The Column

- Written by Mandy Krickhahn, Collective Founder & CEO // January 2026 Anniversaries have a funny way of sneaking up on you.  Your days are filled with building, learning, surviving, dreaming, and trying to just figure it all out. You don’t always stop to realize what you’ve created, you keep moving forward, making the next decision, and showing up day in and day out. It isn’t until you slow down that you start to see the full picture.  Seven years of The Collective, two year

January always feels loud. New goals, new plans, new promises. Everywhere you look, someone is doing more, scaling faster, launching bigger. And if I’m being honest, for a long time I felt like I was supposed to already have it all figured out by now.

As we wrap up 2025, I keep coming back to one word: grateful. Grateful for this community, for the collaborations, and for the way people continue to show up. Even when things are hard and it would be easier not to, I’m grateful for the ones who do it anyway. This year stretched us, taught us, and reminded us why this work matters. And we did it together.

As the markets close for the season, the work doesn’t stop. This month’s November Notes dives into what food access really looks like in Indiana, the impact of SNAP funding changes, and how communities like ours step up when families need support. Plus, meet The Current—our new digital space for stories, collaboration, and connection beyond the market.

August at The Collective was full of celebrations, community impact, and inspiring events— from award finalist honors to Farmed & Forged giving back and new workshops to grow together.

Written by Gabby Fernandez, The Collective Marketing Coordinator // September 2025 Growing up Hispanic in the United States, I quickly learned that identity can be complex, beautiful, and at times challenging to navigate. As I built my career in marketing, I came to understand that my heritage doesn’t just shape who I am, it influences the way I approach my work, connect with audiences, and contribute to my community. In Miami, speaking Spanish felt natural and unremarkable.

August at The Collective was full of celebrations, community impact, and inspiring events— from award finalist honors to Farmed & Forged giving back and new workshops to grow together.

Big things are happening at The Collective - new team members, can’t-miss workshops, summer meetups, and fresh ways we’re giving back to the community.

Mandy reflects on eight years of entrepreneurship and shares hard-won lessons - on mindset, contracts, community, and self-care - that shaped The Collective’s journey.”

How The Collective helped revitalize the La Porte Farmers Market - bringing fresh, local food to more families, supporting small businesses, and raising thousands for local nonprofits.

Whitney shares practical tips for hiring and keeping the right people - starting with knowing your values, setting clear processes, and building trust to create your dream team.

How Geeky Goodies Gourmet Marshmallows teamed up with Burn ‘Em Brewing to create a sweet collaboration - celebrating creativity, community, and supporting individuals with autism.

Whitney explores the flip side of entrepreneurial freedom - taking ownership, finding gratitude, and leaning on resources to navigate the weight of responsibility.

As The Collective celebrates five years, Mandy reflects on its growth, $40K+ in community givebacks, and big changes ahead - including a new nonprofit arm, expanded membership, and fresh services for 2024.

August at The Collective was full of celebrations, community impact, and inspiring events— from award finalist honors to Farmed & Forged giving back and new workshops to grow together.