In times of soaring prices and stagnant wages, one Logan local’s ambition to provide the local community with affordable alternatives has proved to be a big hit.
Bethania resident Ashleigh Hassell opened a market in her front yard last October after noticing what she said were “exorbitant prices” to rent stalls at markets.
“Market stallholders’ prices were going through the roof, so I offered for everyone to come and pitch in my front yard for free,” Ms Hassell said.
“I was trying to help people out, and now it has grown to the point where we’re at the Bethania Hall.”
Ms Hassell said the market started with five stalls, and by March there were 18 stallholders and two food vans.
That’s when she knew the markets had to move, she said.
Now, the monthly market has between 30 and 35 stalls, two food vans, two buskers (one being her daughter) and a community pantry.
“I never thought it would get to this level,” Ms Hassell said.
“But I’m pleased it has, because it’s grown from a little passion I had into something the community is enjoying and appreciates.
“Hearing reviews and feedback from people is the most rewarding part of all of it.”
She said it was especially rewarding to see the local kids have fun.
“It’s also rewarding when people come in saying that it’s their once-a-month self-care,” she said.
“We have foot massages, card reading, candles and all the types of self-care.”
In this month’s market, on Saturday 22 July, Ms Hassell’s passion-project will have a theme: Christmas in July.
“We will also have Santa coming along to take a photo with the children in the community and hand out gifts to them,” she said.
Ms Hassell said her life was busy, sending more than 1000 market-related emails a month and balancing a job on top of it – plus, she’s a mum of two.
“I work three days a week, and that’s all I can manage at the moment because every Thursday and Friday I’m working on this market.
“The kids will say they often see me working on a Sunday all day so it’s an epic battle every month but it’s rewarding.
“The kids help me with everything – they come to every market.”
She said the market was attracting people from across Logan, but she found the larger competition “challenging”.
“But I don’t find it competitive,” Ms Hassell said.
“It’s a community market.
“I’m trying to do my part and give back and bring a bit more joy to the community.”
