Bridgeport Farmers Market continues weekly outdoor operations at Charles Pointe and this Sunday, has two new Bridgeport-based vendors on board.

 

“We’re excited to have Love Shyla Flowers as our new cut flower vendor and Mountain Oak Candle Company as our new soy candle vendor,” said BFM Board of Directors’ Debbie Workman.

 

Both vendors fill a niche left vacant by former market artisans.

 

Originally from Ohio, where she ran her flower business, Shyla (Troyer) Yoder is new to the area, growing flowers and creating arrangements out of her home.

 

“I’ve been growing flowers for several years and have been doing flower arrangements and weddings for about two years,” she said. “I grow most of my flowers from seed with a lot of unique varieties – dahlias, poppies, snap dragons, all kinds of sunflowers and everything in between.”

 

She will be selling hand-held market bouquets at the market, but upon special order, can create custom bouquets and service floral needs for weddings.

 

Yoder incorporates a natural, more whimsical garden-type style in her work. And that even comes naturally.

 

“I love flowers and I think what distinguishes me from the florist is my natural design,” she said. “I’m willing to create whatever the customer is looking for as opposed to a more standard-looking bouquet with standard flowers.”

 

Though she utilizes her own garden flowers, Yoder also orders various varieties for inclusion in her creations.

 

At her own wedding – just two months ago to local businessman Wayne Yoder – she used coral charm peonies and garden roses.

Learn more about Yoder and Love Shyla Flowers at loveshyla.com.

 

Mountain Oak Candle Company was founded by Jeff Cuppett and now run by his wife Shawna Cuppett.

 

“My husband started making soy candles as a side business in 2007 and I started making them in 2011,” she said. “We handcraft each of our soy candles, hand pouring and mixing the soy wax and adding fragrances. We make six at a time – right out of our house.”

 

Cuppett’s products, even the wicks, are environmentally friendly and because there is no black soot residue, they are popular among individuals with allergies and other intolerances. Cuppett also feels her products are a good value.

 

“Our candles burn to the bottom and there’s nothing left,” she said. “You can take the wicks out and reuse the jars.”

 

In addition to selling products at Tamarack, Mountain Oak Candle Company is represented at various fairs and festivals, sometimes creating a special product for the occasion.

 

“We’re getting ready to do our first Salem Apple Butter Festival so we’re doing an apple butter and clove candle,” Cuppett said. “I can’t wait to do that one.”

 

Popular fragrances include blackberry, orange, lemon, maple nut, snicker doodle, sugar cookie and snowflake and can be topped with cinnamon, sugar and peppermint.

 

“We also have clean scents like sage and sweet grass and we have tobacco and suede for men,” Cuppett said. “We have over 65 scents and we’re constantly testing new ones.”

 

In the process, she said, is eucalyptus and Asian sandlewood, by customer request.

 

“We test everything we make – making sure it burns alright and the fragrances last,” she said.

 

The candles will sell at the market for $10 each or three for $25.

 

Originally from northern California, Cuppett said the Bridgeport community reminds her of her former hometown and that she is very happy to be part of the farmers market and get to know more Bridgeport residents.

 

Also to be featured at Sunday’s market are mainstay vendors Jughead Pottery, Allegheny Treenware, D&D Woodcrafter and an array of others, Workman said.

 

Still at the height of the summer growing season, available vegetables include corn, tomatoes, beans, and peppers.

 

“Soon, we’ll be seeing pumpkins, squash and all fall veggies,” Workman said.

 

Live music will be provided by Hillary Kay and brunch will be prepared by Bridgeport Conference Center, Mia Margherita, Thyme Bistro, My Little Cupcake, Rural Roots and Hash Browns and New Grounds.

 

The market’s POP (Power of Produce) Club is still growing strong, Workman said, and pushing 400 members.

 

“We’re reaching so many kids and part of that reason is that we’ve had four WVU interns working the tent and they’ve been coming up with some great activities for the kids,” she said.

 

Also working in conjunction with the market is Bridgeport Key Club. For the second year, the club hosts a recycling tent each Sunday. 

 

Tickets for the Wild, Wonderful West Virginia Table dinner fundraiser (read about it HERE) are still available and can be purchased at the BFM table at Sunday's market.