Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Wildes.
Hi Ann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Blueberry Barn is owned and operated by Ann Wildes.
I was a business education teacher for more than 17 years and worked extensively with middle and high school students through UGA Cooperative Extension and 4H programs for 14 years.
After many years serving the youth of the local community, God gave me the drive and desire to start my own business. After traveling to Maine and Alaska and seeing the amazing blueberry products available at various shops, God revealed to me that I was to open a blueberry shop. My husband and I have been growing blueberries together in Georgia for the past 45 years, so it was a great fit for me. I also work parttime for the Georgia Blueberry Growers association (GBE) and handle all their finances, membership, and newsletters.
Since blueberries are what Alma is famous for, my business is a store specializing in “all things Blueberry.
If you are traveling on US Hwy 1 and come through Alma, be sure to stop by and peruse all the delightful items the store has to offer. From jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, candies, candles and so much more!
Visitors will notice the store shelves are made from +100-year-old wood from my husband’s grandfather’s home – there is a LOT of farming history in this small store.
During blueberry harvest season, from May through early June, store visitors will find fresh Georgia blueberries directly from our 50-acre farm available. The month of May, we offer a u-pick option at the farm for those who love to pick their own fruit. You can’t get any fresher than that! Be sure to stay long enough to enjoy a scoop or two of our blueberry ice cream while you sip on a blueberry soda.
I also have an Airbnb on our blueberry farm where you can enjoy the quite farm life and stay in a 100+ year old home that has belonged to my husband’s family since the 1940’s.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own business is never a smooth road, there are always struggles and difficult days. For example, because my business is seasonal, there are days at the store where business is extremely slow and I have wondered what in the world is going on. But then spring comes or Christmas and it gets crazy busy and then I appreciate those slow days to get paperwork done or have time for clean-up or just moving things around. Nothing that is worth having is easy. Work is not a 4-letter word, it is what God has planned for us to. I am thankful that I am doing what God has called me to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is a small, unique shop that specializes in Georgia Grown products and locally made items from Georgia blueberries. I sell a variety of products and in the early summer, I have the BEST blueberries you have ever tasted. In fact, I have been featured on RFD TV on a program called FARMHER which promotes women in agriculture. I have also been on a PBS show called “A Fork in the Road” that covers all Georgia products. I go to schools promoting Georgia blueberries when there is a need.
As far as the items I sell, I love that I can say the majority of my products are made in Georgia and several are produced right here in our little community of Alma. I carry an enormous array of products made with blueberries including, coffee, ice cream, mixes for pancakes-muffins-cornbread-cookies, blueberry sodas, real blueberry juice, kitchen accents like coffee mugs, aprons, hand towels, and even pictures, just to name a few. For the Christmas season, I incorporate blueberry ornaments for your tree.
If you plan ahead and give me 24-hour notice, I also bake blueberry pound cakes, cobblers, pies, muffins, and a fan favorite blueberry cheesecakes. I don’t have a kitchen in my little shop, so all baking is done at my home at night. I have earned a Cottage Food License to make this happen.
I make gift baskets for any occasion for just about any price. I also ship to all 50 states. So if there is someone who deserves a very special gift in your life, Georgia blueberry products would be a great choice. I have an online shop too.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The greatest support I can receive is to have you shop with me, whether in person or online. Repeat customers really bring a smile to my face. And when someone gives me a 5* rating on Google, that is a huge help to my small business. Telling others about my shop is the best form of advertising.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theblueberrybarn.com
- Instagram: the_blueberry_barn
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theblueberrybarnalma
- LinkedIn: Ann Wildes
- Youtube: The Blueberry Barn
