A Tea Time Reflection

In just a few days, we'll be ready to release tickets to our 5th Annual Tea on the Farm event. As I'm reflecting back over the past few years, I wanted to tell you a little about how the event came to be and offer a few thoughts on it.

In 2016, we had the idea to host an event on the farm. Although we were very small at the time (I think we had about 150 lavender plants), we knew that interest was growing in the farm and our products. We had just become licensed for manufacturing the year before and folks were interested in what we were doing. The truth is, we had no idea what we were doing, but we were enjoying it and wanted to share something different with our fellow lavender and farm lovers. 

When I first mentioned the idea of a tea to my business partner and mom, she said, "well, I think it's a great idea, but if we don't get any more than 12 people, we can't afford to host it." She was right. Not only was it going to be a ton of physical work, but we had no chairs, tables, linens, or anything else to host an event. Nevertheless, I was sure we could get at least 12 people to come eat and cut lavender, so we decided to move forward with planning.

Our first step was to approach Expressions Tea and Gifts in Somerset, KY with our idea. They were licensed for catering and specialized in teas, so it was naturally a perfect fit for what we were trying to do. We pitched the idea and they were immediately on board and supportive. We worked together to create a lavender infused menu and get the details worked out.

Next, we promoted the event on social media. The response was overwhelming. We figured we could comfortably borrow enough supplies to seat 50 people and six weeks before the event, we were sold out. We couldn't believe it! Although we were thrilled, the fact that 50 people would now be coming to the farm for a meal was overwhelming. Where would they park? What about bathrooms? What if someone fell? Eek! So much we didn't think about when "dreaming" about this at first. 

Luckily, we buckled down and got to work, figuring out details as we went. I was determined that we would eat between the rows of lavender, outside, even if it was sunny and warm. Well, as the day neared, rain was in the forecast and I was devastated. My dad and husband suggested pulling the combine and tractors out of the equipment barn and hosting the event in there. I thought it was a horrible idea, but I was SO wrong! Now, the barn has become our central point for all things lavender and each year we host the teas, festival seating, and more in it. I'm sorry to say (well..not really) that I'm not sure Dad will ever get it back for equipment storage. :)

Now, as we get ready to host our fifth year of teas, with four seatings planned for 2020, we continue to be so grateful and humbled by the response. We've had guests from half a dozen states and all over Kentucky. Of course, we know the food is mouth-watering good, the tea is most excellent, and the beauty of the farm speaks for itself. We also know that things aren't perfect - sometimes the lavender dies or isn't quite ready for harvest when you visit, or sometimes it even dares to rain. We also know the barn is just a barn with a gravel floor and bare walls, and we know that sometimes using a portable restroom isn't ideal, but it all works. Just like everything else, if we approach it all with grace, understanding, and patience, it's an amazing experience to share with those you love. 

We are excited again to welcome you to the farm for teas on May 30 and June 6, 2020. Our growing season is short and furious, which only allows us to be open for a short amount of time. Don't worry, though, we are still dreaming big and hopefully one day (as long as the lavender tolerates our non-ideal Kentucky climate), we can make some changes that will allow for more visits and events in coming years. Until then, we look forward to seeing you soon. The menu is set, the tea will be hot, your favorite products will be available, and we will welcome you with open arms. 

Thanks for supporting us for the past four years (several of you have been here for every.single.event)! We hope to be able to offer this experience for many years to come. 

-Allison

*Here are some random pics from the past few years of teas!