ELYSIAN VALLEY, Calif. — The Frogtown community is coming together to support one another during the pandemic. One business owner created a monthly market for hyper-local vendors to sell their creations.
Owner of Mijitos Chilitos, Chris Jimenez, sells his spicy, homemade candy at the market and some the shapes of frogs. “Frogs for Frogtown,” said Jimenez.
Jimenez along with his business partner and wife Ericka drive from Ontario to Frogtown to sell their Mexican candies that were born out of a low point during the pandemic. He lost his job of 19 years and Ericka said they had to figure out a way to put food on the table for their kids.
“We had to figure out something quick,” said Ericka Jimenez.
On a whim they decided to hand make this spicy or sweet candy to sell through social media never expecting to find growing success and a new phase of life. Chris owes it all to their support system.
“It’s the customers that keep coming back. It’s our family that watches the kids, while we are here. It’s everyone,” said Chris Jimenez.
The support continues at the Frogtown Market where they can interact with a new audience and spread their creations. Ericka says she owes it all to Norma Ruiz who turned her dance studio parking lot into a monthly festival out of necessity.
“Knowing that she opens this opportunity to anyone who is selling something. She is supportive. We really appreciate it,” said Ericka Jimenez.
That was Ruiz’s goal when coming up with the idea back in September. Her dance studio was struggling during the pandemic closures and she needed a way to stay open but also help other local businesses.
“I consider myself a strong person, but I found myself not knowing what to do. Everyone was stuck. I saw my dream of owning a dance studio going down the drain,” said Ruiz.
The small entrance fee for vendors helps Ruiz keep her dream alive, while also making room for hyper-local vendors to sell their products, even opening to those coming far like the Jimenez family.
“Other people need the help. I always have been big on helping anyone. If we are able to bring in outside of our area vendors, I think more the merrier,” said Ruiz.
The candy makers will use this opportunity as a stepping stone to take a negative and turn it into a positive of the pandemic.
“Not to sound cliché, but we do make our candy with love,” said Ericka Jimenez.
The next Frogtown Marketplace will be held on December 6th. For more information, follow them on Instagram.