Market Wagon hatches business for Purple Haven Farm

May 10th, 2021

After owning land for several years, Nichole, AKA “The Chicken Mama”, started living off of her own farm. One day, she eyed some chicks and was drawn to them. Not long after, Nichole began Purple Haven Farm. At first, this was just to breed chicks and get some eggs, but when COVID hit, Nichole wanted to do more. 

Wanting to help her friends and family, Nichole began selling eggs within her personal network. This all started as a small business to support those in her community until she partnered with Market Wagon in late September 2020. Now, Nichole and Purple Haven Farm are able to sell eggs to people far outside of her normal reach.

“It was literally a 100 percent increase in sales when I began working with Market Wagon,” Nichole said. “Before, I was simply giving to friends and family who were in need of food or a job.”

Since becoming a Market Wagon vendor, Nichole’s sales have increased significantly. Nichole enjoys working with Market Wagon because she can plan more accurately for sales and inventory than she could if she went to a traditional market. Being a Market Wagon vendor also has helped Nichole build new relationships with her customers. After every purchase and review, customers can expect a personal note from Purple Haven Farm.

“I’m able to reach an audience I wasn’t able to before,” said Nichole. “Market Wagon is so much easier, because I know exactly what I sold before I deliver to the hub. I still have contact with my customers and can be personable.”

On social media, Purple Haven Farm posts recipes for customers to try out with the eggs they purchase. A personal favorite of Nichole’s is her Wake-Up Casserole (see recipe below). The farm’s Facebook page also gives updates on the farm and its products.

“Chickens have been my solution to my ‘empty nest’ since my kids are grown. They [the chickens] have enjoyed and been a great help clearing our 11 acres of land. They truly have free range,” explained Nichole. 

Since partnering with Market Wagon, Purple Haven Farm is almost always sold out so be sure to add those eggs to your basket quickly!



Wake-Up Casserole:

Ingredients


Instructions

  1. Arrange hash brown patties in a greased 9x13 baking dish. 

  2. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and ham over patties. 

  3. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and mustard.

  4. Add spinach, tomato, and onion (and whatever other ingredients you wish) to egg mixture. 

  5. Pour over ham.

  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour.

  7. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.