We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adriana Catalinotto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Adriana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Coming up with the idea for Groovehive Market was truly a journey of self-discovery and inspiration. After relocating back home to Florida in late 2022 as a single mother to twin girls, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what path to take next. With limited professional experience due to being a stay-at-home mom for four years, I returned to a job I held during my college years.

However, it was during my free time that I found my true passion – my vintage clothing business. Setting up shop at local markets allowed me to embrace entrepreneurship on my terms while immersing myself in the vibrant creative community. These experiences not only fueled my entrepreneurial spirit but also fostered invaluable connections with fellow vendors and enthusiasts.

In February 2023, I crossed paths with my partner, Patrick, whose unwavering support and encouragement became the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. Together, we pondered over the needs of our local market community and brainstormed ways to enhance it. In the blink of an eye, the concept of Groovehive Market took shape, driven by a vision of inclusivity, acceptance, and a safe haven for all.

In March 2023, recognizing the need to expand our team and bring in additional expertise, I approached Ashley Stewart to join the Groovehive team. Ashley’s exceptional talent in entertainment booking and their extensive community connections made them an invaluable addition to our venture. With Ashley’s involvement, Groovehive gained not only a skilled professional but also the heart and soul of our operation.

By July of the same year, Groovehive Market made its debut, and the overwhelming positive response affirmed our belief in its potential. Despite initial fears of failure, our dedication and passion propelled us forward.

Fast forward to January 2024, and I took the leap of faith to pursue Groovehive Market full-time, leaving behind my college job. I’ll admit, I was incredibly nervous about this decision. The thought of leaving the security of my job to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams was daunting, but now, looking back, it fills me with overwhelming emotion. To see how far Groovehive Market has come and the impact it’s had on our community makes me incredibly proud.

Since then, we’ve hosted numerous successful events, fostering a dynamic creative community enriched by talented vendors and enthusiastic customers alike.

Groovehive Market isn’t just about commerce; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space where creativity thrives and connections are forged. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment remains unwavering.

Adriana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Adriana, and at 30 years old, I’ve embarked on a journey that merges my passions for sustainability, vintage fashion, art, and community building. After transitioning from being a stay-at-home mother to diving into entrepreneurship, I founded Groovehive Market, a vibrant platform that embodies these values.

At Groovehive Market, we’re not just about buying and selling – we’re about creating immersive experiences that celebrate creativity, foster connections, and uplift our community. One of the ways we achieve this is by incorporating live music and live painting into many of our events. These elements add an extra layer of vibrancy and energy, transforming our gatherings into unforgettable experiences where art comes to life and creativity knows no bounds.

Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of Groovehive Market. Additionally, Groovehive Market is a melting pot of creativity, featuring a diverse array of local artists, fashion designers, upcyclers, vintage, antique sellers, oddity creators, and handmade vendors. From original artworks and handcrafted jewelry to unique vintage finds and eclectic handmade treasures, there’s something for everyone at our events.

Now, you might be wondering, who’s behind all this magic? Well, that would be me and Ashley! I work about 12-14 hours a day just on Groovehive itself, whether it’s responding to emails, updating our social media, or refreshing our website. And let’s not forget, I’m also a full-time mom, dog mom, and a business owner – talk about wearing multiple hats! Some days, I’m not sure whether I’m organizing a market or a circus!

At Groovehive Market, inclusivity and acceptance are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space where people of all genders, races, backgrounds, and identities are welcomed and celebrated. We believe that diversity is our strength, and we’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation within our market has been an exciting journey marked by dedication, hard work, and a strong focus on providing exceptional experiences. At Groovehive Market, professionalism is key as we strive to uphold the highest standards in everything we do.

Consistency is at the heart of our approach. We meticulously curate each event to ensure that every vendor, activity, and interaction reflects the quality and values of Groovehive Market.

Community engagement is paramount to our success. We actively seek feedback from our vendors, customers, and partners to continually improve and refine our offerings. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we’ve cultivated strong relationships within our community, establishing Groovehive Market as a trusted and respected brand.

At Groovehive Market, every vendor is valued, heard, and seen. We make it a priority to ensure that each vendor feels happy, heard, and supported throughout their journey with us. From providing personalized support and guidance to creating opportunities for networking and collaboration, we go above and beyond to ensure that our vendors thrive.

Ashley and I are not only the founders of Groovehive Market but also active vendors in our own right. While Ashley specializes in handcrafted candles, I focus on curating vintage clothing and housewares. Our firsthand experience as vendors allows us to better understand the needs and concerns of our fellow vendors, enabling us to provide tailored support and guidance.

Ultimately, our commitment to professionalism, consistency, community engagement, vendor support, and personalized attention has been instrumental in building our reputation within the market. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and remain dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for years to come.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My twin girls, Amelia (Mila) and Isabella (Bella) are the driving force behind my creative journey with Groovehive Market. They inspire me every day to push the boundaries and strive for excellence, knowing that I’m building something they’ll be proud of. Despite being only four years old, their opinions and perspectives hold immense value to me, and I constantly strive to create a world that reflects their sense of wonder and imagination.

Their boundless energy and enthusiasm remind me to approach every aspect of Groovehive with creativity, passion, and joy. Whether it’s curating unique experiences for our community or promoting sustainability within the fashion industry, I’m motivated by the desire to create a better world for them to grow up in.

Ultimately, my goal is to build Groovehive into a thriving hub of creativity, community, and sustainability, where everyone— including my daughters—can feel inspired, empowered, and valued. Their unwavering support and encouragement fuel my determination to continue pushing the boundaries and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://groovehivemarket.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/groovehivemarket
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/groovehivemarket
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Tori Silva