Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Phylicia Barker Nelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Phylicia, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
If I could go back in time I would tell the younger Phylicia to remember her past, to not give in or up on herself; and to believe in the person she has built over the years. I started focusing on myself after I realized I was wasting my talents that I have known for years were there. If I had of started earlier in my teen years I would have been more stable now in my 30’s.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hey y’all, I started out in the business at a young age. On my dad side I am the 3rd generation of Farmers living. I grew up in the 90s when my family were ending tobacco farming and transitioning into dairy and Horticulture
Early 2010s we transition our dairy to beef cattle and expanded our Horticulture outlets. Watching my family build and make jobs for generations to come and our community; inspired me to as well.
My most proudest moment has been watching my grandparents receive awards for their hard work in the community, my father receiving Farmer of the year, and my most recent award with Farmer of the Day for NC.
What sets us aside from others; we are a 3in1 operation. Agri-business, Horticulture, and livestock. If you are ever in Granville County check us out with Oxford Armory Farmers market on Saturdays and Stovall Roadside Farmers Market. I own the roadside and staff/vendor the other.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
The last 9 years I went from running a stand every once in awhile to every week. I also market to restaurant as well. This started off as just a hobby that may become part-time. Now I vendor a market run another, and market for 4 businesses. It’s all in how you manage your time and funds.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I was blessed with Grandparents, my Father, and my Husband who all helped me get to where I am today with my business. I was able to get funding for supplies and my produce was already there with our farms. After doing business last Fall and Winter, my dad and mom both told me to follow my dream and passion which, is helping others.
Having my own cushion as they call it helped me. Having support from my loved ones and supporters over the years also gave me the leverage needed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Leos_diamond
- Facebook: Phylicia N Barker Nelson
- Linkedin: Phylicia N Barker
- Other: Facebook: Olusanya farm
Facebook: Oriyoomi: Customized Beef
Image Credits
DT Royster
Phy Barker