A global pandemic hasn’t stopped Airdrie’s Tammy Proctor from securing the 2021 Outstanding New Vendor Award from the Alberta Farmers' Market Association (AFMA).
Proctor received the award Feb. 27 during AFMA’s 2021 conference, which was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her name was put forward by Cheryl Shea, the manager of the Crossfield Farmers' Market, who also won an AFMA award that night.
“I had no idea what the structure was,” Proctor said. “They started listing nominees, and they called my name. I was very shocked.”
Proctor said she and one other vendor received the Outstanding New Vendor award. She said the acknowledgement has been wonderful after putting so much hard work into her culinary endeavour in recent years.
“To be in a situation where someone notes and appreciates what you are doing, I didn’t expect it,” she said. “I am very honoured.”
Having previously worked in human resources for 30 years, Proctor said she is used to recognizing the hard work of others. However, she added she is not used to having the tables turned and seeing people recognize her own accomplishments.
“I’ve never been someone to gloat or pat my own back,” she said. “That’s just not my style. Now, to be in a totally different industry, to have my name put forward and to get recognition has been very humbling.”
Proctor is the owner of Tasty Kitchen Creations, an Airdrie-based company that specializes in hot sauces, spices and ready-made meals. She started her culinary journey in 2019, after economy-related woes made it difficult to find a job in her field.
Having made her own hot sauces and spices for years, Proctor’s friends and family always told her she should sell her creations. She said she has always made her own spices and sauces because she does not like all of the additives put in commercial products. With seemingly few job options on the horizon, she decided to give Tasty Kitchen Creations a go until a position in her field opened up.
“I did not know how long I would try this out for,” she said. “Nothing came along in terms of a job, and the business started to grow in that time, [and] now it is my full-time job.”
As her list of products – which can be viewed and purchased via tastykitchencreations.com – continues to grow, Proctor said she believes the products she produces are better than what is currently available in grocery stores. Among a number of markets, Proctor’s creations can be purchased at the Crossfield Farmer’s Market.
“Our hot sauce is made from fresh peppers, it’s a very different and flavourful hot sauce,” she said. “I really enjoy seeing people’s faces when they try it. That always intrigues me.”
She said one other thing that separates her is listening to her customers’ recommendations, making sure she is constantly offering something for everyone.
“I want to make things that appeal to people with restrictions in their diet as well,” she said.
What keeps her inspired is the ability to continuously get back to the drawing board and find out what she can create to get the public engaged the same way she is.
“I have had some failures,” she said. “But, understanding people are enjoying my product and appreciating all of the work I have done to create the recipes and get them out there has been great.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
