then talk to the customers and offer samples of our juices and milks for them to try before purchasing the items.

Q: WHAT DOES YOUR STAND SELL?

A: My stand sells cold pressed juice, cashew milks, soups, chia pudding, and granola. Everything is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

Q: ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: The benefits of working at the farmers market is getting to try all different types of foods and getting to know the other vendors. I get to try the other vendors’ food at a discounted price or for free.

Q: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS JOB TO A FRIEND?

A: I would totally recommend this job to a friend as it is pretty easy and straightforward. It is very part-time as I only work on weekends which is nice so I can still do homework and hang out with people during the week.

Maya Natour:

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: I’ve been working at the farmers market for around seven months-ish since May. 

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING?

A: My favorite part about working at the farmers market is meeting all kinds of different people. It’s really personal because I talk to everyone as they walk by and I get to make friends as well. I also love meeting all the dogs at the market too because a lot of the time they come back weekly and it makes the job feel like something to look forward to each week.

Q:WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE JOB?

A:I sell candles at my job. Basically, I go to the market at 8:30 to put up my tent and my tables and set out my setup and then once the market closes at 1 I break everything down. I also help out customers when they’re picking out candles and tell them about all our products.

Q: WHAT DOES YOUR STAND SELL?

A: I sell mostly candles but also soap and bath bombs and things like that.

Q: ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE FARMERS MARKET?

A: There are a few benefits from working at the farmers market. I get to meet tons of great people and make lifelong friends with other vendors and I also get to eat great food there and get discounts on all kinds of stuff sold at the market as well. 

Q: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS JOB TO A FRIEND?

A: I would definitely recommend this job to a friend, especially people my age because it’s improved my people skills as well as given me a chance to work in customer service which can prove to be beneficial in the long run.