I recently have had the pleasure of sitting down with Christina Moser, co-owner of Moser’s Market and Barn. She is cheery, comfortable, and has an obvious love for people and local networking. Read on about her and her husband, Brad’s, journey into Moser’s Farm Market and Barn; a beloved community market selling local produce and goods including apples, peaches, blackberries, pumpkins, honey and Der Dutchman donuts!
Who were the BEFORE people?
Brad and Christina Moser were married on Christina’s grandfather’s apple farm, Brumbaugh Fruit Farm in Arcanum, Ohio. Once married, they bought a house with an old barn that was in bad shape and the wheels began to turn. Christina was raised on a farm with apples all around her, and Brad was no stranger to getting his hands dirty and putting in hard work, as he had been working in landscaping. They had a few business pursuits and ideas in the past, but nothing that ever got off the ground…
How did this opportunity present itself? When did you know you were going to jump into your idea officially?
After purchasing their home with the old barn in 2017, they began to dream up some solid plans about what they wanted to accomplish with that space. They just had “the calling” as Christina describes it.
Christina came from a family of entrepreneurs and some of her earliest childhood memories were grading apples with her grandfather at his market and sorting through apples to sell. She fondly told stories about how she ran her grandfather’s market register as a child … at this point in our conversation, Christina is all smiles, talking about how her kids do the same now, and how they are “all in” and are wonderful supports.
Brad took the opportunity during the landscaping slow season to absolutely re-build their old barn, and just like that, they were off and running. They partnered with a few local businesses, including Olivina Taproom, Thunderkiss, and Local Roots, and opened to sell locally sourced produce and goods for a short 6-7 week season, “to see how it goes.” (Every entrepreneur’s last words, if you ask me!)
What went into the decision-making process?
This was a lot of back and forth, but the final decisions to open the market came down to Brad and Christina’s trust in one another and their faith, praying over the pursuit.
What were some roadblocks or obstacles you encountered?
TIME! Time has always been, and remains today, the biggest obstacle for this busy family of 4, who have daytime jobs, sports teams, and a life outside the market. Being open on the weekends also presents many challenges to children’s activities and the family social life.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
“We would have asked for help sooner.” They waited a whole year to ever ask for help with the kids, and finally hired babysitters, so they could free their hands up for more time spent working on the market. ** Spoken like a true, dedicated parent entrepreneur. **
What is one piece of advice you would offer current or aspiring entrepreneurs?
You HAVE to network and be generous with your time.
You HAVE to be open to conversations and ideas.
But at the same time, you HAVE to hold your boundaries and align with people that give you and your business energy!
What are some immediate goals for the business?
This changes every day. We need to solve the issue of more parking space needed, and continue to grow the business. We’d love to ultimately take the market to new heights so that we can officially make it our full-time family business and leave our day jobs behind.
How are things going now?
“Good!” Christina replied with a genuine smile. Side note: if you ever ask a business owner this question and they say “good” without smiling, or worse, with a sigh- then yea, things are not actually good… Send some understanding and a few extra hands their way.
According to Christina, people now seem happier and like they are coming out of their shells and out of survival mode from COVID. This has been their longest open season for the business, but has gone the fastest and smoothest.
Who are the most instrumental people on your team and in the start-up process?
There was a zero second lull before Christina blurts “my kids! They are our biggest supports, and they help so much and work hard,” as do their many local produce and business partners. Christina moves on to specifically credit her dear Aunt Patti who was most instrumental in preparing the market visually and getting the barn ready for opening. Aunt Patti expertly assisted with their visual merchandising and artfully crafted the initial barn displays to get them ready for their opening day in 2018.
What do you see the business accomplishing in the future?
The Mosers hope that Moser’s Farm Market and Barn will grow to be a staple in a larger part of their community. They are ready to grow it, and to enhance it. They plan to hold on to every ounce of the family nostalgia it brings them and all who grace the market. She hopes one day for her children to own it and for them to continue to nurture and grow it.
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I have no doubts that this loving family will continue to nurture Moser’s Farm Market and Barn and continue to bless our community far into the future. Do yourself a favor, and pop in for some local delights and a warm smile! While the market is closing soon for the season, keep an eye on the Moser’s social media account for upcoming holiday baskets and for new and upcoming ideas and locally sourced goods and for the official re-opening coming in June 2022.
You can find Moser’s Farm Market and Barn on Instagram and Facebook. Trust me, you’ll want to give them a follow- their crisp and beautiful photos of the barn and hand chosen produce will wow you.
Stay tuned to the Hatched Consulting Blog for more inspiring small business stories!
Moser’s Farm Market and Barn
3350 Clark-Shaw Rd, Powell, OH 43065