We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valeria Pitoni. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valeria below.

Valeria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I have two stories for you.

1. Stillwaters Farm
Our selection of this for the name of our farm comes directly from the 23rd Psalm, :…He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul. And, that’s what our farmstay business is all about. We invite guests to stay with us, REST, RELAX, and REJUVENATE. If they’re inclined, they can shadow us to learn what we do and why we do it, but it’s not a requirement. We recognize the deep need in today’s society for a place to unplug, to forget the worries of the world, and focus on reconnecting with what is important.

2. Forty Cannons Winery
THIS selection hints more at family history. As an 11th generation descendant of Edward Teach himself (Blackbeard), our name originates with the number of cannons installed on his ship, The Queen Anne’s Revenge, to make it a fitting pirate ship. We aren’t just another “down home” winery. We’re a craft establishment that takes pride in our unique offerings and hands-on approach.

Valeria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I define myself as a “trail blazer”. I am a life-long learner who actively looks for challenges and then strives to succeed. Having no background in farming, hosting, or winemaking, I accepted these challenges and have enjoyed a modicum of success in each area. And, I strive to constantly improve, remain innovative, and above all, be unique.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Capital? You mean “a wing and a prayer”, right?

We are cash-built businesses. It is our philosophy that a business cannot fully succeed with indebtedness looming overhead, at every turn. So, we have elected to take a slower, more stable approach. Cannibalize assets, build cash, have no overhead–save monthly expenses. It is our belief that this provides us with a firmer foundation and a better vantage point to weather any storms that may come our way.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Our social media audience, while smaller than what may be considered “successful” by business-types, has been built organically, with followers choosing to watch us grow and come along for the journey–nothing purchased. We are small, but mighty. Our base has an emotional interest in what we do, and we strive to provide them the content they are looking for.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stillwaters.farm and www.fortycannons.com
• Instagram: @stillwatersfarm and @fortycannnonswinery
• Facebook: facebook.com/restatstillwatersfarm and facebook.com/fortycannonswinery
• Youtube: @stillwatersfarm
• Yelp: Stillwaters Farm and Forty Cannons Winery

Image Credits

Images taken by me. Valeria Barton Pitoni Photography