Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Strafelda.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out as an elementary teacher and taught 5th grade for five years. I loved working with kids, but my dad had some health issues, so I made my way back to our family’s farm to help. They grow row crops including wheat, soybeans, and corn.
After having my first daughter, I started taking some steps back from the farm to be home more often and found that I had a passion for growing flowers. I started experimenting and sharing what I had grown with others. There is nothing like lighting up someone’s face when handing over flowers.
I started my locally grown cut flower business about 5 years ago and each year brings something different. I enjoy sharing crops that are grown in our climate with my customers and bringing a little joy to their day.
I am a little different than what people would know as a traditional florist as I don’t do custom work or have a shop. I enjoy the growing part of flowers and sharing flowers in a way that works with my family’s schedule. Since my kids are home with me, I have had to find sale avenues that work with our schedule.
Right now, I am focusing on our Spring and Summer Bouquet Subscriptions, Summer and Winter Workshops, DIY Bloom Buckets, and Markets here in Hawley, MN.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. I once heard that farming is just sweaty gambling, and I couldn’t say it any better myself. Each year brings different challenges that are typically out of my control. As someone who loves to control everything, farming humbles me pretty quickly.
The weather really has the biggest say in what crops do well or not each year along with pests and diseases. I’ve had some type of major loss in some crop every single year due to one of these things that are usually just out of my control. That is something I’m always learning about, but I guess it’s what also keeps farming fun as well.
Another big challenge for me is always making sure what I’m doing is aligning with my family. Trying to juggle kids and a small business is more challenging then I ever thought. But at the end of the day, it is extremely rewarding. Every year I’m trying to tweak things.
As you know, we’re big fans of Olson Blooms. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am really proud that I can bring an unique offering to our small town. Our harsh climate can make the growing season tough, but it is so rewarding to see people excited about what I can grow here. I like to find interesting bits and specialty varieties that people haven’t seen before.
I used to think that having a short growing season was something to be frustrated with, but over time I’ve found that I actually really enjoy it. Since our seasons can be so short, it reminds us to enjoy what we have when we have it.
I specialize in fresh flowers for our Spring and Summer Bouquet Subscriptions, Summer Design Workshop, bouquets at our local market, DIY Bloom Buckets, dried flowers, and a Winter Wreath Workshop in December.
Our Bouquet Subscriptions are one of my favorite things we do. This allows our customers to have fresh flowers all throughout the growing season. I love when we can showcase the flowers that are blooming during that time period. They really never look the same because every year, something is always different. Sometimes we forget that flowers have a blooming cycle, and aren’t just readily available at all times of the year.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
To farm, you have to have some grit. Everyone sees the pretty pictures of flowers and think what I do must be dreamy. But to be honest, most of the time it’s hard and dirty work. It can be really hard on your body and some days, I just don’t want to do the hard work. But I keep going knowing that the result is worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.olsonblooms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OlsonBlooms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlsonBlooms
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Amber Langerud Photography
