This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Cathy Raines, owner and baker behind Mimé’s Kitchenette, as Farm Hippie’s Vendor of the Month! As always, we deeply value each of our vendors’ unique skills and passions, and Cathy’s presence reminds us of the diverse talents that make Farm Hippie a special place for both customers and creators.
Here’s a little from the owner and creator:
“Let me tell you a little about Mimé’s Kitchenette (Mim-‘ays). My mimé (grandmother) was French Canadian, and when I tell people how to pronounce mimé, I have had some say, “That isn’t how it is pronounced.” I respond, “Well, that is how she told us to pronounce it, so…there you go”! Well, anywho, she always wanted a country store when she was growing up, and she made sure Grandpa knew it. After having five kids, Grandpa built an extra kitchen and storefront onto their house. They lived in a small community, and mimé baked daily for her little store. She eventually outgrew her little addition, and Grandpa bought the old schoolhouse and turned it into the only grocery store for miles. As a child, I remember going to the store after school to get a cookie, and you could still smell all the wonderful flavors wafting up from the basement kitchen…we were NOT allowed in the kitchen. 🙂
I have always enjoyed cooking and baking and seeing the satisfaction on the faces of those eating my bread and baked goods. Friends and family members encouraged me to try selling at the local farmers market. I had so much fun meeting new people and seeing others I hadn’t seen in years (even though we live in the same town) that I looked forward to the market each week. I was getting repeat customers, and people wanted to know where to get bread during the week. I realized I needed a name, and remembering my mimés love for baking, I wanted to express that part of myself. So was born “Mimé’s Kitchenette,” a dedication to my grandma, who loved to bake and feed the community.
I am proud to be able to tell people that you can purchase my bread at Farm Hippie in Collinsville and Pawhuska!”
Cathy has been a vital member of the Farm Hippie family, consistently bringing her love for baking and dedication to quality into every product she creates. Her space at Farm Hippie is always filled with warm, homemade artisan breads that draw customers in, and her kind, welcoming presence at her Meet & Greets has made her a beloved vendor in our market community. We hope you’ve had the honor of meeting her and trying her creations, and if not, we hope to come out soon to do so!