Image for Staff Profile: Meet Clara

As a community-owned and cooperatively operated business, co-op employees are some of Mississippi Market’s greatest assets. Our friendly, dedicated staff possess a wealth of knowledge. They work diligently to provide you with access to the freshest, healthiest foods and the safest, most effective personal health and beauty care products available. Our three stores employ over 200 people from our surrounding local communities who are passionate about sustainably grown and humanely raised foods; supporting local family farmers, vendors and makers; and nurturing the health of people and the planet. We wouldn’t be here without them!

Interested in joining our co-op team?


Meet Clara – Produce Lead

How long have you worked at the co-op?

I’ve been at the co-op since November of 2022, I started in the Deli, and then took the Produce Lead position in April of 2023!

 

How are your personal values reflected in your work?

Building community is an important value of mine. I love making others feel welcome and included. I get to do that when interacting with my coworkers, as well as the customers who come through. As a produce buyer, I also get to build relationships with local growers! It feels rewarding to be a part of something greater than myself. 

 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love making the front display! Each week is an opportunity for me to think creatively about stocking. I love putting fruits and vegetables on a shelf, but something about making an apple pyramid really gets me excited. 

 

What are some of your favorite products found at the co-op?

The General Merchandising section is a particular favorite of mine. Our GM buyers do an amazing job at picking out fresh and cute items! We get the cutest dishware, candles, and even locally made greeting cards that are so adorable! I love a little trinket, so I am very tempted to spend all of my money in the GM section. 

 

What do you do in your free time?

You can usually find me at home snuggled up to my cats. I’ve also always got some kind of creative project that I’m working on whether that’s a sewing project, a painting, or making something out of clay! Hosting gatherings at mine and my partner’s house also brings me a lot of joy. We both love bringing people together and creating a safe place in our home for all of our loved ones.