In the wake of an overall underwhelming Black Friday, the small-businesses of Orlando are jumping at the chance to provide the gifts that mean more to those that wish to shop small. Pop-ups and vendor festivals are excited to host these public events to grow community and spread love, especially during the holiday season.
“It’s one thing to purchase something purely because it’s enjoyable, and its another thing to purchase something because its enjoyable and has love and intention behind it,” said Kat Ann.
Kat Ann organizes the Moon Mercado, a hidden gem at the Summerlin House venue in Thornton Park that hosts a variety of local vendors. This twice-monthly event occurs on the nights of the Full and New Moons and boasts an energy of connectivity and gentility that feeds the air of community as well as individuality.
“This time of year people like to show love for people in their lives by gifting them things,” Ann said in an interview.
The vendors are known and loved by those who visit the Moon Mercado, for their hand-made jewelry, soaps, tarot readings, moonlit yoga, cleansing herbs, home décor, and delicious food.
One vendor that frequents the Moon Mercado is Dulce Spells, the Puerto Rican bakehouse that provides magical, organic cakes to Orlando’s market-people.
“There are really cool people, the vibe is amazing. It’s one of the most chill and fun interactive markets,” said Joannie Betancourt, owner of Dulce Spells. This was their third time popping-up at the Moon Mercado, and they were eager to join in with the community drum-circle at this event.
“Being able to have a space where they know they can find not only a variety of things but that they are all hand-made by a real person here in Central Florida, it adds more value to the products themselves,” said Ann.
The love and care that go into these products, booths, and events are what makes local markets the best place to find the perfect gift for someone special.
This holiday season is the perfect time to give a gift that means more, show support to small-businesses, and shop local.
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