The Ames Fareway parking lot was buzzing with life Sept. 3 as shoppers strolled by the booths at the Beautiful Land Market. Live music and the aromas of food trucks drifted through the air while vendors and customers chatted. For many small businesses, the Beautiful Land Market is an opportunity to connect with customers and form new relationships. 

“It’s a good way for small, independent businesses in the community to get some love,” said Molly Kardelis, owner of Glazey Bones donut bakery. 

Kardelis has been in the food industry for 22 years and has had hopes of opening her own donut shop since she was a teenager. She said she is beginning her journey with pop-ups and markets until she can open a brick-and-mortar store. 

Laura Galvin, owner of East Lake Gladys, said she has been collecting and selling curated vintage and antiques for about 10 years. 

“I find things that speak to me,” Galvin said. “I’m most known for brass items, fleece-lined sweater mittens and Christmas vintage.” 

Galvin named her business after her grandmother Gladys, who grew up on East Okoboji Lake and sparked her love for vintage. Galvin expressed appreciation for the organizers and community of vendors at the Beautiful Land Market.

“Sometimes we don’t have the best weather out here, and if someone’s tent goes flying, we’re out there to help,” Galvin said. 

The appealing sense of community is what draws vendors in from all over the state. However, for Ashley Wood-Rivera, nothing compares to seeing a customer find the perfect piece of well-loved clothing. Wood-Rivera is the owner of Alma Vintage, a clothing store located at 2540 Lincoln Way. 

“It’s a curated collection of things that I think will make people feel good and look good,” said Wood-Rivera. 

Wood-Rivera graduated from Iowa State with a degree in apparel, merchandising and design. She opened Alma Vintage in Nov. 2022 and took the opportunity to get her business’s name out in the community by setting up at the Beautiful Land Market. Wood-Rivera recalled a moment when a customer found the perfect dress for a party and the happiness it brought her.

“I love seeing people light up and love what they’re wearing,” Wood-Rivera said. 

The last Beautiful Land Market of the year will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Oct. 1 at the downtown Ames Fareway parking lot.