Consistency: An Open Market Update

By Adriana Mendoza

It’s October 1st and that means we officially have 5 Open Markets left for the year. ⁣

On March 15th we closed our doors to the public as the pandemic tidal wave made its presence. Over the next two months our entrepreneurs picked up their inventory and we prepared to close up shop by May 31st when our lease ended. ⁣

But the Universe had other plans for us and the larger community. We received the message that our work was not done as we got the notice for an extension of our lease at the end of May. But at that point, our shelves were empty. So we did what we do best and adapted to our situation. ⁣

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The Saturday Open Markets started out with only Jícara Ancestral Remedies , offering their artisanal cacao and kombucha and one table showcasing some of the goods we had in our online shop. Inside the shop, we made space for community organizers and activists to build up inventory for protest supplies as we took the streets after the death of George Floyd. ⁣

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Fast forward to today, the Open Market has flourished and brought back that inexplicable energy many of you are aware of when you walk into an FFDC space. We have slowly transitioned to fill the shelves back up with inventory while still holding space for community organizers to house supplies for protests and mutual aid. ⁣

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What this year has affirmed for us is that anything is possible with CONSISTENCY and when you do the work. Thank you to all those who have shown up these past fews months. To the customers who continue to support creative visions. To the entrepreneurs putting in the work to carry out their visions. If 2020 has taught us anything, we have only each other to keep us safe and prosperous. ⁣

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We wanted to take a moment give a special thank you to Jícara Ancestral Remedies who catalyzed the Open Markets and has shown up every single weekend to make it happen. You all are deeply appreciated. ⁣

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We have a great lineup every Saturday for the rest of October so you already know what to do if you want to catch our vibes...see you this Saturday.

© Femme Fatale DC 2020