For the past year, my husband has been encouraging me to start a small business that can both, incorporate the use of our five acres and generate a new sort of purpose for myself. The balancing act of being a new stay-at-home mom with needing to find something of my own, means that I am just a regular person looking to share the lessons I learn over the course of this new journey. As we move into an age of returning to self-sufficiency and producing our own quality products, Autra Family Farm will be my way of sharing what I learn with you.
With no prior experience in building a business or running a farmstead, I spent this last summer researching Washington regulations, testing myself with our first flock of chickens, and maintaining a small garden to get an idea of what I still need to learn and where I can improve this coming season.
Our products and services primarily focus on fresh, free-range chicken eggs, fresh produce and homemade soaps and candles.
For information we learn along the way and to stay updated on current projects or product ideas, follow our blog posts or our Instagram page.
About Me
Before the great ideas started flowing for how I wanted this business to look and what goals I had for its future, creating and maintaining a homestead or farmstead was not part of my major plans. My post-secondary education (AA/BA/BS) is concentrated in Sociology and Criminal Justice related issues and my work experience was tailored as close as I could get it to related careers while still being in school. I was constantly looking into the steps I needed to take to work for agencies like the FBI.
In these last two years, I have become an Air Force veteran, mother of two boys, and completed my MS in Criminal Justice: Advanced Counterterrorism & Homeland Security. This summer I hope to take advantage of my remaining military benefits and pursue associate degrees in both Legal Studies as well as Real Estate Studies. Knowledge is truly a gift and luckily, there’s always something new to learn. Just because our plans change over time, does not mean that we can’t find a way to make the best of our situations.
On our growing mini farm, we care for two dogs, a cat, two horses, a flock of chickens and hopefully one day this year we might add some goats to the mix. In addition to a love for animals, my other hobbies include dabbling in different forms of art which I hope can be incorporated into my business. I also enjoy reading murder mysteries and fantasy.. when I can find the time, of course!
Photography credit goes to Impressions by Ellie out of Port Orchard! This was our second session with her and we can't wait to schedule another one in the future!