As students and community members filtered in and out of American University’s bustling quad on yet another spring Wednesday, a selection of small businesses and vendors offered a place to browse and escape the busy schedule of daily college life.
The weekly “Thank Clawed it’s Wednesday” farmers market returned to campus on March 28, offering a selection of shopping and dining options. Attendees could stop by and enjoy the warm weather as they looked through used books and music or sip on a refreshing lemonade.
The latest market included classic “Thank Clawed” favorites such as The Crepe House’s freshly baked French dishes, and new addition Clay Boy Shaved Ice.
Another market staple is RavenHook Bakehouse’s freshly baked pastries. The local family business can be found exclusively at local markets around Washington, D.C. and college campuses. Kevin Mabjia, a seller with RavenHook, said they attend 28 markets a week.
Mabjia said the croissants and chocolate chip cookies are the bestsellers on American University's campus.
“Everything is homemade,” Mabjia said. “We don’t have a front store, so we bake and sell outside.”
RavenHook Bakehouse has a group of five staff members who bake fresh bread and pastries at a local kitchen starting as early as 3 a.m. some mornings.
In addition to sweet treats and dining options, students can also find books, CDs and vinyl at Carpe Librum. The displays of books and music vary across genres, and all proceeds benefit the organization Turning the Page. This organization connects public school students and community members with educational resources, such as reading material.
Sophia Ayala, a senior in the School of International Service, said she makes a conscious effort to stop by Carpe Librum every week on her way to class. Digging through the assortment of books leads her to finding items she’s excited about.
“I definitely like coming to class and seeing a good stack of books everywhere,” Ayala said.
Across from the book stands, Denise Helou sets up shop. Helou has been in business for almost 30 years and started selling her items at the University in the fall of 2025. She sells an assortment of clothing, jewelry and trinkets.
“I have different clothes [and] jewelry, a lot of it from different parts of the world, there’s a lot of India and Nepal presented here,” she said.
The farmers market is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Quad — so long as the weather permits.
This article was edited by Natalie Hausmann, Payton Anderson and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Paige Caron, Mattie Lupo and Ava Stuzin. Fact-checking done by Andrew Kummeth.
