We are sisters thats the first thing. Britney was a sourdough baker herself and before that we owned a tutu business with our mom so we have been on both sides. In 2024 Britney decided she wanted to open her own market after doing some pop up events and from there thats where the story started.
When did the idea for the Melissa Market first take shape, and what inspired you to pursue it?
It started November of 2024, we wanted to start not only a place for small business to sell but for those vendors to know the ones who run the market. We wanted it not to just be a place to sell but a family and thats what we feel we have done.
What do you remember most about getting the market off the ground?
The biggest thing was actually getting it approved to start. It was a long process, you have to go through so many applications and approvals through so many departments to get it started.
Building a local market comes with its share of surprises. What have been some of the harder moments you've had to work through?
The first year I'd say was hard. We were new at it of course small businesses were weary. We had to build it from the ground up. Every weekend we still are working to improve and thinking what we can do as coordinators for a better experience for everyone.
Looking back, what has running the Melissa Market taught you that you didn't expect to learn?
Honestly, how much work actually goes into it. Between application, social media, and planning not only that weeks event but the entire year. We have found a new respect for those who run events and do what we do.
Tell us more about the Melissa Market, and what can people in your community come to it for?
We run The Melissa Market it's an all year round every Saturday market. We have everything from food trucks, homemade items, baked goods, kids crafts, etc. You can come out and find things you've never thought you needed. We do special events where we have activities for kids and families. Taking an hour out of your Saturday would not disappoint you.
When someone chooses to visit the Melissa Market, what do you hope they notice or experience that sets you apart?
That we are a family. It's not just a market it's something so much more. Between the amazing vendors to the customers that come out from all over its just the right place to be. We have built this in hopes of small businesses thriving and thats truly all we ever wanted.
Is there a part of the market that you wish more people knew about?
We are located next to a playground, splash pad, and a fishing pond!
What can someone expect when they visit the Melissa Market for the first time?
When someone visits the Melissa Market for the first time, we hope that they can see that it's more than just a place to shop. We want them to feel welcomed and like they're part of our little community from the moment they arrive. We want them to be able to discover something new and meet the faces behind the businesses they are supporting and leave already looking forward to coming back.
What keeps you excited about the work you do?
The achievements of our vendors, whether it be bigger or small, watching them grow is probably one of the biggest blessings and what truly keeps us going.
What are some of the values or principles that guide the way you run the Melissa Market?
Honestly integrity and value, we want our vendors to feel appreciated and never taken advantage of while our customers feel included and welcomed
What does being a local market coordinator mean to you, and what do you appreciate most about the community you're part of?
it means the world to us to be a woman owned business, especially as stay at home moms as well. We get to pursue our dream of both owning a market while raising our children Melissa Texas has showed up for us and the most profound ways and we are so grateful to be a part of such an incredible community.
Is there a customer story that has stayed with you?
The biggest story that has stayed with us is actually from one of our vendors Café LaFaye. We got to watch them firsthand as their business grew from when they first started with us. They were a food truck with a tent next to it and from there they were able to get a bigger food truck and continue to do events with us. They then had grown so much that they were able to get a store front. I think watching them grow has been one of the most beautiful stories. You can find them in McKinney inside the flower mill at 407 E. Louisiana St. McKinney Tx 75069
“We want it to be a place to gather with friends and family, a place that feels more like a community than a shopping experience.”