Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
Nestled in the heart of Olive Hill, The Olive Branch Market is an exciting new destination designed to connect consumers with the very best local producers and artisanal products. With a focus on supporting small businesses and promoting a holistic, sustainable lifestyle, this vibrant market has the potential to become the go-to place for high-quality, locally sourced goods.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, The Olive Branch Market offers a unique shopping experience where non-perishable items meet fresh, local options. With an emphasis on Kentucky and Appalachian Proud products, the market seamlessly blends the convenience of name-brand options with a rich variety of locally made goods. From hearty snacks to homemade jams, customers will find an array of farm-to-table offerings that reflect the spirit of the community.
At the core of the newest shop on Railroad Street is its focus on supporting local artisans and vendors. From herbs and vitamins to homemade jelly, local honey, gourmet cheese, and sandwich spreads, the market offers a curated selection of unique, high-quality items. It also boasts a range of handcrafted bath products, including shower steamers and bath bombs – ideal for enhancing your self-care routine.
For those seeking nourishing, protein-packed snacks, you’ll find local summer sausage, snack sticks, and other hearty options to fuel your day. The market features farm-fresh beef, artisanal breads, and kitchen essentials like apple cider vinegar, tallow, and lard. And for the eco-conscious, low-toxic candles add a gentle touch to your home, all while supporting local artisans.
This new hub isn’t just a place to shop – it’s a place to connect.
As owner MaKaylen Genung explains, “At Olive Branch Market, we want to create community fellowship, small business collaboration, and local convenience for our people. Olive Hill residents shouldn’t have to drive 30+ minutes for healthy, daily-use products. We know our support comes from within our community, and so should our daily intake. Beef, eggs, and honey straight from our own soil. Artisan goods and fresh foods straight from the homes of our local families. Simple labels and wholesome products, for a simple life and wholesome town – that’s the goal.”
Genung’s journey to opening The Olive Branch Market was deeply personal.
“Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, I gained my master’s degree in social work and was working in the field as a director at a medical day facility,” she shares. “It was clear there, and even prior throughout my schooling, that community development was where my heart was. Due to growing my family, I stepped away from social work and started a catering gig that allowed me to work alongside my children.”
After catering for nearly three years, Genung’s focus shifted.
“My views and goals started to change, as did society as a whole. A rocky health journey led me down a holistic path, where I learned healing began with diet and natural wellness. Chasing a diagnosis was not getting to the root causes. The similar needs within our community were so evident, and so many were hungry for a change,” she recalls.
Genung’s love for small-town life fuels her mission.
“For me, nothing beats living in a small town, where a lot of things will always remain the same. We can still stick to our roots while working to better our town for our children and their children,” she says. “I want those in our community to know we deserve access to healthy and affordable foods. We deserve local resources that promote stress management, decrease chronic disease and lingering symptoms, and get us back to our self-sustained ways.”
The Olive Branch Market strives to create a space where everyone – both consumers and producers – can thrive.
“It’s all about the power of knowing where your products come from, whether you’re buying nourishing food, handmade goods, or environmentally friendly items,” says Genung. “By supporting local businesses, we ensure that shoppers can enjoy fresh, nourishing foods and sustainable products while making a tangible difference in the lives of small-scale producers.”
The market is built on a shared belief in the value of modern conveniences combined with the artistry of local craftsmanship. The Genungs have created a space where both community members and visitors can come together to celebrate the joy of living well. As they effortlessly blend the love for local products with a commitment to well-being, the market isn’t just a shopping experience – it’s a movement toward a more connected, sustainable future.
If you’re looking for a way to support small businesses while embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, this vibrant new hub has a range of options to explore.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, The Olive Branch Market is waiting for you – your new destination for local pride, sustainability, and healthy living. You’re invited to join the Genungs in celebrating the beauty of craftsmanship, community, and the art of intentional living at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 13.
Contact the writer at miranda@cartercountytimes.com
