She Strengthens

From Corporate to Farmstead: The Inspiring Story of Rachael Tuller

Meet Rachael Tuller, a working mom who traded in her corporate life for a farmstead, where she raises goats, makes cheese, and sells it at local markets. With the help of her husband, girlfriends, and her own grit and passion, she’s made a successful business out of her dream.

Overcoming Adversity

Rachael’s journey began with a stint in the Air Force Academy, where she learned to overcome adversity. Her time in Iraq taught her to be quick and agile, while her experience as a corporate employee showed her how to give people what they wanted. But it was motherhood that taught her to throw away expectations and laugh.

Finding Her Purpose

Rachael never set out to become a farmer. It all started with a few chickens, which led to a love of dairy farming. She bought a farm in Olympia, Washington, and began selling goat cheeses, yogurt, soap, pork products, and chicken and quail eggs.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for Rachael starts early, with a check of her corporate email and an hour of work before the kids wake up. Then it’s off to milk the goats, with her three-year-old daughter “Giz” helping out. After breakfast, Rachael drops the kids off at the nanny and heads to work. In the evenings, she packages cheese or makes cheese until bedtime.

Small Farms Making a Comeback

Rachael believes that small farms are making a comeback. The biggest obstacle, she says, is community support. If farmers could sell out every week, there would be plenty of them making a living wage. She advocates for prioritizing real food and supporting local farms.

The Power of Social Media

Rachael uses social media to share her story and connect with customers. She believes that it’s essential for small businesses, allowing them to reach a wider audience without a huge marketing budget. By sharing her personal experiences and photos, she’s built a loyal following and created a brand that resonates with people.

Marketing and Sales

Most of Rachael’s customers come from farmer’s markets and grocery store demos. She also advertises on-farm events and has a website that attracts customers. While administrative tasks take up a lot of her time, she knows that they’re essential to the success of her business.

Lessons Learned

Rachael’s biggest lesson as an entrepreneur is that you need nerves of steel. Starting a small business is heartbreaking, but it’s also rewarding. She advises would-be entrepreneurs to take risks, put themselves out there, and be comfortable with hearing no. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is also crucial, she says.

The Importance of Support

For Rachael, the support of other women has been invaluable. Her girlfriend, mom, and other farmers have all played a role in her success. She believes that women are a fierce sort, and when they love something, they’ll stop at nothing to make it happen.

Taking Time Off

Finally, Rachael has learned the importance of taking time off. As a busy entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect family and self-care. By setting aside sacred time each week, she’s able to recharge and be more productive in her business.