Learn the Science of Agriculture

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Cassill, Founder of Momma's Sonder, LLC., located in North Lawrence, OH, USA.

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

Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed is a monthly agriculture education subscription box inspiring kids ages 7-12 to learn the science of agriculture. Our families use our educational boxes as part of their homeschool education, and charter school supplementation, and the family who is involved or a part of the agriculture industry who understands the importance of agriculture. Kids that love agriculture and want to learn more!

Tell us about yourself

I am a former 4-H Youth Development Educator who loves to teach about and create educational materials for agriculture, natural resource, and STEM education. My husband was offered a new position, and we decided to move home about four years ago. I found myself in the position of being able to find and forge a new path that combined my experience and love for agriculture, natural resources, and science-based education and flexibility to spend more time with my family.

After researching options and taking a bit of time, I heard a podcast about subscription boxes. I thought about how fun (and in my wheelhouse!) that would be to develop an agriculture education subscription box that went beyond the "Old MacDonald" style of teaching younger kids about farms, farm animals, and crops. Boxes for kids 7-12 that went deeper into the science of agriculture, animals, and plants. I love to create and see the boxes come together. My 5th-grade son helps me by listening to my ideas, selecting activities, and packing boxes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was brave enough to take steps to learn how to create my business using my agriculture and education background. We have created 15 different themed boxes and associated learning activities to create a 12-month subscription box cycle and limited-time one-time purchase seasonal boxes.

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

The time and frustration of trying to do everything yourself to grow into what you want to be when creating each box from scratch each month. Hopefully, now that we have a 12-month cycle, I can concentrate more on growth and marketing.

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

If you have an idea you are passionate about, don't be afraid to pursue it! Find the resources that speak to you to help you create your business's foundation. Many people out there claim to have all the answers but do a little research to find out if their information is legit, listen to podcasts or participate in a free challenge to see if their teaching style fits your learning style. I spent money on a couple of resources that, after purchasing, just didn't resonate with me and were a waste of my time. Success takes work regardless of some claims.
Find your support system at home and with other like-minded business owners. You have a lot of ideas bouncing around in your head and questions that need to be answered. It would help if you had someone you can talk to and who understands the frustrations and nuances of owning and running your business.
You will have ups and downs. Know you are not the only one. Find yourself in a stressful situation or hit a rut; do something else for a moment. You have that ability as a business owner. Go for a walk, take your kid(s) for ice cream, or do a mundane task like folding boxes while binging Netflix. Have a schedule but give yourself flexibility when you need to pivot. You are human, a business owner, and have other responsibilities to yourself, family, and friends. Balance. (Easier said than done, I know!)

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed. In the U.S., less than 2% of the population farms growing and producing food and products for 100% of the population. At the same time, agriculture-related jobs are growing. Agriculture includes animal science, agronomy, horticulture, apiculture, entomology, aquaculture, natural resources, engineering and technology, agribusiness, food science and production, agritourism, and more.

Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world. Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed's goal is to help contribute to agriculture education and literacy, as agriculture affects all of us. We need kids interested in agriculture to become tomorrow's leaders in agriculture and food production. And for our kids to be educated consumers.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mommassonder.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommasSonder
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommassonder/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-y-cassill/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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