We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Phillips recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

We took a big risk and invested back into the business a lot this year. Having two small children and at our ages it has been a lot. We hope the risk pays off which we know it will with our attendance last year and what our guests have asked for over the years. We finally took the leap and did what was asked to make sure everyone enjoys the farm as we have for so many years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My husband and his family have owned this farm for over 100 years so we are a century farm. As times change and things change we have adapted to the what the community wants. We have opened our farm to the public for the past fourteen years for families to come enjoy what we have always enjoyed. I stepped in eleven years ago to this wonderful family and although I have not been here for the entirety of the agritainment that Michael has started I have been here for the past six years behind the scenes to handle all business needs. The other aspect is what Michael does each and every day is bring this farm to life for the community to enjoy. I would say the most proud moments are the days we can slow things down and let special smaller groups come out and enjoy what the farm is about. We do love our busy days but sometimes it is nice to slow down sit back at what has been done and enjoy the smiles on the faces. So the days we offer for our smaller groups where the farm is closed and only open to the certain private groups thats what we truly enjoy. To hear the laughs and see the smiles is all what it is about.

We truly love and pour our heart and souls into watching families come out and have fun here as we have done for so many years, Myself included, although I have not been here for the entire time but it is nice to sit back and watch the fun unfold.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I would say when we had strawberries and COVID his we were not sure what to do because nobody would come pick them. So we helped hire those in need give them a breath of fresh air and the helped us as much as we helped them we felt. Then to see the families come through the drive-thru and pick up the berries as if they had never been out before. The community really showed up for us and appreciate our hard work that was put in by us and many others that we had out working.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This is pretty simple don’t trust everyone that wants a hand at what you have created, Trust those close to you and push forward which is normally a small circle.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.phillipsfarmsofcary.com
• Instagram: @phillipsfarmsofcary
• Facebook: Phillips Farms of Cary, NC

Image Credits
Rachel Herbst