An Interview With Myself

And Why I Started Long River Family Farm

Why did you start Long River Family Farm?

It’s a pretty simple answer because I love flowers. I wanted to do something with my daughter, and she told me she wanted to grow and sell flowers. While researching how to start a little greenhouse, I found information on growing cut flowers. I was instantly intrigued and taken in by the way flowers are magically displayed and talked about. I used to think buying flowers was a waste of money, but I was wrong.

What was happening in your life that pushed you to leap?

I did a ton of research, and the more I learned, the more passionate I became. I had read many books about buying a flower bouquet from the grocery store, but I have always struggled to do that. I had this desire to have flowers in my house but could never bring myself to buy them at the store. When I grew my first flowers and cut them, and experienced how amazing they were, I knew I needed to do this. Shortly after that, the pandemic happened, and it’s been a three-year wild ride. Working with flowers has been calming and therapeutic and a huge blessing.

Who do you want to serve?

I have met so many wonderful people, fellow flower and gardening friends. But, through this process, I realized how many people were just like me, searching for different and more exciting flowers. People who want to grow on their own, but it’s just too overwhelming. People who love to play with flowers and want to gift and enjoy them for themselves too!

What problem did you see that Long River Family Farm could solve?

I crave flowers. I can’t wait to get my hands on fresh, from the field flowers all winter. The smell, the color, the joy they bring. There are no words to describe it. Some people call them a luxury, but I don’t believe that. They are an integral part of God’s creation, one He has given us to enjoy. So if I can help others with that, my job is awesome! There is something that happens in the transfer of flowers. They do something, make you smile, and create an instant connection.

I help flower lovers learn to grow and design with flowers. To create something beautiful and to nurture and care for themselves in a way that blesses others.

That is why I divided it into three different categories.

• Create - Learn to create fun arrangements.

• Nurture and Inspire - Ways to use flowers, places to find them, recipes, and more

• Grow - learn the types of flowers and how to grow them. Then, purchase a cut flower garden from us, and I’ll help you grow it and create your beautiful flower bouquets.

What would you call your flower style?

Honestly, I don’t know what to call it—free, loose, happy, and fun. I do not do formal here. I can and sometimes do, but there is a sense of freedom and happiness even in more formal arrangements. Flowers wave around in the field, with curves, bends, and a sense of happiness. That is what I want my flowers to represent.

How do people buy from you, and what exactly do you sell?

I am a little different from your traditional florist.

I open up orders each week for bouquets on Monday, and they will be ready Thursday for pick-up or delivery.

I open up ordering for all the items for each season in March, June, September, and December - the first week. In addition, we sell bouquet subscriptions, wreaths, bulb gardens, holiday arrangements, seasonal flower pots, and workshops.

I do not do weddings, but I know some great florists who do. So I’d be happy to assist you with that.

Each week I send out an email reminding you to order your bouquet for the week, plus any other special sales that have come up. It’s a pretty simple process. I wanted the process streamlined so it would be as easy as possible. There is nothing worse than adding more to our plates.

I will also be part of a cooperative flower market in Middleville, MI, called the West Michigan Flower Market. Flowers will be available by the bunch each week. This is great if you are a florist or designer looking for local flowers. I am really excited to start that in April.

This year we are adding something new. We have always had a pumpkin patch, but we are going big this year! We are doing a fall festival. This will include games and prizes, and food. I have wanted to do this for a few years and decided that this year is the year. The festival will be sometime in September or the beginning of October. Stay tuned for more info on that as well.

And last but not least. I will be at the Farmgirl flea market in May, September, and November. More info is coming soon, but these are always really fun events, and I try to create some unique and fun items just for those shows.

Thanks so much for reading more about me and my business. I really do appreciate each and every one of you. I could not keep this venture of mine going without you!