In an increasingly war-torn world, we are lucky to live somewhere that has for so long avoided the mess and devastation of direct warfare. As we welcome newcomers into Canada, we see an influx of talent and diversity. We see that diversity flourish in the farmers’ market scene with a multitude of cuisines, food provisions, and artisanal goods. And being a direct link between producers and consumers, the farmers’ markets across British Columbia are a great place to support newcomers and new businesses alike.
On October 12, 2022, Maryna Plotnikova and her family arrived in Canada from Ukraine, carrying only one-way tickets and a heart full of hope. Initially, she wasn’t sure if Canada could be their home, but the warm and friendly nature of Canadians made it impossible not to feel welcomed. Thanks to the unwavering support of Kristy Andersson and the Oceanside community, Maryna says she now feels at home here and is grateful for the opportunity to live in this beautiful and relatively safe country.
Maryna’s love and passion for cooking led her to start a small business, where she shares homemade Ukrainian culinary classics like pierogies, cabbage rolls, and pelmeni. She obtained all the necessary food safety certifications and found a certified commercial kitchen to prepare her dishes. Now, every Saturday morning, she sells her products at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market, which she says has been a wonderful way to connect with the local community.
Naturally, starting a small business in a new country came with its challenges. Learning the steps to legally prepare and sell her products in Canada was a significant task, but she was eventually able to navigate it successfully. A significant struggle during the process was finding clear guidance on government websites. Maryna spent a lot of time trying to gather the necessary information and admits that having more straightforward resources would help others who are looking to start a small business. Although there are still barriers to growth, Maryna is happy to keep the business small for now as she continues learning about the Canadian business landscape.
The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market has been a tremendous support for Maryna’s Kitchen. “It was my first opportunity to sell my products locally, and all the members, especially market manager Lonnie, made us feel welcomed,” says Maryna. When they first started in March, the farmers’ market community helped by loaning essential items like a tent and an extension cord, ensuring that Maryna was well-equipped to get started. “The market has been more than just a place to sell my products; it has been a community where we’ve built relationships and received invaluable support.”
For Maryna, community means people coming together to support, respect, and learn from one another. Since becoming a vendor at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market, her understanding of the community has deepened. The market has allowed Maryna and her spouse to meet many new people—both tourists from around the world and local residents. She describes it as a heartwarming experience, connecting with people who share Ukrainian roots and hearing their stories about their grandmothers making similar dishes. “Being able to share these culinary traditions,” Maryna says, “has brought people together, evoking memories and building a sense of belonging.”
During the 2024 BC Farmers’ Market summer season, Maryna’s Kitchen could be found in the Hatch + Hype tent at Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12 pm. You can find out more about them and where they’ll be next on their socials. We wish them continued success!