At the end of 2023 we set a goal to give up to $1,000 to five local small businesses (up to $200 each) toward their 2024 season at Wildberry. And today, we would like to introduce you to these five local small businesses who are the recipients of the 2024 Wildberry Small Business Fund!
Meet Jennifer Ventola, Owner of The Bundt House
Q: How did you start?
A: I started this small cottage business in 2023, after being encouraged by friends and family for years to turn my baking hobby into a business! Fun fact: our living room became a relocated dining room, after our dining room quickly turned into an extended kitchen!
Q: How will this funding help your small business?
A: Our business has enjoyed great success thus far, but the rising ingredient costs, tuition expenses, and a temporary layoff quickly ate into an already-thin profit margin. I would welcome any extra "breathing room" to be able to attend more events and make our customers’ lives sweeter!
Follow along with The Bundt House on Socials! Facebook
Find The Bundt House at the Field Market on: 6/8, 7/27, 9/14, 10/26, 11/30
Meet Tiffany Ogunwuyi, Owner of Coco&Soy
Q: How did you start?
A: We started because we weren’t satisfied with the harmful and toxic candles in the market. We were on a mission to create a more natural alternative. All of our products are handcrafted, and we create wax melts and candles in three different sizes with a wide variety of unique scents. Our products are family friendly and made from a premium coconut and soy wax!
Q: How will this funding help your small business?
A: Funding will help my small business to stay afloat and make a significant impact in ensuring we have the supplies and tools necessary for our upcoming markets.
Follow along with Coco&Soy on Socials!
Find Coco&Soy at the Field Market on: 6/8, 8/24, 9/28, 10/26, 11/30
Meet Alex Waldorf, owner of Romenta Plants
Q: How did you start?
A: In 2018 I started transforming gardens in Washington DC and helped people create back yard and front yard gardens. I was growing flowers and giving away hundreds of free bouquets in plastic jars and recyclables outside my apartment. I was always working in TV as a production manager and producer but after having my baby a little over a year ago I struggled to get back into work... Since starting our LLC we sold a few hundred bouquets at markets, small businesses, and direct to consumer. Growing my own flowers really makes my bouquets stand out and my TV work helps deliver quality work especially when doing flowers for weddings!
Q: How will this funding help your small business?
A: The funding would allow us to attend [the] market and create so many lasting relationships with locals and visitors alike. Nothing beats the power of face to face business. It would be remarkable to be able to plan on attending in advance and advertise to build a buzz!
Follow along with Romenta Plants on Socials!
Find Romenta Plants at the Field Market on: 6/22 + 7/13
Meet Ashley Bell, Owner of Haus of J.Bell
Q: How did you start?
A: Haus of J.Bell was created in 2020 after the passing of my brother James Bell as the result of suicide due to depression and other mental illnesses. I create body care products and candles as a tool for people to cater to their mental wellness to promote self care and self love. Every month, I donate a portion of my sales to 988 Life Line (formally National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) In my brother’s honor and memory.
Q: How will this funding help your small business?
A: Due to a wrist injury, I had to temporarily stop making products (since 95% of my items are handmade) to allow it heal and prevent further injury. Because of this, I haven’t been able to continue at the same capacity to keep up with demand, ultimately causing income to slow... This gives me a chance to get back into doing what I love!
Follow along with Haus of J.Bell on Socials!
Find Haus of J.Bell at the Field Market on: 8/24, 9/14 + 10/12
Meet Anne Bodnar, Owner of Sweet Annie's Flower Truck
Q: How did you start?
A: Sweet Annie's Flower Truck, located in Severna Park, Maryland, was inspired by a girl's weekend trip to Nashville where I saw "Amelia's Flower Truck" and the inspiration for my next adventure. With the encouragement of my family and friends, the idea flourished and took hold! With a lot of guidance, I found the truck and got it retrofitted, a canopy was purchased, and buckets filled with unique blooms that you can't always find in the store. Everyone loves fresh flowers and it's even better when the bouquet is styled by you to fit your personal taste and budget!
Q: How will this funding help your small business?
A: Funding will help me offset some of the costs running the truck and transporting flowers to events with little loss. I just had major repairs done on the truck over the winter, so every little bit counts!
Follow Sweet Annie's Flower Truck on Socials!
Find Sweet Annie's Flower Truck at the Field Market every date this season!
The Field Market runs the 2nd + 4th Saturday 9am-noon June-November. We hope to see you there!
If you would like to learn more about the Wildberry Small Business Fund, and how we are helping our fellow small businesses, you can find out more here.