The Faces of Suwanee — Meet Nora Lea, Owner of Living Well Farmers Market
Many folks in Suwanee know Nora Lea, the sweet lady who opened Living Well Farmers Market by her smile and sparkly personality. She’s livin’ the good life and is making a big difference in our community by providing healthy, locally grown food.
Please tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my husband for 25 years, and we have a daughter who is 21 and a son who is 18. I am originally from Virginia and met my husband there after college.
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it?
My previous career was in corporate finance. I got started in the food market business having first been a vendor at the Suwanee Farmers Market each Saturday at Town Center Park. There, I met lots of local farmers and learned a great deal about healthy foods. My dream was to open a market in Town Center, and with the help of the city I was able to live my dream! What I love most about it is supporting farmers here and helping people to eat healthier by bringing the best locally grown food to my friends here in Suwanee.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Raik Mediterranean and Bottles & Bones who are both my neighbors in town!
How long have you lived or worked here?
I have lived in Suwanee for 21 years.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
My favorite thing is the people who live and work here. I find everyone to be friendly and many are generous and kind.
What business or place — current or former — makes you feel the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
It would be Old Town Suwanee where the Caboose and Pierce’s Corner are. It is interesting to know the history of Pierce’s Corner since it has been many different businesses in the past, from a general store, to a movie theater, and antique shop over the years.
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would that be?
I would take Paul Saladino, a blogger I know in the food market industry. I would take him to a seed oil-free restaurant in Costa Rica.
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
On the big island in Hawaii, at Volcano National Park. The water and the volcano lava running into the surf was incredibly beautiful.
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
I believe that it was Bambi, and it was pretty traumatizing!
Tell me something that’s on your bucket list.
I would love to see Italy one day.
What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
To be patient and loving with others, no matter our differences.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met in Suwanee?
The most interesting person I’ve met is Jeanne, my next-door neighbor of 21 years. She has been such an inspiration to me and has taught me so much about gardening, and life in general.
What type of music do you like?
Jazz, piano, and rock ‘n’ roll are my favorites.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
Hmmm… I guess that I am somewhat of a private person and rarely cry around others.
Would you rather sing to a crowd of 50 people or speak to a crowd of 500?
I would definitely rather speak than sing. No one wants to hear me sing!
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