We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey McAuliffe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, what matters most to you?
Integrity, always. I’ve learned to trust what my body and mind tell me—if something doesn’t feel right, it ain’t.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m very proud to have built my position from running a once-weekly farmers market by myself to stewarding a multi-armed non-profit organization with 4 full-time staff, 8 Leadership staff & 15 part-time contract positions. The growth of Galveston’s Own Farmers Market has been steady, instinctual and rooted entirely in response to the calls from our community. I fail CONSTANTLY when it comes to managing a team of people and adjusting the protocols, standards and basic expectations of a business that grew 2200% in employee size in 4 years. However, I trust in the value of honesty and integrity when it comes to leading others; I don’t pretend to know more than I do, I ask for help, and I do my damndest to admit my mistakes….it also helps that I work with incredibly talented Good Eggs who are generous and practical. I’m good at recognizing folks with good hearts who thrive in working with others, and I see it as my #1 job to bring those people together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Galveston, there’s no shortage of fun. From the beach to historical sights to small unique stores dotted around town, there’s a reason that the charm of our town has endured. I love walking around downtown and exploring things on foot. For me, some of the must-dos when visiting are:

=grabbing an iced coffee/kombucha + bagel/tamale/croissant from Galveston’s Own Farmers Market on a Sunday morning and enjoying a people-watching stroll that comes with the benefit of lots of fresh & tasty foods to eat. We’ve got local farmers and makers that are truly local, and everyone’s got a smile for you.

=lunch at Fish Co. Taco for one of THE freshest and damn tasty meals you’ll find on the island and Chef Daya Myers-Hurt is a stellar human and hands-down one of my favorite chefs. (and at the risk of creating a theme, I also suggest getting one of their Everything Bagels with smoked Golden Tile whipped with cream cheese, butter & capers. Top that with tomato salad, radish, green onion & caviar & you’ve accomplished all you need for the day.

=Soul2Soul Cafe is a soul food restaurant that recently re-opened in a great spot at 5316 Broadway. Chef owner Ouida Cook charms everyone who comes to the counter with her banter AND her oxtails. And her fried ribs. And her pork chops. And her greens. Save room, enjoy and take a nap afterward.

=Mod CoffeeHouse and Proletariat Gallery and Public House are right in the heart of downtown Galveston activity and do exactly what watering holes are supposed to do—they create havens of conversation, coziness, exchange of ideas and excellent drinks. As the mom of a toddler, we particularly love sitting out in front of Mod under their shady arbor with an iced coffee & hibiscus tea & saying ‘hi’ to every soul who walks by. And I mean Every. Single. One.

=Lastly, I can’t recommend enough taking advantage of Galveston Running Tours and Galveston Unscripted. Both enterprises are run by my friend JR Shaw, and both cater to those who like to get to know a place when they visit. You can pay for a customized running tour that shows off places of interest on & off the beaten trail or simply enjoy his highly-researched history podcast that focuses on hearing from those who know the most about those stories. It’s easy, fun and makes a vacation much more memorable and meaningful.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband is my partner, and he’s been by my side for the last 15 years. I’m wild about him, and he invests in me and our relationship every day. I owe an awful lot to him.

Website: galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com

Instagram: gofarmersmarket

Twitter: gofarmersmarket

Facebook: Gofarmersmarket

Yelp: Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

Image Credits
The photo of myself + my daughter with the yellow flowers in the background were taken by local photographer Samantha Wiley during a family portrait session in one of my favorite Galveston spots—the cemeteries on Broadway St.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.