We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lindsey Parker. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lindsey, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s Often Misunderstood About Our Work
That’s a great question, and it touches on the multifaceted nature of running two passion-driven businesses. I think the biggest misunderstanding is the sheer scope and relentless pace of what we do daily.
Many people see the public-facing side of Parker Pickling Co. or The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market – the vibrant products, the bustling market days. What they often don’t see is the constant, behind-the-scenes work that truly never stops.
For Parker Pickling Co., production is a continuous cycle, often consuming our thoughts even beyond working hours. This tireless effort extends to managing the Farmer’s Market, where we’re always on call, whether it’s adjusting schedules, resolving unexpected issues, or handling constant communication from vendors. This often means working around the clock, sometimes even during family time, because every text, call, or last-minute change impacts not just us, but our entire community of vendors and customers.
There’s also a common misconception that being a business owner means life is stress-free or financially effortless. The reality is, we face daily obstacles and stressful situations, just like anyone else. We’re not billionaires; we’re dedicated individuals who are also parents balancing family life with the demands of two growing businesses.
Finally, the extensive time and effort involved in marketing both the pickling company and the market is often underestimated. Every last-minute change can significantly impact our promotional efforts and, consequently, everyone involved.
Ultimately, while we pour our hearts into both Parker Pickling Co. and The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market, it’s a constant juggling act that requires immense dedication, resilience, and a deep understanding that time truly is money for every minute we invest.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Welcome to Parker Pickling Co. and The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Parker Pickling Co. and The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market, two ventures born from a deep love for delicious, handcrafted goods and a passion for fostering vibrant community connections.
At Parker Pickling Co., we’re dedicated to crafting exceptional pickles and pickled goods that burst with flavor and quality. Our brand is all about bringing that satisfying crunch and tangy zest to your table, made with time-honored techniques and a commitment to fresh, real ingredients. What makes us truly special is our hands-on approach and the personal touch in every jar, ensuring a taste that stands out from the rest.
Our story began as a personal journey. My husband and I dreamed of a way out of the demanding 9-to-5 hustle so we could raise our child together, with both of us present and engaged. This desire led us to explore new paths, and after our first big event at Pickle Palooza in 2024, we had an “aha!” moment. We realized we had something truly special on our hands. This discovery fueled our decision to jump in with everything we had, giving it our all to make this dream a reality. For my husband, this meant leaving his full-time job, and for both of us, it meant focusing entirely on building a successful future, guided by our faith.
This quickly evolved into realizing the potential to do more for our local community. That’s where The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market comes in. As the new owners, we’re pouring our hearts into revitalizing this beloved local hub. We believe in creating a space where local farmers, artisans, and makers can connect directly with their community, offering fresh, unique products you won’t find anywhere else. It’s about cultivating a strong local economy, celebrating regional talent, and providing a delightful experience for everyone who walks through into our market.
Why do we do this? It’s simple: we believe in the power of good food and strong communities. We’re driven by the joy of creating something delicious, the satisfaction of supporting local businesses, and the invaluable connections we build along the way.
What We’re Up To Now!
Currently, we’re buzzing with activity! For Parker Pickling Co., we’re excited to announce we’re expanding our availability so more people can get their hands on our delicious products. Mark your calendars, as we’ll be participating in exciting events this year, including “In A Pickle” in Kingwood this September, along with many other great events throughout the year. We’ve also recently partnered with Tomball Farmer’s Market, where you can find us throughout the month on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Plus, we’re in talks with an up-and-coming new retail spot that’s looking to host our items, making them even more accessible!
Simultaneously, we’re working tirelessly to enhance the experience at The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market. You can find us every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 AM to 1 PM at 32907 Tamina Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354. We’re bringing in an even wider variety of incredible vendors and planning exciting events to make every market day a memorable one.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey—whether it’s by savoring our pickles or exploring the treasures at our market!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Nana, Carolyn Jordan: The First to See Me Clearly
When I reflect on who truly saw me before I could fully see myself, one person immediately comes to mind: my Nana, Carolyn Jordan. She possessed a remarkable patience, a quiet strength that allowed her to guide me with such profound clarity.
Nana was the one who first taught me my way around a kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into something magical. Every whisk, every stir, every chop was a lesson not just in cooking, but in life. When I inevitably made mistakes – and there were many – she never chastised. Instead, she would gently talk to me, lovingly showing me the difference between right and wrong, always reinforcing the lessons with kindness.
Beyond the culinary lessons, Nana instilled in me the unwavering belief that hard work and dedication could make any dream come true. Her own life was a testament to this, and she quietly nurtured that same drive within me.
Most uniquely, she was the one who saw and celebrated the “pickle-loving princess” in me long before I fully embraced it. Her nurturing of that quirky passion became the foundation of everything I do today. Indeed, I owe her my unwavering passion for pickles, and so much more. She didn’t just teach me skills; she helped me discover who I was meant to be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To my younger self,
If I could lean in and whisper one kind thing to you, it would be this: it’s okay to mess up. You’re going to stumble, you’re going to make mistakes, and that’s not just normal, it’s essential. What truly matters, what really defines you and shapes your character, is how you bounce back from those moments.
You are not, and never will be, put on this earth to please everyone. Let that burden go. Your strength lies not in conforming, but in being authentically you. You are far stronger than you think, and with dedication, passion, and a laser focus, you are capable of accomplishing truly big things. Believe in that.
Through all of life’s twists and turns, remember that family truly is the most important thing. Cherish them, lean on them, and know that one day, you are going to make a great mother.
With love and perspective,
Your Future Self
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a really insightful question, and it’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to. I’d say the public version of me is definitely the surface.
What people usually see is the focused, energetic individual managing Parker Pickling Co. and The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market—the person who’s enthusiastic about community and quality products. And that enthusiasm is absolutely real!
However, beneath that surface is a constant whirlwind. I’m regularly stressing over the day’s issues, running at “90-nothing” with a million things on my plate, and often forgetting to stop for meals. It’s easy to get completely sucked into the hustle of business life, and I have to consciously pull myself back to make time for other things.
So, while the passion and dedication you see are genuine, there’s a whole lot more happening behind the scenes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, the story I truly hope people tell about me is that of a passionate woman who, above all else, fiercely prioritized her family and their togetherness. I hope they remember that every ounce of hard work and dedication I poured into building Parker Pickling Co. and nurturing The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market was driven by the desire to create a life where my husband and I could raise our son side-by-side.
I want them to say that I loved my family with every fiber of my being, and that in the process of building a “pickle empire” with my incredible husband by my side, I also had the immense privilege of raising an amazing young man. Despite the long working hours, the endless to-do lists, and the inevitable stress that came with chasing such big dreams, I hope they acknowledge that I was able to give my child and my family the best life possible.
Ultimately, I hope the story is that I wasn’t just building businesses; I was building a life, a purpose, and a legacy for my child, rooted in love, resilience, and the sweet, tangy taste of hard-earned success.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thecourtyardcollective.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerpicklingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561441036682
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/courtyardcollectivetx
https://www.instagram.com/thecourtyardcollectivetx/
