Downtown Farmers’ Market Vendor Spotlight: Floral Sunset Farm

Floral Sunset Farm in Dexter, Iowa offers fresh and dried flowers along with other handmade products. Stop by and say hello to Regina while you purchase beautiful floral arrangements at her Winter Market booth!

Regina Quiambao Q+A

1. What is your business?

My business name is Floral Sunset Farm, established on March 31, 2021. It's still fairly new and feels like it just started getting noticed last year since I started vending at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. We are not open to the public yet, but I am working towards that goal. The farm is still a work in progress. When I open the farm to the public, I want to see the "wow" expression and happiness on people’s faces.

2.  What do you specialize in?

We specialize in fresh-cut flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

3.  How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My Husband Tyler and I moved to our property on Oct. 14, 2019. I love growing flowers and want to surround myself with them all the time. I thrive on making things beautiful. Everything was overgrown when we purchased our house, but we fell in love with the sunset. That first spring of 2020 when we cleaned up the land, I saw so much potential. I started doing landscaping on the property and enjoyed it. Then, I started planting seeds, which I had never done before. I was happy when the seeds started sprouting.

Now I want to grow all kinds of varieties of flowers and even the ones that are hard to grow. I grow all my flowers chemical-free and practice no-till farming. I want the land to flourish by adding natural nutrients to the soil and bringing beneficial insects to the farm. Farming has taught me self-growth. It taught me to be humble and patient, to appreciate the little things and to coexist with nature. Everything needs balance — in life, in business, in relationships — and having a balanced ecosystem on the farm is what I aim for in the future.

4.  How long have you been a part of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market/Winter Market?

This is my second season vending at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market and the Winter Market. I enjoy seeing people smile when they come to my booth and compliment me on how great my presentations are or that they can spend hours in my booth and want to buy everything. It's been a real changer selling here at The Market and the Winter Market. I gained loyal customers, real followers on social media that really wanted to support my small business. It makes me happy that people can see the efforts and love that I put into growing my flowers and creating all my products. I am grateful to be a part of this great community that supports local farmers and artists. Seeing people smile when they visit me at my Market booth is like the cherry on top.

5.  What products do you normally bring to the Winter Market?

I sell all kinds of floral products from fresh bouquets to dry bouquets, dried vases arrangements, pumpkin dried flower arrangements, seeds, handmade candles, earrings, ornaments, wreaths and many more items that are made out of my flowers and are great for gifting.

This will be my second Winter Market but will be the first indoor Winter Market I have ever participated in so I'm excited to showcase all my products in a different way and make my booth beautiful. I want people to feel at home and feel welcome when they visit my booth at the Winter Market.

6.  What’s your favorite part about the Winter Market?

There are so many great farmers, creative artists and makers at the Winter Market. If you're looking for one-of-a-kind unique handmade products that are grown and made by hand, then shop locally at the Winter Market.

7.  How can people support your business outside of The Market?

I recommend the market patrons shop locally for the holiday and follow their favorite businesses on social media. You can follow Floral Sunset Farms on Instagram, Facebook and at floralsunsetfarm.com. Supporting local small businesses makes a big difference in the lives of all small business owners and the community. I could never continue to do what I love to do without the support of my loyal customers.

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring more than 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find the latest updates for The Market each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In November, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Winter Farmers’ Market, now taking place at the Iowa Events Center.