Blog # 11: The Quiet Work Before the Doors Open

The past few weeks have been rich with meaning—more than can be captured in simple bullet points. Not busy for busyness’ sake, but filled with movement, connection, clarity, and growth. These are the weeks when you don’t realize how much is happening until you finally pause and reflect.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been deeply immersed in the work—dismantling the website and rebuilding it thoughtfully. Questioning every detail to ensure the platform feels intentional, human, and true to its founding values. This process isn’t about rushing to a finish line but about getting it right. Making sure YumYumRunner feels safe, welcoming, and authentic for the community it serves.

Meanwhile, I’ve been out in the community—showing up face-to-face, listening actively. Networking at markets, attending events, walking through small businesses, and having genuine conversations with vendors and creators who are doing everything they can to persevere. These moments matter. They root this work in reality and remind me that this is not just a digital project—it’s about real people, real livelihoods, and real dreams.

Beyond networking, I’ve prioritized giving back however I can. Volunteering with community outreach has been grounding in ways words can hardly capture. Being present—not as a founder or builder, but simply as someone ready to help—has deepened my commitment to what this platform represents. Community isn’t a marketing tactic; it’s something you show up for, even when no one’s watching.

What stands out most is the openness I’ve encountered. Vendors sharing their experiences of burnout, feeling unseen, loving their craft but worn down by systems that complicate rather than support. I’ve listened more than I’ve spoken, because that’s where the truth lies. And those conversations have shaped every decision behind the scenes.

Amid all this, something remarkable happened: vendor interest forms began arriving steadily and thoughtfully. Each one a quiet vote of trust. Knowing that creatives and vendors recognize this platform for what it truly is—and see that I’m here for them—has been profoundly moving. It feels like the long nights, challenging moments, and constant doubts are finally aligning.

There’s been internal growth, too. As I recently revisited my pitch deck, I noticed my confidence has solidified. The hesitation is gone. The story is clear—not because it’s flawless, but because it’s honest. Somewhere along the way, I’ve become a voice for something larger than myself, and I carry that responsibility with care.

Looking ahead, the focus is on preparation: finalizing systems, continuing to listen, refining the marketplace regionally to ensure vendors aren’t lost as we grow, and laying the foundation for future delivery that prioritizes vendor safety, local jobs, and accessibility for customers unable to attend markets in person. And continuing to show up—both online and offline—to build trust authentically.

What’s next isn’t about a flashy launch or rapid expansion. It’s about sustainability. Ensuring that when YumYumRunner™ opens its doors, it does so with integrity, with community at its heart, and with creators protected and visible.

These weeks have reminded me why this work matters—why it’s worth the late nights and early mornings. Why I refuse to rush something entrusted with others’ dreams.

We’re building momentum.
We’re building community.
And we’re moving forward—together.