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

Alright, Tamera thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents, who grew up during the Great Depression, exemplified the power of resilience and determination. Despite not finishing high school, they thrived, with my father earning his electrician’s license and eventually opening his own electrical businesses in Kingsport and Bristol, Tennessee. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic enabled him to expand his business, adding a pump and well service that required specialized equipment. I have always been amazed by my father’s incredible intelligence and resourcefulness, which allowed him to build a successful career without formal education. He possessed a unique blend of scientific knowledge, mathematical skills, and exceptional character traits that contributed to his achievements. His hard work and dedication supported our family of seven, and his legacy continues to inspire me.

My mother’s story is equally remarkable. At sixteen, she began working at Borden Hosiery Mill to support her family and siblings. After marrying my father, she became a devoted stay-at-home mom, raising my two oldest sisters. My grandmother taught her valuable homesteading skills, which led her to become an exceptional cook and seamstress. She took a course in bookkeeping through a local accountant and became the office manager for my father’s businesses. She later opened her own daycare business, providing opportunities for her daughters to work and her grandchildren to attend along with neighborhood children. The bonds formed during this time have led to generations of friendships for our family.

I attribute my strong work ethic and perseverance to my parents’ inspiring examples. They taught me to seize opportunities, take calculated risks, and remain committed to my goals. Their influence has shaped my response to challenges, reminding me that each day brings new opportunities. My parents’ lives serve as a reminder that success is within reach, regardless of one’s background or circumstances.

Tamera, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Farmhouse in the Valley is a gem located in the heart of Hawkins County, Tennessee. Built in 1881, the farmhouse is a thriving venue, nostalgic vintage shop, and a cultural classroom for homesteading, trending arts, crafts, and food classes. The business is a Saturday-only operation for folks to engage in numerous events, dinners, and occasional tea parties. The shop features modern and vintage-inspired merchandise, gourmet party foods and teas, an art gallery showcasing fine art by Eva Gott, and various items supplied by artisans and “pickers” from the area. The farmhouse is reminiscent of a traditional dollhouse adorned by original, ornate millwork and pine plank floors.

“My husband, Bret, and I purchased the property as a place to entertain family and friends. Four generations of family gather for occasional Sunday luncheons and seasonal get-togethers. The children enjoy Easter egg hunts in the spring, an annual tradition started by a loving aunt many years ago. The initial intent in purchasing the farmhouse was to provide a place for family to spend time and create lasting memories.”‘

A little more than seven years ago we decided to open a business, naming the property “Farmhouse in the Valley”.
The atmosphere sets our shop apart in that folks are shopping inside an old homestead There is a feeling of peace and serenity inside each room, and folks want to linger as they meander through the home. People smile and bring history to life by recalling stories of their own families. Memories of grandparents and family members are often shared between customers and with the Kunselmans.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have to accredit our customers with helping us build our reputation. While we cannot feasibly be “everything to everyone”, we have been blessed immeasurably with kind and loving people who have “caught our vibe” and shared it with others. We are awestruck at the abundance of terrific customers that have become dear friends. There is a kindred spirit when people know they are loved and appreciated. We want everyone to feel important and to know that they are part of our “fold of friends” because of their support of Farmhouse in the Valley. We are who we are because of those who LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on our Facebook posts!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For us, our greatest pivot was during Covid-19. We were in the midst of establishing a new business and needed to stay connected to established customers while attracting and broadening a new customer base. I used our health-approved kitchen for “make and take meals”. Folks would order from a select menu of baked goods and pick them up at the front door. Charcuterie boards, homemade quiches, decorated cakes, and picnic boxes were our mainstay. We also offered picnics on the lawn, which was a great plan since folks could not come inside to shop during this time. Once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, picnics remained popular until we returned to occasional luncheons and dinners inside the farmhouse. Our venue was formerly a cafe prior to our purchase of the property. Though we are not a restaurant, we offer many opportunities for food classes and occasional meals inside our former cafe space. All of our upcoming classes and events can be located on our Facebook page at Farmhouse in the Valley.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Farmhouse in the Valley
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Tamera Kunselman