#WomensHistoryMonth in Central City: The Wild Ramp

Brief History

The Wild Ramp, a nonprofit organization, operates unlike typical farmer's markets. Its consignment store-like layout creates a hub for local farmers to sell their produce all-year round. Shelly Keeney, the Market Director, explains previously that the business offers a good deal if a Farmer wants to go a different route rather than the traditional market, which is based off an 80-20 model where 80% of the profit goes to the farmer and the remaining 20% goes to the business.

Keeney leads the Wild Ramp, which is comprised of volunteers and staff members who have a passion to have local produce available and also want to provide farmers with a space to sell locally. 

A Community Effort

Keeney said the Wild Ramp began with a group comprised mostly of women. She also added that it definitely wasn't easy to get their ideas turned into the business it is today. 

Keeney said the Wild Ramp was supported by Unlimited Future, and other business and community leaders in the District when they got the building on 14STW. "We just didn't listen to the nay-sayers that were out there," she said. She said forming community partnerships was important when starting their business. She wanted to shoutout out Gail Patton, with Unlimited Future, who went above and beyond to help get the business off the ground. 

"I think we all felt like, you know, what do we have to lose?" Keeney said. Much to their surprise, the risk paid off. "I do believe that is because there were a lot of passionate women who wanted to see this happen."

What can other young women entrepreneurs do?

Keeney said that for anyone wanting to start a business, she suggests reaching out to a mentor. "Why try to figure it out on your own?" Keeney said. "Find someone that you think does a great job and has been successful, like some of us on the block for example." She also added, "The real truth about it is, it's a lot of hard work. You have to be really passionate about what it is you're doing, and then don't let anyone tell you no."

Shop at The Wild Ramp today!