Greenfield Farmers Market is often a test kitchen of sorts, as it is the place where many come to try their hand at launching a new business. For resident Delores (Dee) Nolet, it has been just that. Though she has spent more than 18 years at W.S.W.H.E. BOCES Saratoga, where she is now the coordinator of network technology services, it is photography that is her true passion.
Nolet says it traces back to when she was a 9-year-old girl, with a Kodak Instamatic camera. Ever since, she was the on-hand photographer for every friend and family event. It was her pastime, not necessarily her career track, but it was one that stuck. Her friends encouraged her to “just try it,” and in 2015 she opened Nolet’s Way Internet Cafe in Corinth. The cafe featured her photography, along with many other local artists. She closed her cafe in January of 2017. Starting last October, in her free time she started attending vendor shows and launching a new website to focus just on selling her art.
Nolet’s Way Nature Inspired Photography sets up shop at the Greenfield Farmers Market every week with a beautiful blue tent brimming with gorgeous photography. Nolet sells photos of local nature, along with merchandise that features the pics, from pillows to cell phone covers, ornaments, coasters, bags, jewelry and more. Her biggest seller is the ornaments. Each porcelain decorative piece features things like cardinals, squirrels, hummingbirds and butterflies and costs $20 each.
“I hope to encourage others to be inspired to find a way to utilize and share their passion,” Nolet said. “For some, it lays dormant until it takes a friend to encourage you to try it. I want to be that friend.”
Nolet is selling 8-10 pieces each week and it brings her great happiness.
“It means so much when a customer is walking away with a smile on their face, or when I hear happy comments as someone walks away,” she said. “It is so nice to do something that brings me and others joy.”
Nolet has lived in the Town of Greenfield for 11 years with her husband of 15 years, James. She moved to town from Luzerne, where she spent 21 years and raised her two sons.
“I love the community here,” she said. “Everyone is so friendly. It has given me the encouragement I needed to jump in with both feet.”
Nolet sells at her website, noletswaynatureinspiredphotography.com, but if you buy in person at the market, you’ll save 20%. Nolet plans to retire from her longtime career in information technology next year, when she will spend more time with her photography gift business. She also writes a blog on her website, where she elaborates on the different parts of nature she has captured in her photographs.
“We are proud that our TOG market vendors have created such a supportive environment where our residents can try their hands at new things,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch. “It is really special to see people find their true callings with the support of their community.”
Stop by and meet Dee Nolet at this week’s market and, if you love supporting local business, follow her on Facebook.
This article is meant to inform the residents of Greenfield about a local business. The Town of Greenfield does not endorse one business over another. Instead the Town supports all local business and wishes to highlight as many businesses as we can to foster a sense of community and help encourage our residents to shop locally.
If you are a legitimate business or nonprofit organization that is based in our Town, are you listed in our online community directories? If you would like to be added or possibly featured in an upcoming article like this one, please email information to info@greenfieldny.org.
