We had the good fortune of connecting with Meg Kabotie Adakai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meg, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Four the previous four years, I managed one of the largest farmers markets in Arizona called Flagstaff Community Market. Working at that market, I found my passion for putting on community events, supporting local farmers, local food, and local small business. I was born and raised in East Flagstaff where there are more neighborhoods and I wanted to bring a market to this side of town that would support more of the local community and bring super high quality, ultra fresh local food closer to families who might not always have access to the larger market.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path looks like a winding, twisting road that sometimes doubles back on itself. What sets me apart from others and what I am most proud of is my dedication to my community, my desire to bring local food to that community, and to support systems that are regenerative and support the earth, the ecosystem, and the people. I got to where I am professionally through immense growing pains, but by trying to stick with it through the growing pains. This first year of starting this business has been one of the hardest of my life, but I am focusing on the gift of seeing people’s gratitude for bringing a new market to the east side of Flagstaff, and for bringing fun community events with live music and educational components to my evening markets.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots in the city are not really in the city, but are in the surrounding natural landscape that Flagstaff is so well known for. One beautiful thing about Flagstaff is how diverse the landscape is surrounding the city. If I wanted to show someone a great time, I would take them up to into the beautiful mountains, down into oak creek canyon, and into the forest. I would take them to the markets for great food and drink as well as to great places to eat such as Foret downtown and Gloria’s Bakery on the east side.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all the vendors, customers, volunteers, and staff that I have met and had the pleasure of working with over the years in this beautiful mountain-town of Flagstaff.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flagstaffmountaintownmarket?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555870682312

Image Credits
Denise Renaem

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.