Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirka Cavaliere
Hi Mirka, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I arrived in this country in 2008 and have been working for a fast-food chain ever since. Two years ago, I had a moment of realization and asked myself, “Where will I be in 10 years?” The answer scared me, and I decided it was time to become independent. Together with a friend, we started a company to sell hot dogs. However, before we could fully launch the business, due to personal reasons, she had to return to Miami. I thought to myself, “What should I do now?” At that time, I was the General Manager of the fast-food chain, a role that requires a 24/7 commitment. I began attending events and farmers’ markets throughout the Orlando area. I spent a year tirelessly participating in these activities.
During this time, I met the owner of the East Orlando Farmers Market, Mrs. Diana Ruiz. She had already heard my story and began encouraging me, saying, “Why don’t you create your own farmers’ market? I can help you.” And so it happened. I had to step down from my position to lead both of my ventures. With the support and help of my family and unconditional friends like Miguel Cardenas, the Multicultural Farmers Market grew, and Hot Dog World became a staple at our market.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth journey at all. First, there was the uncertainty of financial stability. Then came the long process of finding a suitable location for the market. With the help of Faith Assembly Church, especially Brittany and Savannah, we were able to secure the rental space, even though they typically do not rent out for this type of business. After that, it was about engaging the community to visit us. With the support of our vendors, who promote us on their social media platforms, we are gradually gaining recognition. However, we are still struggling with foot-traffic. Because the location is not easily seen from the outside/from the road, it’s hard to incentivize people to stop by. If it’s not by word of mouth or people getting our ads on social media, we are virtually invisible. We’re trying to find ways to get the word out and let people know about our farmers market the best we can. Getting vendors has been the easy part, the challenge has been raising awareness about our farmers market so people stop by to explore and support our vendors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What sets us apart from other markets is our commitment to incorporating a diverse range of cultures among our vendors. We strive to bring in sellers from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere. So far, we have featured vendors from several Latin American countries, offering unique foods and crafts that showcase the rich heritage of their homelands. This cultural diversity not only enhances the experience for our visitors but also provides a platform for small businesses to share their traditions and stories. One of the things we are most proud of is how our market has evolved into a close-knit community. Our vendors support one another, sharing resources and forming valuable connections, which has created a warm, collaborative atmosphere. We’ve also made it a priority to offer activities that make our market a fun and welcoming place for families. Recently, we’ve introduced free activities for kids, such as a bouncy house, pumpkin painting, and various games. It’s a joy to see families spending the day together, enjoying the vibrant environment we’ve worked hard to build.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The best advice I can give is to chase your dreams. Nothing in life comes easy, and we don’t always have things within our reach. We encounter obstacles, but these challenges help us become stronger and more resilient. I’ve learned that when one door closes, five windows open. The support of family and friends is incredibly valuable because they offer words of encouragement when things don’t go as planned. It’s important to listen to their advice because sometimes we focus on just one path, but the truth is, there are many. Often, it’s those around us who help us see that there isn’t just one way to reach our goals—there are many paths, and we need to keep an open mind to the suggestions from those we trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://multiculturefarmersmarket.com
- Instagram: multicultural.farmersmarket
- Facebook: Multi-Cultural Farmers Market
Image Credits
Picture’s are curtesy of Multicultural Farmers Market
