DINA: Welcome to another edition of “Interview with an Entrepreneur - at EntrepreneursBreakfast.com. As a small business owner myself, I have grown to appreciate other people who are also working hard to deliver good products and services. And with the level of customer service from big companies deteriorating to such a great level, I’m happy to give my business to people who I have grown to know and like.
We’re here talking with Bea Kunz, the owner of Sage Hill Farms and Vintage Store. Bea is one of my favorite ladies - someone whom I admire very much, who is working for an admirable cause. I think you’ll find that her herbal blends make the perfect holiday gift - and they’re easy to send by mail.
Bea, you are a successful businesswoman and the owner of Sage Hill Farms - a sustainable herb farm business. Can you explain what it means to be sustainable and why it’s important?
BEA KUNZ: Dina, sustainable is the simple act of living in a manner that gives back to the environment. No chemicals in our soil, so no chemicals in our food. No chemicals means better health, both for man and the earth.
It’s important because the damage that has been done through the past years can’t reverse without help from mankind. Our future and the future of our next generation depends on what we do now. It will set the standard for all generations to follow.
DINA: Bea, I admire you for taking such a forthright position. A lot of people would take the attitude of “who cares” or “it’s too late,” or “not my problem,” but many more have really shown the desire to change for the better. That says a lot about society. I’m glad there are people out there like you who can help us learn from past mistakes and teach our children better ways of living and giving back to the earth.
For the benefit of our audience, what types of herbs do you sell? What are the most common uses?
BEA KUNZ: We specialize in culinary herbs.We sell fresh on site and dried through our website. We do a blending of different herbs for seasoning all manner of food choices. We also do herbal tisanes and blended teas.
DINA: As you know, I’ve purchased herbs from you and can vouch for the high quality and the amazing flavor. First, what’s a tisane? Second: which are your best selling herbal blends, and why are these a favorite with your customers?
BEA KUNZ: Tisane is another word for herbal tea. That is, tea that is an infusion of herbs which does not contain Camellia sinensis (the leaves of the tea bush).
As far as popular spices go, our Cajun Blend is the big hit overall. Once you’ve used the Cajun you will understand why. It’s spicy but not hot, it’s blended to compliment everything from toast to your favorite meat dish. It’s an old Cajun recipe from a true Cajun friend who taught me to cook New Orleans style.
“Sage Hill House Blend” Tisane is a big item. The Black Peppermint and Lemon Balm blend is about as soothing as you could stand. Makes a marvelous after dinner cup. You can dress it up with honey and milk or have it straight.
DINA: You’re in Tennessee, yet you send herbal blends and teas all over the country via mail order which is available on your website. How do your customers find you?
BEA KUNZ: Ahhh, networking of all varities. Blogging, a monthly newsletter to a mailing list that is always growing. Word of mouth, business cards, and promotional sites. I really pamper my customers. They are the life of my business. They deserve my full attention. I do seasonal Open House type get togethers for my local traffic.
DINA: It’s true; you and I met through social networking, originally on the Ryze Network. And we’ve managed to stay in touch via the various new sites that keep us all hopping!
One thing that I want to compliment you on is your amazing blog. I don’t give out awards at Wordfeeder.com (as yet) - but if I did, I’d hand you the Best Blogger award for your ability to reach out and make a deep and meaningful connection with your readers.
Not only do you take the time to tell beautiful stories with such great care, but you’re a wealth of information to anyone who is interested in cooking, baking, gardening, organics and sustainable living practices. And you always throw in a bit of history and folklore to spice things up.
My next question for you, Bea: Organic is a word that’s been bandied about quite a bit lately. How can we determine whether the “organic” foods that we purchase are truly organic - free of pesticides, chemicals and other harmful additives?
BEA KUNZ: This is a broad subject at the present. I think Organic has become a label and not so much a method… as it was meant to be. I won’t vent my feelings about the USDA and FDA here, but I will say this: these are the last two sources I trust to give me Organic. If you want to be sure that what you are purchasing is organic, then simply look at the front label. If it’s 100% organic it will say so. Anything less is a toss up. We must do our research and know the company that is behind the product.
DINA: Bea, if I may… you posted some really insightful and important information about organic and genetically modified food on your blog. I’d like to share these links for any of my readers who may also want to learn more. I want to thank you for writing these, and compliment you on one of the best blogs I’ve ever read.
Understanding Organic
Okay, Bea: what advice can you give for those who own or are now just starting up companies of their own?
BEA KUNZ: Again, I find no better information than that which comes from my own research.
Whatever the business, one must know it inside out. For sustainable or organic businesses the best understanding one can have is that of the soil. Know the terms- organic, sustainable, naturally grown, and conventional. They all have a set method of usage, make a choice based on knowledge.
DINA: What can a business do to retain customer loyalty during hard times?
BEA KUNZ: Pay attention to what your customers are talking about. This will tell you where they stand with spending power, then adjust to the level that allows you to profit while allowing the customer to purchase and not feel like they are over spending their budget. Offer things like 3 for the price of 2… drawings for freebies with every order, half price shipping. There are many ways to tweak your market without going backwards with your profit margin.
DINA: In what ways, if any, do you plan to alter your business model now that the economy is going through changes?
BEA KUNZ: I’m not altering my business plans at all, except to grow forward. We have new wholesale accounts for the spring of 2009 and it’s full speed ahead for expansion. Build it and they will come!
DINA: I love that, and it’s something that we all need to hear right now. What ways have you found to be the best way to generate new business? Do you have a list of best practices that you use to keep new customers coming in?
BEA KUNZ: I would have to say word of mouth… my mouth, as a rule. I enjoy talking to people so I have no problem with introducing myself in a room full of strangers. I never leave home without my business cards, and I never pass up a chance to share one.
I’m also very willing to discuss what I do, how I do it, and always make the effort to invite people to visit and feel us out.
DINA: What was a challenge you faced as a business owner, and how did you work through it?
BEA KUNZ: My biggest hurdle was making it work without going into debt to do so. My hubby and I made a plan, did some tweaking, and we actually made a profit the first year, small, but profit just the same.
Another was the techy stuff with a website and internet sales/business. I simply wised up and hired knowledgable people to assist me.
DINA: THANK YOU for taking the time to answer these interview questions for EntrepreneursBreakfast.com!
Learn more about Bea Kunz and Sage Hill Farms at http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/. Don’t leave without dropping by Bea’s Beatitudes. It’s where I go to relax with a hot cup of herbal tea and some great reading.
BEA KUNZ: Thank you Dina, it’s been fun and good for my memory bank.
Bea Kunz
Popularity: 37% [?]
Email Dina@Wordfeeder.com for a copywriting or website marketing quote today.
Tags: No Comments
