Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joyce Henion, owner of Acorn Hill Farm, located in Kerhonkson, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Acorn Hill Farm is a little goat farm with an organic, sustainable, and inclusive philosophy. We produce small-batch artisan cheeses using our own goat milk and cow milk from a nearby small family farm. Our cheeses are distributed throughout the region as well as sold directly to our neighbors through our website, farmer's markets, and festivals.
Our small herd of goats is the heart of our business, and every animal is named, loved, and respected and lives their lives on the farm. The herd is managed with a focus on herd health and well-being and the health of the land that our farm occupies.
Tell us about yourself
I started Acorn Hill Farm as a business when my child (now farming partner!) was four years old, and I was caring for my elderly parents. I had fallen in love with goats years before and wanted dairy goats for family milk. Friends loved the cheeses I made and began the convoluted journey to build my first creamery.
Dairy farming is a demanding job with many joyful days (baby goats!!) and some very hard days (sick animals, broken equipment, weather....). No matter how difficult running the business is or how many speed bumps life throws down, the privilege of working with the goats makes it all worthwhile. And, our customers are fantastic.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Right now, I think our biggest accomplishment is still being in business as we move toward a new post-pandemic normal. The challenges of the pandemic have been eye-opening and demanding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The buck stops here! Also, scheduling non-working time. Living at your job/working out of your home blurs lines very easily.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your customer.
- Know your competition.
- Don't make bookkeeping third on your list of priorities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am thrilled and honored that my now-adult child wants to take the farm forward as the second generation. I can't wait to see how Acorn Hill Farm evolves!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://acornhillfarmny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acornhillfarmNY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acornhillfarm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-henion-a3344247/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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