Spotted: Oakland Farmer's Market
What are you up to today?
I'm at the farmer's market, enjoying the sun and shopping for groceries.
Is this your weekly hangout?
Kind of. I work for the organization that runs this farmer's market and eight other markets in the Bay Area.
What drew you to that organization?
It's a family business. I work with my dad, who's the executive director, and I've been doing it for nine years now! It's a huge passion of mine, and I love being here.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love supporting local farmers, small family farmers, and bringing them to urban communities that might not have access to that kind of stuff. Making that connection is my favorite thing.
What's something you've seen lately that's caught your interest?
On a trip to Cartagena — I just got back a month ago — we came out of our hotel and we found this amazing street party right outside the church. People were dancing and supporting local street vendors! It reminded me of what we do every week here, and I found it in another country — it was exciting and I loved it! And I'm like, wow —I love that we do something similar in my own neighborhood.
What inspired the trip?
We were on vacation.
What are some of the things you liked most about the trip?
Well, I got engaged!
Congratulations!
Thanks! So, that was a big memory I'll take from the trip. I just loved how vibrant the culture was — they were so welcoming, and the food was delicious. All the ceviche we had was incredible.
What inspires your personal style?
Well, I like to be comfortable. I mean, I love reading all these glossy fashion magazines, but a lot of it's not practical for me. I can't walk through the farmer's market wearing expensive clothing and I can't afford that either, let's be real! So yeah, I wanted to be practical and comfortable. I wear this hat because it's bright and sunny.
Well, I love everything and your bag is nice too!
This is Ali Golden. She has a shop in Temescal Alley. She's a local designer and her bags are awesome. It's reversible and it's very sturdy too. I've had it for, like, two years now and I wear it every day.
Your shirt is nice too! It looks very comfy.
It's used — I buy a lot of my stuff used.
