Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Harris
Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I taught high school agriculture for 20 years and then finished my education career as an administrator and CTE Director. After I retired, I really wanted to return to my passion for agriculture and began looking for a place to open a market to showcase and support local growers and producers. In Fall 2022, we were able to purchase an old community building that my uncle ran for a local family when it opened as a grocery store in 1955. We currently operate with 125+ growers, producers, bakers, and artisans in the area and work hard to bring attention to local talent and the diverse world of agriculture.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, the renovation was a struggle. It took 7-8 months (and scores of local trades people) to rehab the building to open in July 2023. Other struggles have centered on truly being committed to offering only local products and working tirelessly to locate appropriate growers and producers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FarmSouth?
FarmSouth is a South Knoxville marketplace for local goods. We currently highlight 125+ growers, producers, bakers, artisans, and collectors.
We began taking vendor applications in Fall 2022, and we have an amazing and diverse group of individuals and farms that we showcase.
I have visited most all of the farms that are represented, and I am committed to offering the highest quality products. We are also dedicated to “Celebrating Community” (our motto) and feature local musicians and artists of all ages.
We are also educational in nature, providing information relevant to agriculture and hosting events and/or workshops to stimulate interest in the diverse world of agriculture.
We are set apart by our commitment to be “truly local”, which is an education in itself.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Listen, listen, listen. I am surrounded by experts in their respective fields. Even though I am the coordinator and facilitator for all these folks, I have lots to learn from them.
I also try to listen very carefully to our customers about their desires and needs. I work hard at learning names and faces and developing relationships with the great people we meet every day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @farmsouth_
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/farmsouthknox
