Returning to the Saturday Morning Market in St Petersburg, FL

It's that time of year again! After a long, incredible summer spent in upstate NY, I'm thrilled to be packing up my jewelry and heading back to Florida just in time to return to the beloved Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. This weekly farmer's market has become a cornerstone of my business, Blossom and Shine, and I can't wait to reconnect with my loyal customers and see some of my favorite local vendors.

As a jewelry designer nestled in the heart of sunny St. Pete, the Saturday Morning Market holds a special place in my heart. This lively gathering is where I first introduced my handcrafted business to the community back in 2009. Over the past 15 years, it's been amazing to watch the market grow and evolve, while remaining a beloved tradition that brings the city together every Saturday, October through May. 

One of the things I love most about this market is the sense of community. Whether I'm chatting with a longtime customer about their latest jewelry purchase or connecting with a new face drawn in by the sparkling display of jewelry, there's an undeniable energy that fills the air. It's not just about buying and selling - it's about sharing stories, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the unique character of St. Petersburg.

And of course, I can't wait to reconnect with some of my favorite vendors at the market. Yuki of Miss Johnny Squirrel, a good friend of mine, will be there selling her cute and quirky stickers, cards, mugs, and tea towels featuring her original artwork. I have a full collection of her goods in my home and love picking up new pieces as gifts. Her whimsical designs never fail to put a smile on my face, and I know her booth will be colorful and vibrant as always.

Another must-visit is A House on the Beach Candles, where I'll be stocking up on the most amazing smelling handmade candles in gorgeous concrete vessels. The owner, Christina, a fellow small business owner like myself, puts so much care and attention into each candle, using high-quality coconut/apricot was and essential oils to create unique, long-lasting fragrances. What I love most is that she donates a portion of the proceeds to ocean conservation efforts - it's the perfect combination of a luxurious product and a meaningful cause.

Of course, no trip to the Saturday Morning Market would be complete without a stop at the farm booths. Every week, I make sure to visit the stalls of Little Pond Farm, Crooked Johnson, and TrailBale Farm to stock up on fresh local produce, delicious sausages, and high-quality meats. Little Pond Farm always has the most vibrant, flavorful fruits and vegetables, from juicy tomatoes to crisp greens, and I love supporting their sustainable, small-scale farming practices. Crooked Johnson's artisanal sausages are a staple in my house, with flavors that range from classic Italian to creative specialty blends. And Trail Bale Farm provides the foundation for so many of my weekly meals with their grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and chicken.

In between my shopping trips, I always make sure to start my Saturday morning with a mouthwatering breakfast sandwich from La Petite France. Their buttery baguettes and fluffy eggs are the perfect fuel to power me through a busy market day. And when the afternoon heat starts to set in, I cool off with a refreshing iced ginger beer from Big Crush Slush Company. Their small batch crafted beverages are created using fresh ginger root, herbs and citrus and are the ideal pick-me-up.

As I prepare to return to my usual spot this Saturday, I can already feel the excitement bubbling up. I'll be bringing a fresh collection of new jewelry I created this summer.  I’m excited to unveil a fresh collection of jewelry I created over the summer. My new designs capture the essence of Blossom and Shine, blending nature-inspired motifs with modern styles.  Whether you’re drawn to delicate floral elements or sleek geometric shapes, my new rings and earrings, there's something for every jewelry lover.

So if you happen to be in the St. Pete area this Saturday morning, October 5, be sure to swing by the Saturday Morning Market and visit the Blossom and Shine jewelry booth. I'll be there with my mom, eager to reconnect, share my latest creations, and help you find that perfect piece to add a touch of sparkle to your wardrobe. See you at the market!