Nestled in a small backyard garden are the roots of CanIHaveSome, a Native- and Queer-Owned food canning and preservation business grounded in community, shared knowledge, and food sovereignty. Owned and operated by Tyra Payer and their partner Paige, the couple grows vegetables such as ground cherries, tomatillos, cucumbers, and tomatoes—what they are unable to grow themselves they often source from other local BIPOC farms.
Tyra’s love for food preservation stemmed from their childhood. Their aunties always had pots of soup on the stove and boxes full of canned goods. Through this journey of self-discovery and business evolution, they have been able honor their family and discover more about their culture through their love of Indigenous foods.
During 2020, while Tyra was working at Dream of Wild Health, a native-led nonprofit here in the Twin Cities, Tyra learned about Indigenous farming practices and how to cook fresh produce.
While at Dream of Wild Health, Tyra began rekindling their love for vegetables—discovering the absence of seasonal preserved foods in Native communities. “It felt like a missing part of the food system. I didn’t really see any local native food producers doing anything from their farm or garden.”
This gap in the food system ultimately led to the launch of CanIHaveSome. After a research year, spent preparing canned goods including wildcrafted jams & jellies, seasonal savory sauces, and pickled veggies to sell at local markets, the business was ready to open in April 2024.
While preparing their artisanal products and getting ready to open during their first research year, Tyra heard about WomenVenture at an entrepreneurship expo through Hennepin County. From there, they participated in WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials and Launched & Growing business training courses. “It’s a springboard for us to be like alright we’re here; we’re doing it.”
As a food producer, Tyra received personalized support from WomenVenture’s Agriculture & Food Business Development Specialist and was awarded a grant to elevate their brand, which they are using for a branded canopy at farmers markets and to support their urban farm located in the Frogtown Farm with their growing partner, Céleste Macias of Nopalli Rebelde. Reflecting on the support they received, Tyra shared, “It’s nice just having the biggest cheerleader and person who keeps an eye out for opportunities and shares with us.”
The future of CanIHaveSome is full of an abundance of ideas and endless possibilities. The hardest part for Tyra is figuring out what to do next, knowing where they want to be in a few years, but also what do they need to do tomorrow. However, one thing is clear: they will keep doing what they love – providing the community with local produce and food knowledge in unique and meaningful ways.
Tyra’s advice for others looking to start their own business is to find the things you like – what motivates you and hold on to that. Running a small business is hard and finding your “why” is what is going to propel you.
If you are looking for unique and delicious food preserves, you can find CanIHaveSome at the Four Sisters Farmers Market on Thursdays from 11-3 through the end of October. Or if you find yourself wanting to learn how to make preserves yourself, CanIHaveSome is hosting classes at various locations around the Twin Cities, teaching individuals how to embrace their love for vegetables and deepen their relationship with food and the food system. The next class is on wildcrafted jams and jellies on September 13th, hosted at WEI. Stay up to date with CanIHaveSome on social media or on their website @CanIHaveSomeMN.
WomenVenture is honored to support entrepreneurs like Tyra in achieving their goals and building more vibrant and equitable communities. Consider stopping by the farmers market, attending a class, or supporting WomenVenture by making a donation to help more entrepreneurs transform communities.
Author: Autumn Lamparty, WomenVenture Grant Writer
