Christmas breakfast, brunch at Green Market

Vendor Indira Romero explains how it started, “For the past five years, we have been selling our products at the market on a Sunday. We cater to two groups of customers – those who want to grab and go and purchase things like coconut bake, buljol, tomato and baigan choka on the way to the beach. And those who would like to sit, meet new people and enjoy good family entertainment and great food. One of our vendors suggested the concept of Christmas in July last year during the slow vacation period, and that’s how this idea was borne.” Patrons at the market were greeted by the rhythmic sounds of live music by Ernesto Garcia, who Romero describes as a “very human and down-to-earth person who loves to help and entertain.” The excitement continued as DJ Kari D entertained with parang and other popular Christmas and Latin favourites.

“We encourage youth entrepreneurship – there are children who come here to sell produce with their parents, including special kids all the way from Gasparee Island who sell their handmade jewellery. Did you know our DJ is only 12 years old?” Romero says gleefully, pointing her out.

Romero, who is an art and language teacher by profession, explained how she began selling her all-natural bread. “After my mum suffered a massive heart attack a few years ago, I wanted to find a way for her to still enjoy pastelles etc, so her doctors advised me to make small changes to her diet.” She now uses only100 per cent cold pressed virgin coconut oil in lieu of butter and margarine.

She uses 100 per cent organic white flour and whole wheat and also makes different varieties of bread such as rosemary, beetroot, oatmeal, passion fruit, pineapple, chadon beni, mango, tangerine and orange.

She explains that they are the first group of vendors in TT to operate a market that is not owned, organised and promoted by anyone.

“We are able to function without funding because of a group effort and we are very grateful to the owners of the San Antonio Green Market for the opportunity to operate as a community of entrepreneurs,” Romero says.

“I believe we have been successful in managing not only our own individual micro-businesses, but a group business.

We pay rent and do not have a marketing department or budget for advertising or printing flyers.

Every single vendor is responsible for spreading the word to the public that we are here every Sunday and our product is a unique ‘one-of-akind market’.” The vendors began selling food items and have since diversified their offerings, ranging from moringa powder to bath and beauty products, from all-natural cocoa based lotions to home-made wine and coffee and cocoa brewed on site. Some of the vendors are at the Green Market every Sunday.

In order to cater for a larger crowd at bigger events and festivals, the Breakfast and Brunch Sunday experience partners with restaurants such as Taryn’s Restaurant and Mr Isle’s Catering.

“The behaviour of a vendor is different when they don’t have to report to management.

Everyone takes a greater pride and responsibility in beautifying their space and keeping it clean.

We work together in harmony and respect one another. We have learnt the needs of our customers because it’s our business, our face and our product. It’s not only about making money on the day, but creating leads further afield, fostering entrepreneurship and providing a unique offering to the public,” Romero says. For more information call 392-4966, email at jaammromero@gmail.

com or visit Facebook: Breakfast and Brunch Sunday Experience.