'Having fun and keeping it real': Not Just Any Valley Trash is a family affair

WASILLA — The Wisthoff family has been a vendor at the Wasilla Farmers Market for over 15 years through their small business Not Just Any Valley Trash.

Veronica Wisthoff runs this homegrown operation with her parents Cecilia and Tom Wisthoff.

“We do have a regular following because we’ve done it for so many years,” Cecilia said.

This is our social time. We meet so many cool people here. As colorful as we are, we get big smiles here.”

Not Just Any Valley Trash offers a variety of goods that are as eclectic and colorful as the people that made them.

Veronica makes a variety of unique gifts like crocheted animal figures. She said she sold about 80 octopus stuffed octopuses this summer.

“She’s a crochet ninja,” Cecilia said.

Cecilia crafts a colorful array of soaps made from a blend of natural ingredients, and Tom makes unique garden art creations from recycled materials.

Cecilia said she cherishes this annual summer tradition they can share as a family, and many other vendors and shoppers feel the same way about the cozy little market near Wonderland Playground.

“It’s fun. It keeps us together,” Cecilia said. “People can bring their children and they can play at this wonderful playground that’s been remodeled. There’s so many wonderful things about this park.”

Veronica said the name of the business comes from a book about recycling she wrote, “ Not Just Any Valley Trash” as a response to Senator Ben Steven’s infamous remarks that spurred a counter movement of Valley residents embracing the term Valley Trash and wearing merchandise that said “Proud to be Valley Trash” and similar messages to that effect.

“We’re proud to be Valley Trash’ like Sarah Palin used to say,” Cecilia said with a laugh.

The Wisthoff family frequently shops at thrift stores and searches for items across the community to create their products. Veronica said that she hopes their business model inspires others to recycle.

“It’s just a good way for people to think about it. Recycling isn’t just sorting your paper,” Veronica said.

Tom said they sell a little bit of everything since there’s three different people’s creative ideas in the mix. He said they have a bit of a friendly competition amongst themselves and Cecilia usually comes out on top with her soap sales. He said they always participate in the Midsummer Garden and Art Faire in Palmer and that’s his time to shine.

“I’ll make up for every Wednesday show,” Tom said with a laugh.

Tom loves meeting new people. He said venues like the Wasilla Farmers Market gives them the opportunity to meet people from all over the world thanks to the annual influx of tourists.

“We see a lot of different people that come by. It’s nice it gets us out of the house. It keeps us busy I’m our retirement. Maybe a little too busy sometimes,” Tom said with a laugh. We have fun. That’s the main thing, having fun and keeping it real.”

Veronica said that she’s enjoyed growing up in a family of vendors and getting to know other small business owners. She said it’s helped her learn more about the community she grew up in and how many talented people live in it. She encourages anyone who’s considering becoming a vendor to give it a try because it’s a worthwhile journey.

“It’s nice to see new faces on the scene,” Veronica said. “I say do it. Try the Wednesday market. We’re all here to help. We all kind of rally together.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com