Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in agriculture but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Hazzard, founder of Hazzard Free Farm Grains, located in Pecatonica, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an Agrarian; I am a Seedsmith, a Farmer, Miller, and Herdswoman. Women-owned and operated. Those that see all things, Nature, farms, and people as much deeper, more complex than they appear at first glance.
Tell us about yourself
On Farming: I suppose I was "farming" when I was a child. I followed my grandmother and grandfather around the farm... planting peas, picking raspberries, feeding chickens and calves. Around 9, I guess I got my first sheep. I was in 4-H, and I was hooked to animals. The subtler parts of Nature took years and on-the-ground experience for my eyes and mind to adjust to and see more fully what was going on.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I will keep you posted... So far, I've weathered, Fires, Floods, Death, Drought, Illness, Pandemics, Climate Change, Sexism, not to mention the continued sting of getting blamed for that whole Eden thing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning to lie to yourself until you believe it, learning to tell yourself that you really are doing a good job when you think you are failing, while still knowing you have to dig deeper or reach out for mentorship or guidance. I think lying is ok as long as it is only to yourself and achieve something worth laying at the feet of time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I think maybe... if you are a person who likes a constant grating mental challenge and want to be often alone and have all the responsibility for its failure. I wondered just the other day how many business owners like things like chess or the NY Times crossword... it might be indicative. Amass your mentors.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I REFUSE to die and think... what if I had just thought harder and had less fear?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.hazzardfreefarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazzardfreefarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazzardfreefarmgrains/
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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