The Love Fair showcased local artisans, food producers and small businesses
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
The Davis Food Co-op’s Local Love Fair, held on Feb. 22, was a vibrant celebration of community and local talent. The event featured an array of Davis and Northern Californian artists, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with creators and sample products from local brands. In addition to the maker mart, co-op members enjoyed a special promotion, earning four times the rewards points on local items purchased between Feb. 22 and Feb. 29.
The co-op’s commitment to fostering local businesses was evident through its diverse lineup of vendors, including Schiller Crafts, Pixley Ceramics and Estella Moon. Additionally, they offered samples from Masala Blend, Mia Bea Wines, Rostam36 Brewing, Frate Sole Olive Oil, EO, Abernathy Lane Wines and Island of the Moon Honey.
Pinar Brummer, founder of Pixley Ceramics, shared her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the personal connections fostered between artisans and the community. Brummer creates everyday pots, including bowls, vases, teacups, small condiment bowls and bud vases.
“My studio came out of post-COVID frustration; how little time we are given and how there needs to be an immediacy to all our dreams,” Brummer said. “I am a scientist by trade, but I have always been a creative person. My studio is my outlet for all I have been keeping in my heart since I was very, very young.”
She also expressed gratitude for the Davis Food Co-op’s commitment to local artists.
“Local Love Fair represents all the wonderful things about Davis Food Co-op, I think,” Brummer said. “What we are, what we make, what we produce in our town. And also, who we make these things for. I love the fact that I get to shake the very hands that will be using the teacup I made. Just the best feeling there is. But more importantly, as an immigrant, female small business owner, I am tremendously grateful for the inclusivity in events like this offer. Whenever I get an invitation from the lovely folks of the Davis Food Co-op, I say yes.”
Brummer also shared her positive experiences participating in other local events.
“I have done the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival market last year, and that was extremely well run, [and it] was a joy to be part of as well,” Brummer said.
Mamta Gupta, founder of Masala Blend, explained her ongoing relationship with the co-op and her journey collaborating with them.
“Masala Blend has been at Davis Food Co-op since 2020,” Gupta said. “They were our first buyers and gave us the opportunity to connect with the community at large. We have learned and grown a lot with Davis Co-op guidance. We like to participate in the Local Love event at the co-op as we get to interact with the community and sample our products. Davis [Co-op’s] support for local businesses is what we love about them.”
Gupta, a former public school special education teacher, transitioned to selling spice blends full time in 2023. Inspired by traditional spices she learned to blend from her mother, she founded Masala Blends to provide easy, nutritious meal solutions.
“I love making blends for people to create easy-to-cook nutritious meals using Masala Blend,” Gupta said. “Our goal is for people to make ‘The Taste for Memories’ with their loved ones. As people cook nutritious meals and share them with their families and friends, they go beyond any cultural lines and also create awareness of the deliciousness in a variety of foods when made with love.”
Gupta also spoke about her dedication to maintaining high-quality, chemical-free products.
“We hand-make 24 different spice blends in micro-batches,” Gupta said. “All spices go through a cleaning process by hand. Each spice is then added or pounded into powder to the blends. We only add ingredients we can pronounce and that are commonly used around the world. No chemicals or preservatives are added, as I couldn’t even say them or know what they did. Our motto has been to be transparent with details on our products that anyone can read and understand.”
Another vendor, Flora Guilbaut from Estella Moon, an eco-conscious fashion brand born from Guilbaut’s own search for stylish, comfortable and sustainable postpartum clothing. After working in fashion for over a decade, she struggled to find clothing that fit her new lifestyle as a mother.
Guilbaut emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing and supporting small businesses.
“Showing love to the community, to the local artisans, growers and makers that make this cute little town cute,” Guilbaut said. “To shine a light on the creatives that live in this town? It’s hard to be seen these days, so these little markets are lovely ways to highlight the community.”
Guilbaut’s brand focuses on small-batch, slow production, using sustainable fabrics and deadstock materials. All garments are cut and sewn in Downtown Los Angeles. She explained more about her favorite product, her best-selling, high-waisted, wide-elastic bias midi skirt.
“It has such a big stride you could literally go running in it — or chase after kids or run for the bus you almost miss,” Guilbaut said. “My clothes are made for busy people who just want to throw on something that will instantly make them look cuter and still be functional with a busy lifestyle.”
For Guilbaut, the event was also special on a personal level. Beyond connecting with customers, she cherished the chance to spend time with family and friends in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
“My husband came by with my kiddo, Estelle, […] and met up with her bestie in my booth, where they ran around in circles and ate lunch,” Guilbaut said. “They are the cutest and brighten my day always. But also, I loved seeing both strangers come check out my stuff and get to know what I do, as well as running into friends or people I didn’t expect to see. Life is so busy these days — it’s fun to talk and get to know your neighbors a little deeper.”
The Local Love Fair exemplifies the co-op’s dedication to supporting local businesses and strengthening community ties. It offers a platform for artisans and producers to showcase their work and connect with residents. The Davis Food Co-op has several other exciting event opportunities planned for March, including four times the member rewards on local products, free samples, weekend crafting classes and more. For information on these events, check out the Davis Food Co-op’s website.
Written by: Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org
