During the pandemic, many Individuals lost their jobs and were sheltered in place for many months. During this time, people used it as an opportunity to start businesses they had only dreamt of but never had time to pursue pre-COVID. Mercedes Hernandez, owner of Bow N Arrow Clothing at the time, noticed a huge birth of new small, millennial-owned businesses in her community.

As COVID restrictions began to lift, she wanted to create an environment that would bring the community together again while supporting small business growth for the new generation of entrepreneurs.

Mercedes invited 11 local small businesses to participate in the first ever SoCo Market in September of 2020. The experience and support from the community was unmatched! Mercedes grew the market and was able to expand into other local cities. 

The SoCo Market now takes place during the Summer season (May-August) in downtown Santa Rosa hosting 90+ vendors with exclusive events hosted in other local cities throughout the year!