Being rooted in your values and beliefs is extremely helpful when starting or continuing one’s path as an entrepreneur!
33 Years Ago
As I perched on the porch railing , my heart was full of love and hope for the future! While I was sad to leave my friends in Cincinnati where I had lived for the past 6 years , I was excited about moving back home to Illinois and starting my journey with the man who would eventually become Mr. Farmhouse to Florida! I will save the gushy, romantic stuff for another day!
When I first left Cincinnati and returned to Illinois, I had big plans to get my master’s degree and conquer the business world. While I did get my degree and did have some success in the business world, it wasn’t long before I realized I was tired of working for someone else’s dream as well as tired of being passed over for promotions because I wasn’t one of the good ol’ boys!
That frustration led me to start my first business!
Focusing on the Business Side
What a journey this has been! 29 years ago , I started my entrepreneurial journey doing craft shows and herb shows. I showcased my love of anything herb related. I taught classes at the local adult education school as well as offering classes at my parent’s farm where I had my herb business.
I wrote my first cookbook(let) shortly after starting my herb business. More about the dessert herbs can be found here: A Garden of Tasty Delights
The local newspaper wrote a feature article about me called “Banking on Herbs”. I think I might have been a little before my thyme!
After several years, I had the opportunity to join forces with 2 other women and one gentleman . We opened a business in the small rural community where I had grown up. It was called Petals & Porch Posts. Petals & Porch Posts was an antique and gift shop. There was a separate flower shop inside the business for the first 3 years. I eventually became the sole proprietor and incorporated the flower shop into Petals & Porch Posts.
From Flowers to Flour
Thyme For A Change
In early 2018, my husband & I were able to buy my great aunt’s house in Punta Gorda Florida. We originally planned to be snowbirds for 2 to 5 years.
Four Years Ago This Month
They say when the student is ready, the teacher will appear!
It is Harder than it Looks , Folks!
I soon found out that it is much harder than it looks! There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that most people don’t realize. Between KariAnne’s help and the help of another lady in the group, I finally posted my first post under the From Farmhouse to Florida name on September 2, 2020.
While not as physically grueling as working in the flower shop or sweating next to the 500 degree pizza oven, blogging can be mentally grueling. So much to learn! From Pinterest to Instagram to TikTok and everything in between, many times my head is just spinning! But one of the most important things about blogging is that it is your business and there is room for everyone who wants become a creator/influencer/entrepreneur! Each of us brings something unique to the blogging world!
Two years ago, Mr Farmhouse attended Haven, a conference for bloggers, with me. I didn’t give him much of a choice! I was also celebrating my birthday! He has always been very supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavors!
It was an amazing opportunity! I was able to spend time with many of the ladies from KariAnne’s group as well as with KariAnne herself! I returned home with an even bigger to-do list than I had before I went. All of the ladies I met were truly supportive of each other.
This year, I am unable to attend Haven. Part of the reason is I am dealing with a health challenge. If you are interested in learning more about my journey, you can find the details here:
As I End Year 4 and Get Ready to Embark on Year 5
Wow Kim this was so good! I didn’t realize you have worn many hats! You have so much to share and I’m sure many us can learn so much from you! Love the farm house and the names of your business’s! Actually when you spoke about receiving an email from KariAnne this is what happened to me. I had been following KariAnne for so many years but stopped because you know life I actually missed the whole part of her moving back home. Anyways cute picture of KariAnne! I look forward to reading many more of your post!
thank you, Mary Anne! I need to actually make a plan for sharing my knowledge and get organized! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing the story of your journey. It was nice to meet you at Haven.
Linda, It was great to get to meet you in person and spend thyme with you an Rosemary! Thanks for reading!
I wanted to let you know that I so enjoyed reading about your journey. It’s amazing how the Lord has taken you from one thing to another yet they all have had creativity involved. I love it when he does that, and it sounds like you are in the right place. I’m so glad you were able to go to Haven, I wish I had been able to. I’m thankful for this group that we are part of, and even though we may be in different parts since I only started my blog in March, I feel that I have a Sisterhood and it is so encouraging. Sending you many blessings and best wishes congratulations on almost celebrating your anniversary really soon!
Thank you so much, Dee! Yes, I do think the Lord had a hand in all of this. He definitely put KariAnne in my path at the right time! I look forward to reading your blog!
I was one of those ladies who got to know you just a little better at Haven, and I enjoyed spending evening meals with you. I admire your work ethic and you are always there to round up the troops for a zoom….you are the glue that is holding our little group together!
Here’s to round two!
Thank you for the kind words, Karen! I enjoyed getting to know you better while we were at Haven. The next year is going to be so exciting!
Kimberly thank you for sharing this beautiful journey. The name of your blog has intrigued me and so I love knowing the story behind it.
I am looking forward to meeting you someday. Thank you for all you do. I truly appreciate it.
Thank you so much, Rachel! I am so glad you enjoyed reading about my journey. I am happy to do whatever I can for the ladies in the group! Have a great weekend!
I loved reading this about your life! Thank you for all you do for our little group!
Thank you , Sharon! I am glad you enjoyed it! Have a wonderful weekend!
Wow, Kimberly – you have had an amazing journey!! Thank you for sharing with us. You and I have a similar background with the gardening/plant realm – I had an herb business called “Herban Renewal” and a floral business called “Ribbon & Roses” in the ’80’s and loved every minute of it while it lasted 🙂 So glad to get to know you better!
Thank you for sharing that with me, JJ! So glad I got to meet you in person at Haven!
What an exciting time Kimberly!!! I’m glad you made the move to both Florida and full time blogging!
Thank you so much Stacy! It has been quite a journey! So glad I got to meet you in person!
Hi Kimberley,
I was trying to add your blog to my feed, but it’s not popping up. Probably user error on my end. I read your story and I heard you mention Ilinois. Were you in southern Illinois by chance? We are an entrepreneurial couple too! We own a niche manufacturing company (made in Colorado), I have a realtor and my husband is a partner in a data analytics company. So you and I probably speak small biz like “cash flow.” ;0)
I am so happy to be a part of this group!
xo laura in Colorado
I am so happy to have you as part of the Amazing Creators group! I grew up and lived most of my life in Central Illinois near Champaign-Urbana. Yes, Cash flow was always on my mind when I had the flower shop! Looking forward to getting to know you better!!
Kimberly I enjoyed this post so much.
I am honored to call you friend. You have such a great spirit
Thank you so much, Cindy!