Lessons from Local Leaders:

Bernadette Boland

Join us for an inspiring tale of resilience and family entrepreneurship as we chat with Bernadette Boland about the journey of Fields of Athenry Farm and Side Saddle Bistro. From their humble beginnings in Virginia with just two lambs, Bernadette and her mother Elaine Boland have cultivated not only a thriving farm-to-door delivery service but also a beacon of holistic health through their nutritious offerings like bone broth. Bernadette opens up about her personal health struggles, revealing how they spurred her mother to explore the nourishing power of animal products. Discover the importance of grass-fed, free-range practices and how this family business creatively pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic with charcuterie classes and intimate private events.

Explore the marketing savvy and future ambitions of this charming family-run farm and bistro set in Middleburg. Bernadette shares their unique approach to standing out in the market through word-of-mouth, social media, and newsletters, along with an innovative subscription model for fresh meats and seasonal delights like Thanksgiving turkeys. Get insights into their plans for expansion, including a new club for elevated dining experiences, while maintaining their local community roots with private events. As Bernadette reflects on her journey of self-improvement, she emphasizes the power of focusing on one’s own path and the rewarding challenges of running a family business.

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