Get out to your local markets & events! Support Local!
A Founder’s Journey Into the Heart of Our Creative Community
Today, I’m stepping away from my laptop, grabbing my tote bag, and heading straight into the magic of the Ren Faire — not just for fun, but for something even better: connection.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while building YumYumRunner™, it’s that our community isn’t built behind a screen… it’s built face-to-face, handshake by handshake, vendor by vendor. And the Ren Faire? That’s where the heartbeat of local creativity lives — makers, chefs, artisans, small creators who pour their soul into what they do.
If you want to go to the Ren faire here is the info:
Run by Kates Next Door Market
Its running 11/22-11/23 (Plenty of time to get out there and support local)
back Bay's Farmhouse
1805 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Why I’m Going Out There
Because this whole thing — this platform, this mission, this dream — it isn’t about me.
It’s about us.
It’s about every small vendor in Hampton Roads who deserves real visibility.
It’s about the customers who deserve to discover the incredible creators hidden right in their own cities.
It’s about building a digital marketplace that mirrors the energy of a bustling festival — but available every day of the week.
YumYumRunner™ is Coming to ALL 7 Cities
That’s not just a tagline — it’s a promise.
Portsmouth
Norfolk
Virginia Beach
Chesapeake
Hampton
Newport News
Suffolk
Whether you’re a vendor preparing fresh pastries at dawn, mixing small-batch soaps at midnight, crafting jewelry, roasting coffee, or hand-stitching Renaissance clothing — this marketplace is being built for YOU.
And if you’re a customer who loves supporting local makers but doesn’t always have the time to travel to every event — I’ve got you. Soon, you’ll be able to browse creators from every corner of the 757 and get their goods delivered directly to your door.
Pitch Decks, Meetings, and Momentum
Behind the scenes, I’ve been in full-on “builder mode.”
Creating the pitch deck.
Talking to supporters.
Putting myself out there (even with my anxiety biting at my ankles).
Gathering as much backing as I can so that when YumYumRunner™ launches, it launches strong.
Every yes, every share, every “keep going,” every vendor who says “I’m ready when you are” — that’s what fuels this.
At the Ren Faire Today? I’m Doing What Matters Most.
Walking up to vendors.
Introducing the vision.
Letting them feel the excitement for themselves.
Showing them that YumYumRunner™ isn’t just another app — it’s a movement.
It’s a place where local wins.
A place where customers feel good about spending money that stays right here in our community.
To My Vendors:
Be excited.
Your storefront is coming.
Your customers are coming.
Your name deserves to be known in all seven cities.
And eventually all over the USA.
To My Future Customers:
Get ready to shop local like never before.
Fresh. Handmade. Local. Delivered.
All with one click.
And to Everyone Following This Journey:
Thank you for believing in something that doesn’t exist yet — but WILL.
I’ll be updating you after the Ren Faire with all the incredible creators I meet. Even better I'd love to see you all there! If you see me, definitely come up and say hey!
Trust me… the 757 is more talented than the world knows.
We’re just getting started.
🧡✨
— Naomi, Founder of YumYumRunner™