Capybara Coffee will host a fall pop-up market on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., located between the University Commons and the Publix just outside of the University of Tennessee campus. 

Leticia Fernandes, owner of Capybara Coffee, said she is very excited about the market. It will be the second pop-up market that Capybara Coffee has hosted.

“There will be around 20 vendors, all local crafts, arts and food as well,” Fernandes said. “There will be energy balls, coffee, honey and sketch artists. I’m trying to do a very eclectic market that has a little bit of everything.”

Due to the success of the first market, which took place back in April, Fernandes is planning on having many more. 

“The vendors were very happy with the sales, and the customers were very happy with what we had to offer,” Fernandes said. “I wish we could do even more.”

Fernandes originally started the pop-up market as a way of connecting with the Knoxville community. 

“I love the market, but I work a lot, so I don’t always have time to go,” Fernandes said. “So I thought, ‘Might as well bring them here.’ We can help each other and bring something different to the table. I want to throw a big emphasis on communities, especially in a large town like this.”

Fernandes is hoping that Capybara Coffee can be a place where college students can find a connection.

“When you go to college, you have to move and then make a new community in your life,” Fernandes said. “This way, the market is within walking distance to all students living in the dorms. I’m trying to bring a sense of the city to them, not just college life but everything that happens around it too. You know, creating your own community.”

Fernandes chose the name “Capybara Coffee” because it is a reminder of her home country of Brazil. She said they are common in her hometown city and very friendly.

“We wanted to honor our origins, where we come from and also have this friendly and welcoming environment,” Fernandes said. “We want to keep it warm and cute.”

Fernandes also really enjoys being a coffee shop owner, as it allows her to get to know her customers intimately. 

“Sometimes people will tell me what research they’re doing, whatever they’re learning or whatever they’re teaching,” she said. “I’ve learned a little bit of everything from music to marketing.” 

The highlight of her day is getting to see customers’ faces light up after having their first sip of coffee. When choosing the vendors for the fall pop-up market lineup, Fernandes was careful to think about her customer base. 

“I invited people with wares that I think would interest our customer base as well as some vendors my customers and friends recommended,” Fernandes said. 

One such vendor is Kathy Cotten Bryant, known as @outsidethebox__vintage on Instagram and “OTB Outside THe BoX” on Facebook. She collects and sells vintage artifacts and wares and has been doing so for about nine years. A recent retiree, this is now her main gig, and she enjoys it to the fullest.

“I started with a friend to let go of items I no longer needed and items my kids had outgrown,” Bryant said. 

While it is a fun business, she says it can be challenging at times. 

“It requires a constant focus, whether on finding new treasures to sell, marketing those treasures, or keeping up with the in and out of inventory,” Bryant said. “As with any endeavor, discovering my talents and gifts within the resell world and it continues to be a journey.”

Bryant’s love for vintage items goes far and wide. She has even traveled to places like Italy and found things there. 

“Vintage items tell stories and have stood the test of time,” Bryant said. “Repurposing, reimagining, and bringing those items back to the public is exciting and rewarding. They will live another life hopefully as long or longer than their first!” 

Treasure hunting is her favorite part of the business. Just like Fernandes, Bryant is hoping to connect with people through the upcoming pop-up market. 

“The most difficult part is narrowing my focus on what I choose to look for and purchase for resale,” Bryant said. “I feel that if I can narrow my focus, I’ll be able to offer variety and quality and appeal to those individuals looking for just what I have.”

All of the coffee at Capybara Coffee is made in house, so if you want some authentic Brazilian coffee, consider grabbing a cup at this weekend’s pop-up market.

“We want every cup to be amazing,” Fernandes said. “We want your experience to be amazing.”