N.S. Seaside Market Focuses On Local Food, Clothes And Culture
HUBBARDS, N.S. – When Morgan Giffin launched her new marketplace Rosa Rugosa on September 15, she did so with a key principle in mind: if she, herself, wouldn’t buy a product as a consumer, she won’t be selling it.
“It’s things that I would want to buy for myself,” said Giffin. “It’s very difficult for me to make any money because I can’t stop taking things home.”
The new seaside market in Hubbards, Lunenburg County also has a heavy focus on local products. Rosa Rugosa features food from Halifax’s Real Fake Meats, books by local author Belle Demont, antiques, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and too many more to list.
But they all come from across the Nova Scotian map, as well as some food from P.E.I., where Giffin learned much of her culinary skills.
Attached to the market, which is located in a historic property that used to be a restaurant and general store in the 1950s, is the telecommunications company AnchorNet, of which Giffin is also an owner.
I have so many different interests, and I think it was me putting a lot of my personality into it,” says Giffin. “I like to say, it’s like going to your crazy Great Aunt’s.”
Given Giffin’s culinary background, there is, of course, a restaurant at Rosa Rugosa. Sticking to her love for local, her dishes are prepared with Nova Scotia ingredients as well.
“Every little piece of the puzzle is either curated or local,” she says.
Giffin is knowledgeable in so many fields because of her mindset, which constantly craves new projects and new interests. Like many others with this personality trait, she has had many careers during her lifetime.
“I bounced around in so many fields for so long and I loved all of them, I would just get bored and move on to the next thing.”
One of her more interesting jobs was as an assistant to a personal shopper. A personal shopper is someone who does the purchasing for wealthy clients who don’t have the time, energy, or interest, in their own shopping.
“I learned so much from her about fashion and clothing,” says Giffin.
So far, the market has been a huge hit. A mere few weeks into its existence, Rosa Rugosa has nearly run out of stock. But that’s no big deal for Giffin, who has many new ideas already on different products to stock up on.
“I have about 100,000 things I have popping around in my brain. I’m very excited to implement all these things and have something new for people every single week,” she says.
One thing that will be new to the store very soon is Nova Scotian wine, ciders, and other local brews. Giffin is just waiting on approval for Rosa Rugosa’s liquor license.
“Nova Scotia’s doing so much cool stuff with wine and cider and local beer – we’re just really killing the game in our province. So, it’s really exciting to be here if you’re someone who supports local.”
Giffin still has more plans for Rosa Rugosa. Next year, she wants to open an outdoor patio and she is also entertaining the idea of leasing some space to other vendors who have already shown interest in the market. It’s clear that rosa Rugosa will never rest on its laurels.
“That’s where I’m comfortable-change,” says Giffin.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].
To read more stories like this in Huddle, sign up to receive our free daily newsletter.