Samantha Kern Leslie

Our success really comes down to teamwork — not just among the organizers and volunteers, but also with our vendors, who are an essential part of everything we do. There’s a strong sense of community and service that binds us together. We care for one another and share a common goal of building something meaningful.

When we started, our rural downtown had been quiet for years, even before COVID. By creating a consistent, welcoming event every weekend, we’ve brought new life back into the area. We make a conscious effort to be fully inclusive, reaching out to communities that might not have felt invited before. That spirit of connection and shared purpose is what has made us — and the market — so strong.

The best advice I’ve ever received is to carry positive energy because it’s contagious. Over the years, I’ve seen how true that is. Your attitude sets the tone for every interaction — with your team, your community, and even strangers passing by. When you show up with positivity and kindness, it ripples outward in ways you might never realize. It can shift someone’s day, build trust, and create a space where people feel welcome and valued. That simple idea has shaped how I lead, how I serve, and how I connect with the people around me.

To young women stepping into this work — you’re doing more than you think. Don’t doubt yourself. Go for it wholeheartedly, and never minimize the impact you’re making. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking what you’re doing isn’t as big or as important as what others — often men — are doing, but it absolutely is.

Many of us grew up in environments that encouraged us to downplay our contributions, but that needs to change. Your efforts matter, your voice matters, and the work you’re doing has real value. Believe in that, and carry yourself with the confidence that what you bring to the table makes a difference.

One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit world is funding. Fundraising and grant writing are a constant part of what we do — we’re always thinking, How can we support this program? How can we sustain that one? Finding reliable sources of funding is essential to keeping our momentum and expanding our impact.

Another major challenge is supporting our farmers so they can continue to grow and meet increasing demand. We launched Nourish North Georgia, a program funded by grants, that allows us to buy all unsold produce at the end of each market day at fair retail value. This ensures farmers are fully compensated for their work while allowing us to donate that food to local pantries.

The opportunity — and really, the beauty — lies in building on that model. As demand for local food continues to rise, so does the potential to strengthen our regional food system, support small farms, and make local, healthy food accessible to everyone.

A strong work ethic is one of my core values. In this field, you’re often working long hours and sometimes the progress feels slow, but persistence and dedication always pay off in the long run.

Integrity is equally important to me — doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching, and making sure that what we do reflects our values. For me, that includes being inclusive and collaborative. Especially in today’s world, I believe one of the most meaningful things we can do is bring people together — across backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences — to work toward something positive.

At the market, that spirit of inclusivity has been key to our success. Creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued isn’t just good for the community — it’s good for the soul. That belief carries into everything I do, both professionally and personally.