We recently connected with Allison Bansen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Mission: Providing a romantic, intimate venue where guests fall in love with the one-of-a-kind vibe in an unhurried atmosphere.

Story: My name is Allison. Along with my husband, Jim, we are the owners of Bansen Farms. We bought the farm a few years ago as a complete fixer upper. We originally wanted it for land for our three boys Ben, Jack and Lane. My husband grew up on a dairy farm so having land to raise his boys on was important to our family. I remember walking on the farm and saying, this could be something really special. I had no idea what was in store for me the day we signed that contract. Now a full business with employees, we are thriving! You know that saying, “Sometimes the best things in life just happen without a plan” that was us. This farm, vision and dream just fell in our lap. A simple hammer into the sheetrock exposed original beautiful shiplap. Of course, this was in the Joanna Gaines era, so that meant we had to rip all the sheetrock off and renovate this house. My husband’s long term rental idea quickly ended when I jumped at the idea of doing a farmhouse renovation! Three years later, a house and three barns, we managed to do a complete farm renovation!

In the middle of renovations, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At thirty-seven with a successful career as a Nurse Practitioner life changed forever. With three little boys that need their mom, I walked away from my career as a Nurse Practitioner, closing my practice of two years to focus on being a mom and healing. It’s crazy, the things that you once hated, like packing lunches for school or running around all day in the car shuttling kids to practice, become the very thing you want to do when you no longer can. When your health is taken away from you, life takes on a whole new meaning. A true spiritual journey leading me closer to my faith and coming out focused on wellness and health for myself and my family.

This farm became a true healing place for me. From the Oak tree in the back of the property to the peaceful sunsets. Some of my worst moments going through chemo were found on this farm. I knew God had a plan for all of this struggle, but I had no idea what it would be. It was in the moments of pain that I found my creative outlet with this farm. It was a place for me to brainstorm and create a place of healing and peace. I can’t tell you how many people tell us that this farm has a peace about it that cannot be explained. I just smile, because I know exactly what they are talking about.

I am happy to say I am cancer free! Reflecting back on my journey I am grateful for the opportunity to value life with a new perspective. A perspective that I feel I wouldn’t have without the painful journey I walked. This farm is a reflection of beauty that comes from pain. Some of the most beautiful people in the world, with the best stories have a painful story. This is mine.

​
​
It brings me great joy to see people enjoy this magical space called Bansen Farms, encompassing 20 acres of woods and fields. I hope it brings comfort and peace in a world that could really use it right now. To those walking a painful path, just know that there is beauty on the other side. And once you get there the things you are worried about today will diminish and you will be able to live in a way that shines. People will notice, you will reflect happiness, gratefulness and sunshine. Because that is all we are giving in life, the sunshine and your name. What you make of it is up to you.

So many ideas for this farm, but weddings are here to stay. I have ideas for regenerative farming and growing my own vegetables on the back 10 acres that we own away from the barn. I will never stop dreaming or improving this land. As more developments grow around us, we feel like the little old man in “Up” when he didn’t want to sell his house, so he attached balloons to it and went on an adventure. Our adventure is just beginning out here.

We are more than a farm, this is OUR story!

Allison, 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?

Like I said in the prior description. This just fell into our laps. We didn’t have big dreams to start a farm renovation or business. It happened and I can honestly say it was the best thing we have ever done.

We host about 30 weddings a year. Our weddings are more intimate. We specialize in micro-weddings and elopements in our Boutique Barn.

I am most proud of creating a place that is truly unique to the market. One of the first to offer the wedding weekend in the industry and converting the farm to an Airbnb wedding venue/Boutique Barn Venue

Have you ever had to pivot?

I shared this in my mission and story statement on the front page. :) My cancer journey was a pivot in the business, career and life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One happy client and referrals is how we grew our business. It just takes one happy client, and your business will grow. I have realized that some of the most successful social media businesses have the most unhappy clients. Scale your business. If possible, start slow so that you can make the mistakes and then fix them accordingly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Bansenfarms.com
• Instagram: @bansenfarms
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100064109857063
• Youtube: @Bansenfarms5551
• Other: Thank you for this opportunity!

Image Credits
Credits are attached to the name of the photographs. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding who is credited. @lexikphotographs @callaghan.photography @stephaniebaileyphotography_ @madisonlynchphotography