Celebrating the Moms of Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles has been a beloved Los Angeles landmark since it opened in 1934. More than 90 years after its grand opening, the Market continues to attract scores of locals and visitors.

But what is it that makes Farmers Market such an enduring place to visit? Merchants and patrons alike tell stories of how the Market played a key role in some of their favorite family traditions. Many guests remember accompanying a grandparent to a taping at CBS followed by lunch and shopping at the Market. Others talk about attending a favorite Market festival for years or even decades and now bringing their own children to celebrations they grew up with.

In fact, families are at the very core of our success. Itself a family-owned business, Farmers Market also heralds countless stories of multi-generational family ownership and employment, which is why Mothers Day is a particularly special celebration for us.

Fabulous Farmers Market moms working alongside their children can be found at:

Stara

Stara joined the Market family in 2025 bringing mom Kamila's time-tested family recipes from her native Poland. The Sudnickas lovingly serve authentic pierogi, schnitzel, and sausages inspired by recipes passed down through generations. Each meal celebrates the warmth and authenticity of Poland’s culinary traditions and the love that this family has for one another.

Sticker Planet

Although Sticker Planet is mostly run by Richard and Hilary Kraft, the store was founded back in 1991 by Richard and Hilary's parents, Selma and Bernie Kraft. Although Bernie has since passed away, Selma can occasionally still be seen behind the counter and leading on-site craft workshops, inspiring the creativity of young and old patrons alike.

A little known fact about Sticker Planet is that it was originally intended to be a rubber stamp store, but when Bernie met Andrea Grossman of Grossman's Paper Company, he was inspired to add a sticker section. His idea was to sell stickers on rolls instead of individual sheets as was the custom at the time. And so a new trend was born. While Bernie could market anything, Hilary says it is mom, Selma, who is the creative one in the family. The fact that [dad] ended up marketing something so creative is a function of [moms] influence, said Hilary.

Singapore's Banana Leaf

Diana Gazal, who learned to cook at her synagogue in Malaysia, became so adept at her craft, she once had a man (her future husband Ike!) follow her across the Pacific Ocean for her tasty Singaporean dishes. Now she shares those recipes with a passionate following at the popular Singapore's Banana Leaf. Diana, Ike and sons, Albert and Michael, can all be seen working in the stall, which turns out some amazing Chicken Rendang - and there's no need to cross an  ocean to get it.

Weiss Jewelry

Helga Weiss keeps the family-owned Weiss Jewelry founded by her late husband Leo, a Holocaust survivor humming, along with the help of her son, Daniel and daughter-in-law Sara. Even her grand kids occasionally pitch in to help. Weiss Jewelry opened at the Market in 1998 and maintains its family roots. Helga can still be found behind the counter selling gorgeous jewelry hand-crafted by Daniel & Sara. Take a close look at the items on display, and you might even find a piece designed by one of Sara and Daniel's young children.

Local Ice

Local Ice, located on the Market's West Patio, is owned and operated by Lisa Wood and husband Greg Gabel. Made in small batches using organic ingredients, their creamy ice cream and dairy-free Italian ices are hand-crafted on site for you to see! Delectable flavors include Tommy's Traditional Vanilla and Samantha's Sweet Strawberry, both named after Lisa and Greg's kids. Lisa and daughter Samantha can occasionally be seen working side-by-side scooping ice cream, making banana splits, sundaes and more.