Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bundy.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s funny how life brings us down an unexpected path more often than not. Eight years ago, I made the transition from a professional career to a stay at home mom. Money making options for stay at home moms were limited, but I found a great opportunity to sell my crafts at the local market that we frequented each Saturday!
After several years of wonderful community support, I wanted to give back to the market that had helped us get our start. I started volunteering in any position: social media, photography, emails, website, etc. The city of Tomball and the vendors at TFM are amazing. I wanted to do any job that would make the Tomball Market grow, open up spots for new businesses, and LAST throughout the years!
Eventually, I landed a position as the Vice President of the Tomball Farmers Market Board of Directors. Little did I know, I would have to fill the Presidency role in just a few short months. There is something intimidating about all leadership roles, but you have to step up and be the part that is needed. Did I mention that I’m part introvert???!! I began to read anything I could get my hands on about farmers markets, community engagement, leadership, board roles, etc. At this point, we were working with at least 85 small businesses in the area. There were changes all around: new vendors, farm visits, new board members, new location, new rules, new laws, etc. We started working with other nonprofits, businesses wanting to get involved more with the community, and educators!
In October of 2018, the position of Executive Director opened up and I resigned from the board so I could apply. I was one of 60 applicants! The current board understood my heart for community and love for the market. I have been serving in this position ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wouldn’t necessarily describe the road as smooth. There were many struggles along the way. The heart of a volunteer doesn’t always match up with the pocketbook. There are many days that I understood how important the market was to our community but struggled to find a way to pay our bills. My husband was in oil & gas and was laid off. That wasn’t the easiest time to put all my effort into community service.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tomball Farmers Market – what should we know?
At TFM, we proudly share that we are one of the largest markets in all of Houston and the surrounding area, but what sets us apart is dedication.
We are dedicated to making sure our farmers bring what they grow. We are one of the only markets that conduct a farm visit! You would be amazed at the number of markets that allow people to resell items from anywhere!
We are dedicated to local. All of our vendors have to have their business within 150 miles of Tomball.
We are dedicated to quality. We have vendors that have excellent products and have integrity.
We are dedicated to our community. This isn’t just about getting another dollar. It’s about putting dollars back into our community and building it up.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people deserve credit! There honestly aren’t enough pages to list everyone. But I want to thank the following:
– God- for blessing me with this opportunity to serve in my community.
– My family- for lifting me up and supporting me even when it was a sacrifice for us.
– The City of Tomball- for supporting us always!
– My Board of Directors, Committee Members, Market Coordinator, Police Officers, and Vendors- for being amazingly hardworking & supportive of TFM, the Vendors, and Community.
– The Community- for supporting TFM for 11 YEARS!
Contact Info:
- Address: 205 W Main St
Tomball, TX 77375 - Website: http://www.tomballfarmersmarket.org/
- Phone: 832-422-5669
- Email: tfmvendorcommittee@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfmmarketdays/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/tomballfarmersmarket/
Image Credit:
https://instagram.com/legendaryteddy?igshid=17u2yiikkm5uv
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