In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, we chat with Gemma James-Smith, with Bayfield Lavender Farm. Gemma grew up in the city and had zero farming experience before moving to rural Ontario in 2017. Her lavender farming adventure began almost by accident when she found an overgrown patch of lavender on her new property. Captivated by its soothing scent, she started making lavender products, which led to the creation of Bayfield Lavender Farm.
We explore her journey from city life to country living, how her business grew, and how this lifestyle change has affected her family's well-being. Gemma shares her story of starting fresh in the countryside, learning farming from scratch, and the hurdles she encountered. From planting her first garden to growing lavender plants, Gemma tells her tale with honesty and humor. She talks about the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community support. Plus, listeners get a sneak peek at the products and events offered by Bayfield Lavender Farm and how Gemma uses her arts background in her business. Whether you're dreaming of country living or just love nature, Gemma's story is both inspiring and insightful.