that I would stain the side of the building , clean it up , and put up a makeshift fence to avoid any potential issues with nearby property owners . He said , ‘ Sharon , I think it ’ s a great idea . I love your creative way of thinking .’” After winning the approval of the zoning administrator , Baker christened the event “ Pop Up Sundays at Sharon ’ s on the Common .” The event runs every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM during the warmer months . “ We ’ ve only been going since the end of May 2022 , but we average anywhere from 6 to 11 vendors at every event . We have a farmer , Nate Brown , with an amazing entrepreneurial spirit . He brings his own vegetables , sunflowers , habanero sauce , maple syrup , and eggs every week . Melanie Gregory makes fantastic jewelry with her company , Ancient Earth Designs . Every vendor brings something different , and I ’ ve gotten several more applications for new vendors already .”
In line with her unwavering commitment to community service , Baker has also
given back to Vermont ’ s hospital system by working with Rutland Regional Medical Center ( RRMC ). She elaborates : “ I was part of the ‘ Give Back ’ Program at the RRMC Gift Shop . Two people who worked for their foundation came here and saw the whole process of how my pieces are made . They fell in love with everything .” Baker ended up taking a trip to Rutland and talking to their sales manager , who ended up buying many of her pieces . “ They paid full-price for my pieces , but I donated 30 % of the proceeds to the Foley Cancer Center ’ s palliative unit . It felt great to know that I was able to help make a difference in a positive way .”
Baker finds incredible fulfillment in watching Vermont ’ s retail scene progressively blossom and develop and is happy to be a member of Vermont ’ s business community . “ There are an awful lot of creative and resourceful entrepreneurs who live here . I like to think that we ’ re all on the same team and that we recognize the importance of helping each other out . I ’ m always honest with my customers , and I refer them to other businesses if I don ’ t have what they ’ re looking for . The business community in Vermont is very tight-knit , but it ’ s also welcoming , as well . I feel thrilled to be here . I ’ m 69 years old , but I feel like I ’ m just getting started . It hasn ’ t been an easy journey , but it ’ s been an amazing experience , and I wouldn ’ t trade it for anything .”
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