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Flourishing Beyond the Market
Nurturing Intentional relationships has always been deeply meaningful to me. Earlier this year, I presented a short story idea to our Arlington Farmers Market Manager, Diane Kreig. To my delight, my story was selected to be developed into a short film. This project, funded by the State of Washington Tourism Grant, was an incredible opportunity to showcase how Arlington’s Farmers Market is far more than a place to support local agriculture and artisans—it’s a hub where meaningful connections blossom and ripple far beyond the market stalls.
As I harvest our seasonal flowers, I reflect on how these blooms would travel into the community, brightening homes, celebrations, and lives.
One Saturday at the market, I met Sarah, who stopped by our mobile bloom bar and purchased a seasonal bouquet. She returned the following week and the week after, quickly becoming one of our regulars. During one of her visits, Sarah shared the exciting news that her daughter had recently become engaged. She was eager to work with a local flower farmer to grow, harvest, and design the wedding flowers. Her commitment to supporting local artisans was inspiring, and I was thrilled to help bring her daughter’s floral vision to life. We met to discuss wedding floral ideas, and I offered suggestions for making her vision a reality.
Over the next several months, I nurtured blooms with care and intention and when it was time to harvest, the flowers were meticulously prepared using the same proper hydration techniques I always use to ensure the blooms stay vibrant and fresh.
Sarah visited my farm to pick up the wedding flowers, and as we sorted through the buckets of blooms together, she couldn’t stop praising the quality and thoughtful color palette. Our conversation flowed naturally, and I invited Sarah on a quick tour of the farm. As we wandered, she noticed my honeybee apiary and expressed her fascination with beekeeping. She shared her own experience of trying (and struggling) to manage a hive. As a beekeeper since 2019, I was more than happy to talk bees. I told her about my journey, which was made possible through the guidance of my Master Beekeeper mentor, Tamila Morgan, and shared that recently we organized a treatment-free beekeeping club: The Stilly Valley Bee Collective. Excited and encouraged by our conversation, Sarah decided to attend one of our monthly meetings.
I was delighted to see Sarah at one of our meetings. Since then, we’ve worked side by side, suited up and immersed in the rewarding work of nurturing hives. The Collective has grown into a remarkable community of individuals, including scientists, homesteaders, retired military personnel, builders, artisans, naturopaths, farmers, and teachers. Together, we share resources, exchange knowledge, and support one another, creating a network that extends far beyond beekeeping.
This experience reminded me how the market is not just about selling goods but about nurturing relationships that strengthen our community. Sarah’s journey—from a customer at the market to becoming a beekeeper in our Collective—is just one example of how relationships formed in this space expand into clubs, collaborations, and meaningful friendships.
Whether it’s empowering someone with DIY floral design tips, mentoring a new beekeeper, or simply exchanging stories over a bucket of blooms, these connections enrich all our lives. The Arlington Farmers Market isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a foundation for building a thriving, interconnected community that inspires, uplifts, and flourishes together. 2024 marked my fifth season with Flourish Organic Farms at the Arlington Farmers Market. This season also brought a new milestone: The first season as co-founder of The Flower Farmer Collective, Floral Current. A Collective of like-minded Stilly Valley Flower Farmers, collaborating to make seasonally grown flowers accessible to all.
My hope for you in 2025 is that you'll be inspired and encouraged to connect with your community by supporting local agriculture, visit your local farmers market or join that club you've been curious about. And when you take a stroll throughout the charming downtown shops, take a moment to introduce yourself to the friendly shop owners They'll appreciate that you stopped in to say hello.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Angela and Chris Kuhn of @Ahugeproduction.
Working with them on this project was an absolute pleasure. I truly appreciate how they took the time to listen to my story, understand my vision, and bring it to life with such care and creativity. Their professionalism and talent are truly unmatched.
A special Thank you to my girlfriends for their continued support and for sharing their time & talent in the making of this short film (left to right)
Lauren Bardell @grittyacres
Jaime McCall @faithfulharvestfarm
Carrie Westvang @localsespresso and her daughter Taylor
Our Daughter Haven, may you continue to shine your light
Tamila Morgan @stillyvalleybeecollective with her daughter Darby Kujath
A heartfelt thank you to our shining star, Joey! It has been a pure joy to watch this family grow over the seasons. One memorable Saturday at the market, I noticed Joey holding his wallet, eagerly searching for a special treasure to purchase with his hard-earned cash. Joey's patience with his siblings, articulate nature, and warm, handsome smile are admirable. Joey embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly-Thank you Joey!
See you at the Arlington Farmers Market, where connection grows & community Flourishes!
Cheers to 2025, Kari
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