Fresh From Our Family to Yours

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cindy Hope, owner of Crosswind Farm, located in Keene, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a family-owned goat milk dairy farm located in beautiful Keene, ON. We produce small-batch goat milk products, including artisanal chevre, hard and soft cheeses, yogurts, and ice cream. All of our products are produced straight from our farm, and our other ingredients are all sourced locally from other farms and local businesses. We have a wide customer base, including restaurants, grocery stores, and an online store. Our latest product launch is a pet line of goat milk products that include flavoured milk and cheeses specifically for your furry friends!

Tell us about yourself

Kevin and I had always dreamed of running a dairy farm. Kevin grew up on a farm where he purchased his grandfather's farm that had not been running for over 20+ years. When I met Kevin, we brought it back to life and started our own dairy farm, and we have not looked back since! Part of our inspiration actually came after our daughter Mackenzie was born. She suffered from very dry and irritated skin as a baby. After doing some research, we realized the goats we were raising for their milk could be the answer to curing her ailments. Goat milk has nutritional benefits and skincare benefits, which led us to our sister company Happy Body Collection. We love making a difference, whether it is through quality food products or skincare.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of our biggest accomplishments has been our growth since starting our Crosswind Farm business. We started out with a few goats and only sold milk at our local farmer's markets. Now we have expanded to over 25 different products sold Canada-wide.

Another one of our accomplishments as business owners is having the ability to be a role model for our daughter. We have always strived to inspire her with what we do and embrace the entrepreneurial world while helping grow the next generation of Ontario farmers.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The uncertainty of success that goes along with owning a business, particularly in recent years with a pandemic. You are often involved in all aspects of the company. It is a continuous learning curve as your business evolves and grows.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be patient; a successful business does not happen overnight.
Have a strong business plan in place to reference.
Look at obtaining a mentor or business coach. They can help you navigate new situations and give great advice on how to grow your business in the most efficient way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.crosswindfarm.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crosswindfarmkeene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cross_wind_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.