Just try and find new passion

The smell of fresh food, the laughter of people enjoying their coffee with friends, children discovering something new, or just people from young to old doing their weekly shopping. Lively, cheerful, and sociable. There is always a lot to observe and experience at the weekly market. That’s what Renate Hopper thinks, too. She is one of the market vendors. Twice a week, she attends with her stall on the weekly market. On Thursdays at the Blücherplatz, and Saturdays at the Exerzierplatz. But only when it’s not raining, otherwise the business is not profitable. But what brought Renate to the weekly market?

Renate knew how to help herself during the pandemic and began to express herself creatively. She regularly knitted, sewed, and felted. Wool socks, knitted hats, keychains, felt slippers, scarves. Renate did all of this. So many until a friend took her to a bazaar with her handmade stuff. And after that, it all took its course…

She booked a market stall at the weekly market and tried to sell her stuff there.

“You just must try something. The smart thing to do is to try.”

Renate Hoppe

And it all went very well. Three small tables suddenly became a little bit more and more. Three of her friends help her, knit socks. Otherwise, Renate would no longer be able to keep up. Her husband helps at the stall each time. She has turned her hobby into a profession and looks at the whole thing very positively. The conversations at the market keep her fit in the head, also through the handicrafts. She regarded the weekly market as a new occupation for herself.

“It’s not a constraint for me. If I say next week, I don’t feel like it anymore, then we can stop anytime.”

Renate Hoppe

Renate likes the atmosphere at the weekly market. She has kind neighbors. It’s very lovely and friendly. People are in a good mood, and you always can talk a bit.

Her customers don’t arrive at the market until half past ten. They all sleep a little longer, she says. She does her chores until then, knits on the side, and always finds observing the people inter. She has her regular customers, older people, who come again and again and sometimes just look. She also doesn’t always have to sell something directly, what gives her even more pleasure is when she can put a smile on someone’s face as they walk through. 

So, let’s get going. A visit to the market is more than worth it. Because there you can meet exciting people like Renate and buy regional products for your everyday life. And don’t forget what Renate said:

«Just try. Because what you do with love is not a burden.»

Renate Hoppe