Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Thurgood-burnett
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hereward Farms started as a dream to create something that combined my love for nature, sustainability, and community. My family and I have always lived in the East Garafraxa area, farming the land with traditional cash crops. In 2020, I decided to take a leap and add lavender to our farm—a crop that not only brought beauty and serenity to our fields but also allowed us to create something truly unique.
What began as a hobby quickly grew into something much bigger. After selling my marketing agency in 2021, I dove headfirst into building Hereward Farms. Our focus became sustainability, crafting all-natural skincare and home products infused with the lavender we grow. Our tagline, “From our soil to your soul,” reflects our commitment to creating good products for the planet and our customers.
Hereward Farms spans 250 acres today with over 6,000 lavender plants and 400,000 sunflowers. We’ve expanded beyond just a farm—we’re a destination. Our Lavender Lounge + Boutique is open year-round, offering visitors a peaceful escape and a taste of our handmade goods. This year, we added the Café to our Lounge, creating a space where guests can savour local coffee and treats while surrounded by the essence of lavender.
It’s been an incredible journey of growth, challenges, and learning. From being featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair to winning awards for our clean beauty products, I’m humbled by how far we’ve come. But at the heart of it all is the community—our customers who support us, our incredible team, and the belief that nature and nurture can work together to create something truly magical.
Hereward Farms has been a labour of love, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but every bump has shaped Hereward Farms into what it is today. Starting something new always comes with challenges, and transitioning from a traditional cash crop farm to adding cultivating lavender and creating a whole line of products was no exception.
One of the first hurdles was successfully learning how to grow lavender in Ontario’s climate. It’s a delicate plant that requires specific conditions, and there was a steep learning curve in understanding how to nurture it on such a large scale. In addition to the unpredictable weather, we had our fair share of trial and error in those early years.
Scaling the business brought its own set of challenges. Developing all-natural products that meet high-quality standards requires extensive research, testing, and patience. Entering the highly competitive clean beauty market pushed us to ensure every product was not only effective but also aligned with our sustainability values.
Managing growth has also been a balancing act. As demand for our products grew, we faced the challenge of expanding production while maintaining the personal touch that makes Hereward Farms unique. Adding the Lavender Lounge + Boutique, launching new products, and now opening our Café—all while staying true to our roots—has required careful planning and a dedicated team.
On a personal level, navigating the shift from running a marketing agency to becoming a full-time farmer and business owner has been a big adjustment. Like any entrepreneur, there were moments of doubt and plenty of late nights. I’ve also had to learn to trust the process, delegate, and let go of trying to do it all myself.
Despite the struggles, each challenge has been an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s tweaking our approach to farming, refining our product line, or finding creative ways to connect with our customers, every setback has made us stronger. The support from our community, both locally and beyond, has been incredible, which keeps us going. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hereward Farms is more than a lavender farm—it’s a place where sustainability, clean products, and community come together. Nestled in East Garafraxa, Ontario, we’ve transformed a traditional cash crop farm into a haven for the senses, with over 6,000 lavender plants and 400,000 sunflowers across 250 breathtaking acres.
We specialize in crafting all-natural, sustainable skincare and home products infused with the lavender we grow. From luxurious face serums and foot creams to bath salts and candles, every product is thoughtfully created with the philosophy of “From our soil to your soul.” Our commitment to clean beauty means our products are free from GMOs, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making them safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
What sets us apart is our dedication to sustainability and authenticity. We’re proud to be 100% Canadian, and everything we grow is used in our products. Even our packaging reflects our eco-friendly values. Our farm is a destination for those seeking tranquillity and a community hub where visitors can connect with nature, explore our Lavender Lounge + Boutique, and now enjoy specialty coffees and treats at our new Lavender Lounge + Café.
One of our proudest achievements is our recognition for our clean beauty products. Being featured in prestigious publications like The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Vogue, and Vanity Fair has been a testament to how far we’ve come. The Globe and Mail spotlighted our growth and clean beauty journey, while the Toronto Star highlighted the effort and passion behind our products. These features have helped us reach new audiences and share the heart of what Hereward Farms stands for.
We want readers to know that Hereward Farms isn’t just about products—it’s about experiences. Whether you’re indulging in our award-winning skincare, strolling through our lavender fields, or sipping a locally sourced coffee in the café, every moment at Hereward Farms is crafted to inspire relaxation, connection, and joy.
Our journey has been one of growth, resilience, and creativity. From a simple idea to a thriving brand that’s redefining clean beauty and farm-to-product living, we’re proud to share our story and can’t wait to welcome you to the farm.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played an interesting role in my journey with Hereward Farms, both in serendipitous ways and in challenges that taught me valuable lessons. I believe luck isn’t just about random chance—it’s often about recognizing opportunities and making the most of them, even when they come disguised as obstacles.
Good luck certainly showed up when we first decided to plant lavender. At the time, it was a leap of faith. Lavender isn’t the easiest crop to grow, especially in Ontario, but we were fortunate to have the right conditions and timing to make it work. That initial success gave us the foundation to build everything that came after.
Our growth has also had some lucky moments—like being featured in The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star for our clean beauty products. These features helped spotlight our brand and connect us with a broader audience. Opportunities like these often feel like luck, but they result from years of hard work, dedication, and staying true to our values.
On the flip side, there have been moments of bad luck, too—like unpredictable weather impacting our crops or supply chain delays that threw a wrench into our plans. These situations could have been major setbacks, but they pushed us to adapt, innovate, and stay resilient. In a way, those challenges became blessings in disguise, teaching us to be more resourceful and creative.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that good or bad luck often finds you when you’re willing to take risks and put yourself out there. Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity, and at Hereward Farms, we’ve worked hard to stay prepared and open to whatever comes our way.
Ultimately, I’m grateful for the role luck has played because a mix of fortune and perseverance has brought us to where we are today. Every twist and turn has been part of the journey, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://herewardfarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herewardfarms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herewardfarms/
