07/15/2026
Friends, Family, Community,
I want to share something with everyone that has been heavy on my heart. This post is not meant to be ugly, but to shed light on an ongoing issue in the community.
As you know, I am no longer at Brocks Gap. What has happened since my last post makes it clear that a voice is needed. I have had dozens of people reach out to me and share the same story I’m about to tell you.
Please listen, friends.
The community at Brock Gap is wonderful. I will deeply miss you all. We had an amazing group of vendors, and we became our own little family. Unfortunately, the market is managed poorly. The work environment is hostile and unpredictable. I am sharing this because you deserve to know. The high turnover rate isn’t a coincidence.
I started working the market early this year. I spent months building a clientele, learning customers’ wants and needs. I was told to push preorders by Regina, so I added that feature to my site and promoted it each week. Over time, I could tell it was becoming a problem. She told me to end preorders to make room for new customers so they would have product to buy. I didn’t do that.
I knew what my customers wanted. It was the backbone of engaging with all of you.
As I mentioned before, all the vendors are dear friends of mine. They each have a beautiful story. Any chance I get to connect and share, I do. I started making little reels to post on my page. This promoted not only the vendors but also the market and brewery. The reels became so popular that they generated new leads and customers. But it also upset Regina.
I was told I could no longer post my reels to my page. Instead, I had to send her the edited versions, she’d add her choice of music, and then post from her page.
I refused to do that.
Her control grew. She monitored social media and conversations between vendors and customers. If someone suggested an outside business opportunity besides her market, I’d get a phone call. The pressure was overwhelming.
Maybe the biggest issue was inventory. Regina didn’t want sellouts; she wanted bread available until noon. During the markets, she would constantly check my inventory and timestamp sales. She threatened to bring in another baker if I couldn’t perform. Eventually, I even encouraged the idea, hoping the pressure might ease. She always replied reluctant. I then knew it was a scare tactic and I was stuck.
And something that all vendors can attest to is her lack of professionalism. I’ve seen her talk poorly about other vendors to their faces and behind their backs almost weekly. I’ve watched her yell at customers in the middle of a market, and I’ve heard her make fun of new vendors trying to apply to work at the market.
I missed my first market day on July 4th. My son's birthday lands on that holiday, and while I know it wasn't ideal for some, my family comes first. I let her know in advance, even arranging a self-serve stand to keep bread at the market.
The next weekend, I returned but was put on timeout.
During that market, Regina thought the best time and place for an unprofessional conversation was right in the middle of the market, while I was working, talking about the things I just listed. I was mortified—customers, vendors nearby, and all. But those are her standards.
I finished that market knowing I wouldn't return.
I share this to raise awareness. To all the vendors who reached out, you weren’t the only ones. I wish you success!
To anyone considering applying, please pray on it. Your peace is far more important.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known the Brocks Gap community. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Take care everyone
