We were lucky to catch up with Blair Touma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Blair thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I coordinate 2 large markets in the Tampa Bay Area, and often facilitate other markets and events as well throughout the year for other companies! I knew when I started coordinating markets and opening my own event business, that every detail would matter – starting with the names! I chose to name my 2 markets after my grandmothers who passed away in 2021. The Market Marie is named after Cora Marie (our maternal grandmother), and The Market Elaine is named after Dolaura Elaine (our paternal grandmother). Both of these amazing women showed us how to dream big, prioritize family, and love others while making the world a brighter place. While neither of our beloved grandmothers were able to physically visit our markets, we are grateful we can honor their names in this way. The parent name of our company is called The Market Culture. I wanted to choose a name that embodied all of our events!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Blair, founder of The Market Culture, which is home to The Market Marie and The Market Elaine! I grew up loving the arts and anything to do with creating! I majored in Psychology & studied Art in school, and have always followed things I was passionate about! I am the mother to 3 amazing daughters who motivated me to dream big and choose a career that combined my love for art, people, and creativity, while giving me the schedule I desired. The Market Culture began in May of 2021, and has quickly become a success for small businesses. It is truly amazing to be a part of all of these amazing business owners and their journeys. Supporting local entrepreneurs is something I will always be passionate about!

Any advice for managing a team?

I like this question, because I truly do not manage a team, but collectively work side by side with people that I trust that have the same passions as I do! They work hard and ensure every event comes together & love supporting local businesses!

How’d you meet your business partner?

I am the sole owner of this business! I have had LOTS of support along the way, but at the end of the day I am the only founder!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themarketculture.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarketmarie/; https://www.instagram.com/themarketelaine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarketmarie/; https://www.facebook.com/themarketelaine/

Image Credits
@KNKfotography