Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Smith.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We have lived in Decatur for almost 14 years and have always enjoyed supporting local, talented artisans and farmers. In 2019, a friend and I began Veteran’s Liberty Ranch – selling Texas Longhorn Beef. I participated in several farmer markets around North Texas promoting out local, grass-fed/finished beef and made some of the best friends along the way. In 2025, we were asked to put our beef into a handful of stores, including Decatur Farm to Market, a store I had supported since moving to Wise County. The store was struggling and needed major repairs and revamping, so discussions began about opening a new, larger Farm to Market store just down the road from the existing location. The concept of Wise Roots Farm to Market had been brewing for 13 years, and in July 2025 we signed a lease to make the dream come true. The Grand Opening was held in November and as of December, the 2,800+ square foot building hosts approximately 40 consignors specializing in local, hand crafted, home made, farm raised items you would typically find at a Farmer Market. The beauty of Wise Roots Farm to Market is that we’re open 7 days a week and offer the farmer market collections inside a protected building. Beyond the variety of products offered, we are building a community that is learning from each other. Every day we enter the market is magical. Relationships are being built and the community is embracing every aspect of the concept.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, opening Wise Roots Farm to Market has been quite smooth. Both the community and the City of Decatur have been supportive and encouraging every step of the way. The biggest hurdle was converting a long-time vacant industrial building into a grocery store. What we accidently ended up with is a very interesting mix of industrial shabby chic that magically works to create a welcoming, eclectic atmosphere. Think dining room chandeliers hanging from the iron beams of what used to be a body shop garage. Look close enough and you’ll find remnants of and old paint booth, now housing crocheted egg holders and home made pastas.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Wise Roots Farm to Market strives to be more than just a grocery store/farmer market. We are fostering a collaborative space that encourages networking, education and growth. We often refer to the roots of our community – farmers, ranchers, homesteaders and historians that make up Wise County. Many of these families offer generations of knowledge and skills and we aim to connect them to the current generation. In addition to sourcing primarily local foods and crafts, we encourage classes, community markets and meetings where customers can learn from each other. The concept of our market extends beyond business hours. Sure, you’re able to purchase hand crafted gifts and locally raised meats, but we take it a step further and offer to teach you how to make those crafts, start a farm, raise a cow…..if nothing else, we teach you how to create a network of local talent to call upon. We love fostering the small-town community charm of neighbors helping neighbors.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wise Roots Farm to Market is driven by our family. Christopher, my husband, works behind the scenes mostly to fix things and encourage the community development. Jacob, our oldest son, spends most of his free time home from college building displays, developing the website and online store and working events. Allison, our middle child also spends much of her free time, when home from college, supporting the store by working at farmer markets, working cattle and keeping our personal ranch running smooth. Mason can often be found at the store working the register, sampling all the new products and tending to the plants. Without our close-knit family, daily operations at the store and our ranch would be impossible.
The community deserves a lot of credit for the success of Wise Roots Farm to Market also! Vendors showed up in force to fill the seemingly too-big industrial space. Every square inch is filled with farmer market finds that are sure to please all the shoppers. Customers continue to show up and support the vendors daily with purchases, reviews and word of mouth testimony.
It truly does take a village to achieve success and based on the response so far…. I’d say Wise Roots Farm to Market will be a huge success for the community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wiserootsfarmtomarket.com
- Instagram: wiserootsmarket
- Facebook: wiserootsmarket
