Anniversary Story - Kipperlyn Sinclair

Kipperlyn Sinclair

A lifetime ago (2008), the Hillsboro Farmers’ Market was the launching pad for Grandma Chonga’s Salsa.

In 1994 my husband and I became transplants from Cali through job opportunity with Intel.

I was a young mother with no tribe… Saturday mornings at the market quickly became a social lifeline for my son and I.

Gradually, the Markets on Main fed my family beyond food. The retail owners and vendors became friends, mentors, and examples of entrepreneurship.

The weekly visits created a pivotal light bulb moment for me…”The market provides a platform with no barrier to entry.”

Everything I need to create a local product with value is right here in my community.

Ultimately, I grew into Grandma Chonga’s Salsa through my family’s heritage and the support of community. Our little salsa became a successful regional brand that allowed me to gain a wealth of real-life experience.

My valuable take-away?…

The markets taught me that #localconnects