Katherine Castillo didn’t set out to build one of the most recognized community markets on Florida’s Treasure Coast. What began as a personal side project and vendor booth has grown into the Neighborhood Farmer’s Market at Tradition Square. It’s a multi-location operation that supports over 100 local entrepreneurs, a full-time storefront, and now, an upcoming café in Tradition.
In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Castillo shares her journey from selling handmade dresses and desserts to organizing major community events and creating a platform for small business owners to thrive.
Castillo’s vendor journey began with “Tiny Dresses,” a line of handmade little girls’ clothing she sold at local markets. From there, she expanded into baked goods and produce, sourcing fresh items from farms across Florida. But she quickly realized the shelf life of organic produce meant she needed another solution.
That’s when Jam Jams was born, a homemade jam business that became her cornerstone product and sparked connections with other local vendors.
At the time, Port St. Lucie lacked a consistent, community-centered market. So, she created one.
Tradition Neighborhood Market: From Grassroots to 100+ Vendors
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Castillo launched the Tradition Neighborhood Market as a small effort to bring people together again. The first events featured just 20 to 25 vendors.
Tradition Square eventually welcomed the project, and the market expanded significantly. Today, it boasts over 100 vendors selling everything from microgreens and sourdough to hand-poured candles, vanilla extract, and leather jewelry imported from Argentina.
What sets this market apart isn’t just the number of booths—it’s the commitment to showcasing handmade, handpicked, and handcrafted products that are deeply tied to the community.
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Beyond the Booth: The Artisan Market Storefront
In 2023, Castillo and her husband opened a brick-and-mortar extension of the farmers market: Artisan Market on SW Gatlin Blvd. The storefront now hosts over 60 vendors under one roof and gives those who can’t physically attend the Sunday markets a way to participate year-round.
While the store doesn’t replace the farmers market experience, Castillo views it as a practical complement—a space to restock or discover products during the week.
The layout is eclectic and personal. Handmade wreaths, jewelry boxes with secret compartments, dog treats, and global foods like Brigadeiro mousse line the shelves. The vibe is local, down-to-earth, and driven by connection.
Building a Café with Vendors in Mind
The next expansion? Artisan Café, set to open soon in the old Tutti Frutti location in Tradition Square.
This new venture will serve baked goods, coffee, and prepared food items from market vendors. Visitors can expect sourdough toast, empanadas, and specialty drinks made by Castillo herself, who’s taking on the role of barista.
The café will also serve as another outlet to showcase local products, with curated displays linking back to the main Artisan Market store.
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Controlling the Quality of Visitor Experiences
Running a growing operation of this size involves strict vendor curation. Castillo personally vets all applicants and ensures food sellers follow Florida’s cottage food laws or use licensed commercial kitchens.
Applications for the Sunday farmers market are currently closed due to space limits, but Castillo guides interested vendors through the necessary steps to prepare—whether that’s getting Department of Agriculture permits, building setups, or understanding fire safety requirements.
Community, Not Just Commerce
Throughout the episode, one theme becomes clear: the success of the Tradition Neighborhood Market is rooted in a sense of belonging.
Vendors support one another. Customers form relationships with the people who bake their bread or grow their herbs. Kids run through the grass while parents talk to farmers and artists.
As Castillo explains, “You can’t replicate that in a big box store. People crave small-town connection, even in a fast-growing place like Port St. Lucie.”
Events that Celebrate Culture, Youth, and Creativity
In addition to weekly markets, Castillo organizes unique themed events to keep the community engaged.
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The World Fair Street Party brings global flavor to Tradition Square. Vendors represent their heritage through food, music, attire, and decorations—turning the space into a mini Epcot-style celebration.
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The Youth Market, held four times per year, gives young entrepreneurs aged 8–18 a platform to sell products they’ve made themselves. From cookies and candles to keychains and artwork, the creativity on display is both impressive and inspiring.
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The Day After Thanksgiving Night Market offers locals a low-key alternative to Black Friday, featuring live instrumental music, food, and handcrafted gifts.
Despite rapid growth, Castillo keeps the core values of the market intact: personal connection, community trust, and vendor responsibility.
This includes strict rules around activities that could damage the market’s reputation—such as prohibiting pet sales or adoptions on site. Vendors actively support these standards and help maintain the quality and safety of the event space.
Final Thoughts
Castillo encourages anyone interested in becoming a vendor to first visit the market in person to understand the logistics and community vibe. She prefers face-to-face communication to avoid scams and ensures all applications come directly from her or her team.
The best way to reach her? Stop by the market on any Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Tradition Square and say hello.
The Tradition Neighborhood Market runs every Sunday and continues to serve as a hub for food, art, conversation, and connection in Port St. Lucie. The Artisan Market storefront and upcoming café expand that mission, offering new ways to support local businesses throughout the week.
Listen to the full podcast episode on The Current by TreasureCoast.com to hear more from Katherine Castillo and her vision for building community through creativity, commerce, and collaboration.
