Brownstown resident Bethany Carmichael of Blooming with Life is one of the vendors at the Seymour Area Farmers Market. She and her family sell fresh cut flowers and some hanging baskets at the market.
Lori McDonald | The Tribune
The Seymour Area Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Walnut Street Parking Lot located south of the railroad tracks near the Jackson County Public Library in Seymour.
The market also is open from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.
Here’s a look at one of the vendors and their products.
Blooming with Life
Owner and names of the people who sell at the market: My name is Bethany Carmichael. I grow all of the flowers and do a lot of the designing. A lot of my family helps me with the business, as well. My mom, Dee Carmichael, sells at other markets as do my sisters, Hannah and Chloe Carmichael. Austin Ortman helps me with anything and everything, and my little brother, Caleb, has endless energy to help me in the garden. Needless to say, it is a whole family adventure.
Residence: Brownstown
Where is your farm or business located?
Brownstown
What items do you sell at the farmers market?
My family and I sell fresh cut flowers as well as some hanging baskets.
What made you want to start your business?
I started growing flowers out of a want to have flowers for my mom, then soon found out that I have a passion for growing, decorating and designing with flowers. I love to see the joy that flowers bring, and I want to give that love to others. I’ve seen the Lord be able to work through my business, bring joy to people that need it and it’s just a privilege that I get to work with his creation and design something beautiful. That’s the greatest reason I do what I do. Also, I love to be with my family and love that I can have a career that I can include my family every step of the way.
Where did you learn to produce your product?
I had a mentor, Jo Boehlke, that got me started. Then my mother and I got busy and just went for it. We really had to tag team our way though the journey. She would do the research, I would make things happen and together, we made it through. We are still learning as we go, and I think there’s nothing more fun than the adventure of growing something new and finding ways to perfect the old.
How long have you been producing this item you sell at the market?
I’ve been selling flowers for four years, but my mom and I have been at the Seymour Area Farmers Market for the last 10 years selling bread and coffee before that. It’s the reason I even considered making a business.
Do you do this full time or is it a side business/hobby?
This is my full-time job, and it’s wonderful. I’m able to work and be around my family, and it doesn’t take me out of the home. Someday when I have a family of my own, I want to homeschool my children. My business will allow me to love and take care of my kids while teaching them how to be entrepreneurs and work with flowers, as well.
What about the farmers market is beneficial to you as a business?
It’s a wonderful way to connect with my community and also sell to people on a weekly basis. I love the opportunity that it gives to start your own business and provide a service to people.
What do you enjoy about selling your goods locally?
I love that people can know where their flowers come from. Not just the grocery store down the street, but a local flower farm that is passionate about beautiful, healthy and local plants.
What are your favorite items that you sell?
I love the challenge of growing new things, so any new flower that I add to my arsenal tends to be my favorite for a while. My snapdragons, sunflowers and lilies are some of my go-to reliables.
What products from other vendors do you enjoy?
Well, let’s be honest, farmers markets are just not the same without Wonning watermelons.
Why do you think folks should stop at the farmers market?
It’s something special to be able to support your community. These aren’t just vendors. These are entrepreneurs that had a vision and worked hard to make it a reality. I’ve appreciated every person who has helped me along the way, and I love to support others.
Website/social media: Facebook: Blooming with Life