ST. GEORGE —A new market is coming to St. George on Saturday, offering a variety of vendors, food and boutique trucks for the community to enjoy while supporting small businesses in the area.
Officially sponsored by The Tilted Kiln, The Modern Market is set to consist of 80 different vendors. Aside from the vendors, there will also be four food trucks, two boutique trucks and two flower trucks; one of which will include dried flowers and another with live flowers from Desert Daisy Flower Truck. The variety of vendors will include both local shops and a few family-owned businesses from Northern Utah, including the popular hat company, GIGI PIP.
St. George News sat down with Rachell Torgerson, founder of the Modern Market and owner of Sun + Sage Designs, at Vernon Worthen Park, where the upcoming market will take place.
Through Torgersons’ personal business, Sun + Sage, she handcrafts and sells clay earrings. She said she has experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to start a new business and get it in front of the general public. In addition, new business owners often don’t know where to start marketing their products, she said, adding that in her experience, even online markets such as Etsy often don’t work well for those who are first starting out.
“When I started doing markets I realized that there was a need for more because it gives more opportunities for the small business owners,” said Torgerson. “I also wanted the vendors to be treated super kind and good, as well as creating a unique experience for those that attend.”
Torgerson said she has put in a tremendous amount of work and is happy with how The Modern Market has come together. She said the small businesses participating in the upcoming market have been so grateful and then expressed her own excitement about the upcoming event, stating that she will also have a booth with her handmade Sun + Sage products.
Emily Hales, owner of Opal’s Mae Boutique and one of the many vendors that will be showcasing their products at the upcoming Modern Market, told St. George News that her dream job was to own a boutique. And by opening the women’s clothing boutique with her family in May of 2020, she was able to turn that dream into a reality.
Hales said shopping at Opal’s Mae Boutique is not only supporting a local business but also benefiting a charity, as a portion of every sale at the boutique goes directly to Operation Underground Railroad, a nonprofit organization that fights both human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.
“After starting our family we realized that we wanted to do something – have a purpose, give back,” she said. “We are corporate partners with Operation Underground Railroad and it’s been exciting to be a part of that, donating to them with every single sale.”
When asked about what has set the Modern Market apart from previous markets, Hales said that many markets are often stressful due to strict rules, where operations must fit within boundaries set by someone else. The Modern Market, however, has been flexible, accommodating and professional, she said, adding how impressed she has been with the whole event set up so far.
“It’s been really cool to watch her (Torgerson) start this,” Hales said. “It’s really scary whenever you start something big, so to watch her start this up has been so fun, and we’re really honored to be a part of it.”
Torgerson said all 80 vendor spots were filled back in February, showing the demand and interest of small businesses in the area. She said about 70-80% of the market will consist of completely handmade goods, adding that Vernon Worthen Park is the perfect location to showcase all of it.
“It’s a 4-acre park – it’s massive,” she said. “It leaves so much room for growth for future events.”
Torgerson encouraged the community to bring their families and come out to experience a day full of sunshine, food and shopping in support of local businesses and their crafts. She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who has come together to make this event possible.
Event details
- What: The Modern Market
- When: Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
- Where: Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 E., St. George
- Admission: Free
- For more information visit the MOD Market website
Photo Gallery
A poster for the upcoming St. George Modern Market | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
Rachell Torgerson, owner of Sun + Sage, sits at her booth during a previous market, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
Handmade clay earrings by Sun + Sage, a local business owned by Rachell Torgerson, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
Handmade clay earrings by Sun + Sage, a local business owned by Rachell Torgerson, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
The Sun + Sage booth set up at a local market, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
Handmade clay earrings by Sun + Sage, a local business owned by Rachell Torgerson, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Rachell Torgerson, St. George News
Rachell Torgerson, founder of The Modern Market, smiles for the camera at the upcoming market location, Vernon Worthen Park, St. George, Utah, March 31, 2022 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Emily Hales stands for a family photo with her husband and daughter at their Opal’s Mae Boutique booth, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Emily Hales, St. George News
A model poses with a horse, wearing a dress by Opal’s Mae Boutique, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Emily Hales, St. George News
Models showcase the new Mommy & Me swimsuit line by Opal’s Mae Boutique, Date and location unspecified | Photo courtesy of Emily Hales, St. George News
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