Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terri and Patrick Veerman, owners of Meadowview Alpaca Farm, located in Bruce Mines, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Meadowview Alpaca Farm is home to almost 100 alpacas. Our focus is on raising alpacas and growing quality fiber. We grade and class the fiber for best uses. It is then processed and developed into handmade value-added products with the help of talented local artisans.
Local artisans and members of our Mennonite Community then proceed to use the age-old practices of knitting, felting, and weaving. Some knit hats, mitts, shawls, scarves, and more, some from yarns that are hand-dyed here on the farm. Others prefer to needlefelt or weave scarves, shawls, and rugs. Most of these are 'one of a kind' products. We also have some fiber processed into socks, while still more are handmade into duvets and pillows, representing a wide selection of farm-based products. We invested in a needle felting machine, developing new felted products such as hats, shawls, scarves, handbags, and rugs. These products are original, unique, and of high quality.
We also offer farm tours to the general public so people can learn about and appreciate these lovely, calm, quiet, cuddly animals.
Tell us about yourself
With our entrepreneurial skills, we decided to take the leap, leave Southern Ontario, and become parents to almost 100 alpacas. Our two daughters, Jayda (14) and Gabby (11), have dove right into farm life and love getting to know each alpaca's unique personality. One of our favourite times of the day is feeding them in the morning. So nice to be greeted each day by the hums of these gentle creatures.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking the plunge to leave family and the familiarity of Southern Ontario behind has given us the strength and endurance to thrive within the wonderful community in the area.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As we took the leap to this new lifestyle, we knew nothing about alpacas. It has been a massive learning curve that we will continue to grow for years to come.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research, Networking, and Perseverance. Researching and networking with people in similar fields is a must. Pick as many brains as possible! Keep your spirits up; there will always be ups and downs. It's those downs that make you really appreciate all the up moments!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a part of a community has been key for us. We try to have unique products that local artisans in our community help us with.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.meadowviewalpacafarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowviewalpacafarms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowview.alpaca.farm/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
