Be prepared. This post may be a little emotional. I am beyond touched by all our product support and love!
We launched the website on my Momma's birthday on November 17th as a tribute to her memory. I had NO idea it was going to spread like wildfire. I had no idea how much our community loves local products, and my friends - YOU GUYS ROCK!
I don't think I have the words to express my gratitude for everyone coming on this journey with me. This has been trial and error. I didn't have a guide to walk me through all these steps.
I get asked where the idea came from, and I don't know. HA! March 13th, we got locked down, and pretty much everyone in Canada was in their homes. When Spring rolled around, I thought, well, let's grow something. I wanted to see if Lavender would grow out in our fields in East Garafraxa. LavenderLavender is a little picky...so it can fail quite quickly. (I have read so much and currently taking a course on Lavender, so I am a pro now, HAHA).
So the Lavender grew - I lost about ten plants out of 40, but that was my error. Then when it came to harvest, I researched what to make with all this lovely Lavender.
Most people think of essential oils when it comes to Lavender, but there is so much plant waste, and I wasn't interested in getting into that saturated market. Then I read about a Farm that went from producing essential oils to infused oils due to the plant waste (See my blog about Infused oils vs Essentials oils). So I could do that. And I did.
In the end, I produced 196 ounces of infused Lavender oil. I created different varieties - cause, heck; I had no idea what I was doing. I researched and then tested. And thank goodness for my husband because he is a BRILLANT man and is the operations behind this business.
So here we are; half our inventory is sold, and planning for the 2021 planting season. We have ordered 3,000 plants for our front acre and working on some new recipes over the winter, so stay tuned!!
Again thank you to everyone who encouraged me, spoke to someone else about my business and purchased. I was terrified to take on such a significant endeavour, but here we are, and here we go.
Like my friend, Karen said, "You reap what you sow," and I said, "Literally."
What I have learned:
Hereward Farms is an all-natural Canadian company that is committed to producing high-quality products that are both healthy and sustainable. Launching a company like this can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some things to consider when starting an all-natural Canadian company like Hereward Farms:
Research your market: Before starting your company, it's essential to research your market to ensure demand for your products. Look at what other all-natural companies are doing, what they offer, and their target audience. This can help you identify gaps in the market and determine how to position your brand.
Build a strong brand: Your brand will set you apart from your competitors, so building a solid and memorable brand is essential. This includes creating a logo, developing your brand messaging and creating a consistent visual identity that reflects your values and the quality of your products.
Focus on sustainability: As an all-natural company, sustainability should be at the core of your business. This includes using sustainable packaging, sourcing ingredients ethically and implementing eco-friendly production processes. Make sure to communicate your commitment to sustainability to your customers, as this is becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions.
Build relationships with suppliers: Building solid relationships with suppliers is crucial to your company's success. Look for suppliers who share your values and are committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. This can help you ensure that your products are of the highest quality and that you can maintain a consistent supply.
Develop a robust online presence: A solid online presence is essential in today's digital age. This includes creating a website, setting up social media accounts and developing a content marketing strategy. Make sure to showcase your products visually, building, appealingly, and effectively communicating your brand values and story.
Starting an all-natural Canadian company like Hereward Farms can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By focusing on sustainability, building a solid brand and developing a solid online presence, you can position yourself as a leader in the all-natural market and attract customers looking for high-quality, sustainable products. Have the best day ever <3
Julie