"I call this a hobby that got out of hand." - Erika Bault, The Farm on the Hill.

Greene County CEO comes to a close— and what better place for our final business visit than the unique and successful The Farm on the Hill flower farm! Our students got to meet with the owner and Greene County native, Erika Bault. She is currently in her fourth season of turning her love of flowers into a business in rural southern Greene County. Since opening, Erika said she's learned that people like subscriptions and workshops, they like the experience of building bouquets and designing their own pieces. She says it's easier to presell a subscription than to try to sell flowers at an event. Erika shared that she offers garden-inspired arrangements, which make her unique from area florists.

Erika shared the importance of social media for her business, saying she wouldn’t be as successful as she is without it. She says she relies on social media not only for marketing her business, but also for connecting and sharing with others in the industry. She talked about expansion plans which include building a new workshop space with trees cut down from 110 acres of family land. Erika says she's transitioning into a no-till flower garden and discussed the benefits that go along with it. She's also working on growing specialty peonies for weddings and other special events. One challenge with Erika's business is that she offers a perishable product and a product that requires perfection. She talked about how she has to put money back into the business in order for it to grow.

Thank you, Erika, for your time and perspective of owning your own small business in Greene County! We loved ending the CEO year with you!