Once in a while you meet someone who oozes strength and resilience - that's what I see when I run into Kristen Wald. We met through her first business Little Crocus Co and I have gotten the chance to watch her grow and change. Now she has a second business called Back Forty Blooms.
Back Forty Blooms is focused on locally grown flowers, which Kristen grows on her acreage just North of Grimshaw. A Grimshaw local, born and raised, Kristen is a boy mom who loves spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.
Let's dive into Kristen's story...
How did you come up with the name Back Forty Blooms?
When we moved to our acreage my husband and I always referred to our backyard area as "The Back Forty". Our garden is located back there as well so it just made sense. Whenever I would go out back or need something from the backyard I would say "It's in the Back Forty", "I am going to the Back Forty" and he knew what I meant. It just stuck!
What does Back Forty Blooms offer?
I offer fresh locally grown flowers that I grow here on our acreage.
This summer you can find flowers via the farmstand located at the end of our driveway on our acreage. Flowers are freshly cut and arranged. We are also offering bouquet subscriptions this summer and the new Northern Dough Bakery in Grimshaw is our pickup location. You will also be able to find bouquets there once things start to bloom.
What does a typical day in the life working at Back Forty Blooms look like?
A typical day in the life working in the Back Forty currently looks like: Coffee, Soil, and Seeds.
This year we have expanded and created a new garden area so that is where all of my work is currently going. Everything has now been planted out into the garden space so once the flowers start to bloom they are cut first thing in the morning, or into the evening when it is not too hot.
Flowers then are hydrated and kept cool, then I can get to work arranging them once they get a good drink. Flowers are then put out on the Farmstand/Flowercart and are up for grabs. I then post to social media what is being offered that day and where you can find them.
If it is a subscription day, the flowers will be delivered or head to Northern Dough for pickup. Then there is always weeding and watering. I grow a large veggie garden too so there is always work to be done.
Have you always been interested in gardening or is it something that you started doing later in life?
I have enjoyed gardening for as long as I can remember. You could say I come from a family of green thumbs.
My grandparents always had large beautiful gardens growing up and we always had a garden and were growing things at home. Tons of family members grow beautiful gardens I admire. I have many fond memories as a child running barefoot through the garden. My love for growing flowers though was discovered more recently. I grew my first cut flowers 4 years ago and was hooked.
What is your favourite thing to grow?
My favourite thing to grow is probably Zinnias. They come in so many different colours and sizes. I love the big, bright, and colorful ones. They are also very easy to grow with a relatively quick bloom time. I also love growing cucamelons, they are such a fun crunchy and yummy summer snack. If you haven't grown either of these I highly recommend!
Do you have any memorable moments or struggles from when you were starting out that helped you become the business owner you are today?
One major struggle while starting out was welcoming and losing my son in the midst of starting a fresh new business. Staying focused can be hard at times but the garden is not only my business, it is my healing place too.
Flowers have actually been scientifically proven to boost your mood and nothing is better therapy then being out in nature with your hands in the dirt. I keep reminding myself why I started this flower business which was to spread happiness in flower form. I thank my family for keeping me going as well. Going through this has definitely made me a more fearless business owner.
Do you remember the first AHA moment you had where you knew this was what you were meant to be doing?
My AHA moment was the first time I held a whole armful of fresh flowers I had grown and cared for from seed. Such joy and satisfaction! I knew if they brought me this much happiness then they probably would to others as well. I was already growing them so I figured why not go for it!
How did you make your very first sale?
My very first sale was a bouquet from the Farmstand that one of my neighbors purchased. We were home at the time, and my kids were so excited, they couldn't believe it. I like to get my kids involved in the garden and helping out so it makes it extra special.
What is your favourite part of your business?
My favourite part of my business is being able to work from home and have my kids along side me. Nothing could beat that.
What is your least favourite part of your business?
My least favourite part would be the months I am not growing anything. Flowers have such a vibe and bring brightness and happiness so I always miss that when the winter months roll around.
What is something you are looking forward to in your business?
I am looking forward to the future of my new garden space. I can't wait to see it at the end of the summer in full bloom and my vision for the space in real life!
What is one tip you would like to share with other entrepreneurs?
My one tip for other entrepreneurs would be to be yourself. We all have a unique story. By being yourself you will attract the right people and customers.
Do you have any message you would like to say to other women in business or women who are thinking about starting their own business?
Go for it! Get yourself out there, who cares what others think. Everyone has to start somewhere. Some of the greatest things have come from the craziest ideas. There is all the room in the world for all of us creative folks to shine a light.
Find Back Forty Blooms at the following links: