1. Who has inspired your work ethic?  I grew up poor and really didn’t have good role models when it came to work ethic.  I knew at an early age I wanted a different life for myself.  I was never the smartest, most athletic or even talented. But what I learned was that I could win by outlasting people.  If I worked just a little longer or harder I could get ahead.  I was energized by this knowledge that all I had to do was just get up a little bit earlier or stay a little bit later. I never hated that or felt tired by it.  I loved working. 

2. What do you find enjoyable about the farming lifestyle?  It has always been family for me.  From when our kids were little being able to spend time with dad on a tractor instead of going to daycare or now as their grown getting to be with them with the flower farm.  

3. What is your earliest memory on the farm? I didn’t grow up on a farm so my real introduction to farm life was when I began dating Matt at only 18. He was repairing a sprinkler motor where Bloomstead farms is now and wrote our initials with a heart around it. That was 32 summers ago and we’ve been married for almost 28 years now!

4. What values did you get from your family? I came from a broken home with not great values.  I always say that I learned how a family should treat one another from Little House on the Prairie!  I still believe that today! Lol!  The gift of this is that most people have not done personal work or have little self-awareness. This hasn't been an option for me. I'm grateful for that.

5. What are your areas of strength? I’m not afraid to set big goals and to create plans to accomplish them. I also seem to get others to start believing. I’m also good at nurturing and loving my family. I am good at seeing the best in people and helping them see the same.

6. What do you do outside of Bloomstead Farms? I am the owner and operator of Wendi’s Good Things Market.  It is the farm store located at Bloomstead Farms and online.  It benefits Bloomstead because we run retail operations and events on the farm for Bloomstead. 

7. What is your favorite part of the flower farm? My favorite part of the flower farm is working closely with my family.  The boys are so funny and are always joking.  It’s a good time always.  I drink it up.

8. What has surprised you most about being a owner in a flower farm? I’ve been surprised at how absolutely stunning our landscape is with all the blooming flowers are when season hits.  It is more breathtaking than I could ever have imagined.  I have felt like I am living in an Instagram photo. 

9. What is your vision for Bloomstead Farms? I dream of the day the farm (and customer base) is big enough to take over a field.  Blooming dahlias for even a ½ circle would be a sight to behold. 

10. What is your favorite flower? This is like choosing between my children!!!  I love them all for different reasons!!! But if I had to choose it would be the large dinnerplate size Cafe au lait or Fluerel. They are just so large and stunning.