Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Zeigler.
Hi Cathy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When Barry and I met, I was only two years out from an episode with breast cancer and was newly committed to living a healthier life and using products that I scrutinized more carefully. I was also a huge tea drinker. When we decided to get married, I learned of the entrepreneurial spark that he had. One day out of the blue, he said you know…we could sell tea! Then in 2016, we decided to move to Virginia to be close to my mother while she did her own battle with cancer. Now we were living on a farm! One day we went to a place in town known for its coffee and one of the menu options was “lavender tea.” Barry looked at me and said…”We should grow lavender!” My response was, “We don’t know anything about lavender.” to which he replied, “We’ll learn.” So in 2017 we bought around 500 starter plants of four different varieties and planted them – hoping for the best. In the summer of 2019, they were of a size that when they came into bloom, they were really impressive. And we were like….okay, now what? Barry suggested that I call a photographer and have them take pictures of it. She posted her pictures on her Instagram and from there on out, our phone hasn’t stopped ringing to book pictures in the lavender! We later added a store with different products and added a huge tea selection, so now we truly have a lot to offer and experience when someone comes to visit.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only thing that presents an obstacle or challenge to Barry’s and my plans for the farm is that we’re currently still working at other jobs. Barry works part time in construction and remodeling and I’m currently employed at our local community college in town. While necessary to pay our bills, it definitely takes time away from where our hearts truly lie. But we’re taking baby steps in the right direction and we’re excited what our future holds!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I’m not working at Virginia Highlands Community College in the Admissions office – What I probably enjoy most in work at the farm is creating experiences for people. I love teaching classes. I’ve taught an Introduction to Tea – giving people an exposure to loose leaf tea and the background behind it and well as tastings for them to truly appreciate the joys of tea. I’ve also had an Introduction to Herbs exposing people to the wonders of plants through focusing on herbs and what they can do for us. We were able to hold an Independence Tea Party and create a founding members charter discount group and we are preparing to hold our first Twilight Tea to be held in the garden as the sun is setting in mid August…..these are the things of memories! I’ve so loved doing these events that I’m in the midst of creating a “Buffet of Experiences” book that will feature different experiences for customers to browse through and select which would be the best for their particular memory making event. This I believe will make us unique in the area. Anyone can give a class – I want to provide a lasting memory making experience!
How do you think about happiness?
Few people get to find something they enjoy, feel fulfilled by and believe that it has a positive effect on others. Since we’ve started Walnut Hills Lavender and Herb Farm, we’ve been blessed to meet people from all over this country and for a short span of time we’re able to share a little bit of simple farm life, a peaceful view and a time to unplug from all of their cares. We’re honored that people choose to come get their pictures made at the farm and create memories with their families that will last a lifetime – that’s quite a legacy.
Pricing:
- $50/hr for Photography Rental
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.whlhfarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walnuthillslavenderandherbfarm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whlavender
