Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Lester, of Lester's Farm Market, located in St. John's, Canada.

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

I am a part of my family farm business, Lester's Farm Market, located in St. John's, Newfoundland. Although growing and providing fresh veggies and fruit is our main business, we have expanded quite a lot over the years. We've been selling directly to our consumers since 1994. Since then, we have added an onsite bakery, a petting barn, a large greenhouse flower operation, agritourism, events, a children's program, picks, and a few other seasonal events and products. As we have a wide range of what we do here, we have a wide range of loyal customers. As we like to say, Lester's Farm Market is where family traditions also grow. This is the spot where families grow; they come to pick out their pumpkin each year, they enjoy visiting each week, it's where customers come for their fresh veggies and a breath of fresh air. Without the customers, we wouldn't be where we are today!

Tell us about yourself

I am a proud 6th generation farmer. I currently farm alongside my parents (Mary and John) and two of my brothers (Chris and Brad). I've been surrounded by farming my entire life, so you could say it's always been in my blood. Seeing my family work so hard and doing what they love each day is one of the main driving forces behind me. Aside from being proud of being a part of the family operation, my biggest motivation is that I've been able to create my dream job, create, educate and interact with others. Here I get to interact with people of all ages; I get to express my creativity; I get to be a part of the growing season in many ways; it's hard but rewarding work. Although I always had it in my mind to be on the farm, I went to university after high school. I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree (English and Biology) then a Bachelor of Education. My background allows me to do a number of things in my dream job. Tasks such as marketing, outreach, customer service have all been improved with the help of furthering my education. As for our children's program, this is an area that I am extremely passionate about! With my educational background, we have about 400 kids each year, ages six months old up to 13 years old, who come to the farm to learn about growing. I have a creative mind which I use during our flower season, our kids program, finding ways for families to enjoy the farm, and custom arrangements.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Although I'm very happy with what we've achieved, personally, I don't believe I've reached my biggest accomplishment yet. There are definitely products and events that have been added that have helped the bigger picture and the bottom line, but I'm looking forward to achieving more. In the meantime, I'm happy to be following in my mom's footsteps in creating an environment that customers enjoy visiting and the staff enjoys working in.

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

One of the hardest things I've found up to this point is finding a good balance. Not only a work-life balance but also realizing what projects should or shouldn't be integrated. Being a creative mind, I'm a bit of a dreamer. Which is great, but sometimes I need to be reeled in. Luckily, my two brothers are more of an analytical mindset, so they help keep me balanced. I think when you're in a business, you really try to put your best foot forward at all times, at all costs. That will work for some time, but there are other times when it's best to take a step back, see what's working, make changes and adapt.

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

  1. Do something each day in your business that makes you happy.
  2. There are billions of people in the world, you will come across people who don't support what you do, and that's perfectly okay.
  3. Stay true to yourself, values and beliefs. If you use these to guide your business, the growth will be easier and more authentic.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm extremely lucky to be where I am today. I'm surrounded by great people (customers, staff, family) in the place where I grew up. I'm passionate about what I do, and I'm able to do this with my family members. The five of us all have different strengths and skills, but our main goal is the same we want to continue to grow our business so that the next generation can enjoy this too.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.lestersfarmmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lestersfarmmarket/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lestersfarmmarket/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lfm_susan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lester-s-farm-market/

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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