For the past 5 years, farm owner Danny Collins has provided the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market with quality produce and a unique product: dried and hand-crafted gourds.
Kissingtree Farms was born about 15 years ago when Collins began painting gourds. He has turned this passion into a lucrative business and has even begun to teach others how to follow in his footsteps.
“I teach customers how to craft as well,” Collins said. “If they want to buy dry gourds, I can teach them how to get into that.”
Many market-goers enjoy the opportunity to utilize some creativity and craft their own gourds, and Collins greatly enjoys meeting these curious customers.
“I love meeting different people and seeing people I haven’t seen for years, like some old high school classmates,” Collins said.
On top of the social element, Collins also loves how easy it is to sell his products at the market.
“Going to the Farmers’ Market is more convenient for me than going to an event,” Collins said. “I used to mostly go to events, but you have to continuously have to pack up and then set up again. Here, it’s just on the weekends and it’s more accessible.”
