How I spend my time as a part time flower farmer & YouTuber

Come behind the scenes with me this week. This is the first time I give everyone a deep glimpse of my personal life and discuss things outside of flower farming that are important to Eric and me.
I inadvertently picked a busy week but hopefully this gives you a glimpse into what I do from both a content creation and flower farming side.
I would love to know- what did you think about the format of this video? Did you like it? What else would you like to see in future videos?
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[@wswchen]

Oh my freakin’ goodness (in a good way). Your video resonated with me on a whole new level. I am a full time pediatric ophthalmologist who just went public with my cut flower business Tiny Eyes and Blooms. Thank you so much for sharing your business knowledge, your flower knowledge, and your life!! I am blown away by your organizational skills, your incredibly high level of cognitive output, not just for your day job and business savvy for the flower business, but also for the constant mind juggle of running a household with a very helpful husband and toddler (who is adorable!). I am so thankful for you and your KZbin content. I am going all the way back to your early videos and watching, sometimes even rewatching videos about the business aspect of flower farming. I have no business or marketing background, so this is extremely helpful. I imagine that if I tried to do everything you are doing, it would easily take me 4x longer. Your intrinsic knowledge of a lot of computer programs for business and content creation is amazing. Thank you again!! I may need to take advantage of your consulting services in the near future. I just need to figure out a week when I don’t have 15 patients schedule for a Friday afternoon! 😂

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! You’ve got a tough gig. Being on call, having to be on site to see patients and not to mention the mental load that kind of job has! But if you were able to make it through med school, you are more than capable of doing this! I found that a few years of meditation really helped my mind pivot quickly to make the most use of fragmented time. Even if you’re not in the flower field, there’s plenty to do. So if you’re in between patients and somehow have downtime, it’s possible to maximize those small fragmented moments which do add up! And that’s kinda the takeaway. The familiarity with tech and other stuff is an accumulation of years of random experiences. I wish you luck in your season!

[@wswchen]

Thank you so much for the encouragement and advice!

[@LittleBirdBloom]

Jessie, you are INCREDIBLE! 😍 You're ability to manage so many moving pieces, take care of yourself, eat well and raise another human just gives me even more motivation to keep going. Love this video! 🎉

[@bareflowerfarm]

Aww thank you Kathleen, I really appreciate the support especially from someone like you :)

[@InBloomFloralFarm]

WOW! Your energy is infectious! Thanks for a week in your life video and made me realize I am not the only one who works full time and has a part time flower farm.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! I think alot of us in this new generation of flower farmers are actually part time! It's hard but hopefully people know they're not alone :)

[@cranerygardens]

Just stop by to say hi! I need to pass this busy weekend then I will watch this video peacefully in bed. Take care 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thanks Crane!! I like that thought, peacefully in bed bc I will likely be watching your video as E runs around screaming 🤣

[@joycesoares985]

I am very impressed by your capabilities and work ethic! I liked having a glimpse into your daily life including your scrumptious meals.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! Haha food is very important to us- one of life's greatest pleasures! As we say, work out hard, eat hard :D

[@denisekelley2292]

What a week! I like this kind of video occasionally. I also enjoy videos that show different gardening projects with voice over (vlog style). I live the northwest and grow flowers and vegetables in my backyard for myself and neighbors/friends. I had just harvest two huge bunches of bachelor buttons and was cleaning them up for bouquets, not a fun job. I have learned this year; I must net lots of things. Maybe someday I will sell my bouquets, for now I just enjoy making them and giving them away.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! And I love that you grow to give away. Bachelors buttons can be such a pain and I hate netting but it must be done. I try to do as much as I can without netting to see if I can get away with it 😅

[@jenniferprovo7313]

My neice and nephew are canadian born chinese, and they also make the scallion pancakes. Delicious! I am in my very first year of giving flower farming a try on a small urban lot in Nova Scotia. I really enjoyed this video.

[@bareflowerfarm]

I loveeee scallion pancakes. Such a simple food but so delicious. Thanks for taking the time to comment- I'm glad you enjoyed this video! Wishing you a great season!

[@Liz-og9gc]

Hello again from Texas! I stopped the video midway to comment. I love the info you are putting out here for us. I am a small container gardener and loved the flower stand idea for years. My husband entertains me when I want to show him videos of as he says "flowers again" 😂! That being said, he likes your business side of things and thinks like you, so he can enjoy your videos with me.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Hi Liz! Thank you for this! I started off container gardening too and think that’s actually a GREAT way to begin bc we know how precious growing space is. I was at a point where I was going to ask to pay neighbors to let me grow on their land 😂. I’m pretty flattered that you and your husband can enjoy my videos together. That’s awesome bc there aren’t that many KZbin videos where Eric and I watch together!

[@Liz-og9gc]

He gave me the green light to join your Patreon! Side note: We love Tennessee. So beautiful. My hubby is a traveling welder/pipe fitter, so we have been there many times.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Aww yay!! Just in time for our first masterminds! We are coming together next Thursday evening at 8pm - the goal is to get a consistent group of flower farmers to come together, discuss what’s going on on our own farms, help troubleshooting and share learnings ☺️

[@michellebeatty7899]

Great video! Eric falling asleep at naptime is so relatable! 😂

[@bareflowerfarm]

Eric is ALWAYS napping, even before E and now with E lol!! When we first met he was shocked I rarely take naps (is anyone surprised)? When I take a nap, you know i'm either really tired or sick!

[@mechellemiles903]

Wow, you are super talented, detailed, organized and an amazing business woman, mother and wife! You are blessed!!! ❤❤❤

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! I know how good I have it :)

[@tinyhomestead6023]

Wow! I’m impressed that you are able to organize your time so well! ❤. I love your videos but I often forget to comment. ❤

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you ☺

[@Thehydrangeahouse]

Oh my goodness laughing at your deer reaction. I have been doing the same exact thing every day this month sometimes twice, and they just drop their babies off with me while they go eat. I’m in year 2, love your videos.

[@bareflowerfarm]

The deer are so ridiculous! I was harvesting the other day and literally was surrounded by them outside the fence. I felt like I was in prison lol!! Hope you are having a great season so far!

[@valerieoster8049]

Holy smokes! You are a machine!! May God Bless you and give you wisdom. I can’t imagine fitting a full time job and 2 part time jobs in with loving your husband, motherhood, exercise, extended family, friends, housework….

[@bareflowerfarm]

Lol I don't do it all! A supportive partner who shares the housework is critical!

[@user-gz6tm6tp4b]

Great view into the reality of doing a side hustle! Your energy is inspiring.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@suzannemoak6394]

Thank you so much for this set of videos! I am bad with time management no matter what I try. I like how you talked about setting time blocks I will try that. Thanks again!

[@bareflowerfarm]

Another thing that helps is giving yourself a set amount of time and setting an alarm. This little trick encourages you to figure out how to be efficient in the moment :)

[@OregonShearwater]

Holy cow, I had to stop the video and take a nap! 😂 Your ability to splice soooo many things/activities together is mind bending. The upshot of such a thorough video is that it encourages comparison and offers ways to change. Of course we all have different lives, but I really appreciate the effort you went through and your willingness to offer us a glimpse into your life and how you manage it. Thank you Jessica. I am getting ready to plant about 100 lilies so I was also very interested in the farming details as well. Excellent work and very appreciated.

[@bareflowerfarm]

lol!! Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you felt encouraged after! And yay to the lilies! I hope they grow and sell well for you! More lily videos later in the season coming ☺️

[@catreeves963]

You guys are so wholesome! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your week ❤ makes me feel a bit better doing the two jobs I do 😅 P.S regeneratively grown beef is actually pretty sustainable! (Despite all the bad press). My family are sheep and beef farmers here in NZ - think rolling green pastures, native trees etc.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! I agree- regeneratively grown beef is so much more sustainable. It’s also a better quality of life than most animals will ever get. When we moved here 2 years ago, we got access to 2 farms within a 3 min drive that offer regeneratively grown meat and it’s awesome!!

[@juliematthews5107]

WOW you have so much energy. The flexibility that your job gives you is amazing.

[@bareflowerfarm]

I know I have it good!

[@faithannetoo]

I always enjoy your videos, but this one was great. 💐 💐 💐

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to write this ☺

[@DanikaBasista]

Loved this video! Really interesting to see it all broken down. And dang are you a productive lady!

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! I think I got the productivity gene from my dad. All of his siblings laugh when they look at me and him bc we’ve gotta be constantly doing something 😅

[@thenaturepatch]

Oh wow thank you for sharing your week with us!! What a way for me to get motivated for my week ahead 😂 Love seeing all your flowers blooming now while we’re currently in winter here in Australia! Making me so excited for the flowers to bloom in spring! Always appreciate your honesty and well produced videos! 🌿💐

[@bareflowerfarm]

So awesome to see viewers from down under! Thanks for commenting- i hope you’re able to get some well needed rest during this off season. It’s the best time of year for planning!

[@NicolesGardenNS]

That’s exactly how I get my thumbnail shots too 😜

[@bareflowerfarm]

Imagine if we got together on a farm. We would look like idiots capturing thumbnail shots 😂

[@victorialegris8516]

Loved this video, thank you for all the work in putting it together!

[@bareflowerfarm]

🤗🤗🤗

[@cbak1819]

Great video, Jess, E is so cute, Eric is a dream.. I know no one is perfect.

[@user-ck9tb7dy5n]

Thanks Jesse…although I didn’t have the time…I binge watched this 😅. I have been following you since the early days and have thoroughly enjoyed watching you evolve. I think your content has always been great…(you always make it worthwhile to watch) but super appreciative of your newer styles this past year. OMG…loved the week in the life! Learnt more about you and what you do and offer. Neat personal touch!!! Super cool 👍 PS loved the throwbacks to the competition with your friend. I value that you take the time to educate and inspire (yourself) and share with others. 😊

[@bareflowerfarm]

That is such a compliment! I know how busy everyone is. Thanks for taking the time to comment and for recognizing the deliberate effort in trying to improve my videos. I am thoroughly enjoying learning new editing tricks and the art of story telling ☺️

[@deeelle697]

thank you for sharing. as someone who is a gardener & artist, its hard to make a schedule & stay focused. I love the teamwork with you & the hubs, & how you use a timer for things.

[@bareflowerfarm]

I totally get it! A schedule is not always possible especially with a young kid. The teamwork is absolutely critical to making this work. I think that making use of 10 min here and there can actually go a long way!

[@zaneymay]

Oh my that was long! The exercising was hilarious, wasn't expecting a giggle from your video, you are always so serious. You can sell or be a reseller in your state as a farmer? Here it's separate. I can sell cut flowers under the farmers market. But to sell, resale or sell plants or bulbs or starts from cutting it's another process to go through. Still would love to hear more about your co op.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Lol I should probably include the pranks Eric and I pull on each other. It’s not as many as it used to be pre E, but once I changed all the clocks and he went through the entire weekend an hour behind. He almost went to work an hour early on Monday 🤣 In our state, you need a nursery license to resell anything in soil. At the farmers market, the regulation is set by the market (nursery license still applies).

[@mhubertcfi]

Thanks for sharing your life. You have to really be organized to do it all. I felt so bad when you took the lillies out of the fridge. This one seems like a bear to film and edit but will probably be very popular because I think it’s a hot topic

[@bareflowerfarm]

It’s ok. Failed stems post harvest are a part of the territory. But this was indeed quite a beast to edit. I was glad when it was over 😅

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

Check your phone to see if you have this feature. I step back to where I want to be and then say out loud "smile" which then does the 3 second count down to take a selfie photo, I repeat smile a few times with different angled head etc. I find it easier then taking a video and pulling a still. It took me a while to realize I had this audio by command feature but when I did - life changer. Or at least photo changer. I use a Galaxy s23.

[@bareflowerfarm]

Bah! I checked and no go. I've also been taking the thumbnail photos on a camera bc I find the higher resolution makes it easier to splice and take out the background in certain cases.

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

@bareflowerfarm that's why I have the Galaxy s23. The photo quality is exceptional. Best of all phones. But then after, I also use my Affinity photo editor - love that program.

[@sarahjaynesmith]

You're inspiring me to make better use of my time 😉 also, fellow "productive screen time" mum in attendance!

[@bareflowerfarm]

Productive screen time moms unite! I’m glad this was inspirational! I think that if you can maximize all of the short fragmented time we all have, you can be really productive!

[@JerriBerriW]

scallion pancakes~~~ my husband and i do the lazy freezer version for breakfast, haha

[@bareflowerfarm]

Ohhhh yes. my mom sometimes buys them from the chinese supermarket and i'll put in a fried crueller!

[@JerriBerriW]

@@bareflowerfarm you guys are well-rounded foodies too for sure!

[@cbak1819]

Organization is key! Be advised; I was just diagnosed after a 7 day flu with drenching sweats, pink blotches all over body with Lyme.

[@bareflowerfarm]

I'm so sorry to hear that and I hope you're feeling better right now. Lyme can be so tough to manage!

[@eyrerosecottage1970]

I'm so sorry! I hope you get good treatment! My 25 yo daughter has it, too.

[@PetrasGarden]

You guys are so efficient! Inspiring 😊 Where did you find the vases? I want some vessels that is not glass!

[@bareflowerfarm]

Thank you! The vases are from Amazon. I had wanted to source locally made vases for Mother’s Day and it didn’t work out so bought from Amazon and never used them so putting them to use here!

[@blessildajoy]

No feedback, just a fellow ice-cream enthusiast💚🍦

[@bareflowerfarm]

Ice cream 🍦 is important to talk about 😋

[@christinerenee5616]

Is it common for the florists to pick up flowers from you instead of you having to deliver them? That's a huge time saver.

[@bareflowerfarm]

It’s funny bc once you stop feeling “desperate” and don’t give a choice, the florists who really want local flowers will work for it. We work with designers at our co-op who will literally travel to multiple farms and co-ops, driving hours to source blooms. They may not be in mass numbers, but they exist! This florist who picked up doesn’t buy from me frequently but I give her a “bulk discount” if she orders a certain amt (like +70 tulips minimum order)

[@jordonsflowerfarm]

I have two florists that pickup from us!

[@amoore0713]

I'm growing 5 different colors of yarrow currently. Are there certain colors the co op wants?

[@bareflowerfarm]

I’d say the pastels generally do well but once in awhile you get a wedding that is more “berry/citrus” color and they want all the raspberry saturated pink/reds! So it’s good to grow a mix

[@tinyhomestead6023]

This might be a silly question. But do you save your Lilly bulbs? Leave them in the ground? Refrigerate? Or order new bulbs in bulk?

[@bareflowerfarm]

Not a silly question at all. I don't intentionally save the bulbs that I plant in crates but I found that they actually perennialized for me. Some that are in the ground stay in the ground. The problem is, even if I had all the space in the world to perennialize them, all would bloom at once in the following year! So I order bulbs on a regular basis to plant!

[@jennysanders3328]

I must have missed where you posted the recipes….😂🤷‍♀️

[@bareflowerfarm]

Haha I am so terrible with recipes that whenever Eric asks me to replicate something, I can’t. That’s why my pancakes turn out different every time 😅

[@rbrown2746]

Which yarrow do you find is most popular?

[@bareflowerfarm]

I grow the summer berries series and generally all the colors do well. It kinda depends on the event- last week, a florist was looking for the reddest yarrow. This week it's pastels!