Whew! And just like that - I'm officially open for business.
Three weekends ago I made the jump, the leap of faith. I opened my very first Farm Stand to the public. This may sound kinda funny, but I was so nervous. What if nobody stops by? What if I spend all weekend peeking out the window and I don't make a single sale? What if my flowers & produce aren't good enough? etc..
I had to tell myself a few times that it's completely OK if I don't make a sale. Truly even a rookie farmer has to start somewhere. I'm allowed to be brand new at this not know what I'm doing.
Deep breath. OK. I'll just put my old potting bench right here, and an umbrella for shade and, Oh, those plastic sawhorses my father-in-law left behind will be perfect for some signs out by the road - if they get stolen I won't have any money invested in them, ha!
9am - I stacked my table with cucumbers, green beans and a few ball jars of flower bouquets.
11am - My first freaking SALE!!! Oh my gosh, I'm trying so hard not to cry, but then I remind myself: go ahead and cry it's TOTALLY WORTH IT, I'M OFFICIAL!
5pm - I closed up the Farm Stand for the day. I made 2 sales my first day. I sold some flowers, some cucumbers and some green beans. My first weekend of being open and I made 3 total sales. Not much to some people, but for folks who chase their dreams and see it come true - it's everything.
The following weekend, my neighbor, Connie came down and we chatted. She suggested I put my prices out by the road, since a $5 flower bouquet is such a great deal. I followed her advice, and repainted my road signs.
It was sound advice.
Last weekend, I sold over a dozen bouquets. Not too shabby for spending nothing on advertising! I'm a little surprised that the produce is selling as fast, but I'm not disappointed at all. This entire venture is a dream come true.
