My Favorite Find

Many of you are already familiar with Serena Thompson (co-founder of The Farm Chicks).  For the past several months, she has been keeping us all very curious about her latest adventure called My Favorite Find.  By just giving us tidbits of information now and then to keep us on the edge of our seats wondering just what this new website was all about, she has kept the suspense very high.  Well, the day has finally come for the official launch of My Favorite Find.  I was privileged to have a sneak peek the past few days, and let me tell you, if you like yard sales, antiquing, estate sales, flea markets, etc., you are going to love Serena's new adventure. 

Recently I had the honor of asking Serena a few questions about her new business and her life in general.  Get to know Serena better and continue reading what she had to tell me.  After that, grab a cup of tea or coffee, set aside some extra time, and head on over to My Favorite Find -- you are going to love it.

1. Where do you get your inspiration and ideas for all of your amazing business ventures?

I don't know. My life just kind of seems like a patchwork quilt and I keep adding pieces. My Favorite Find really just came to be out of a need I was seeing with mail that was coming in from all over the world. Readers wanting to know how to find great shows or shoppes or how to promote what they were doing. Since nothing existed like what they needed, I decided to create it myself. My Favorite Find is that creation and it is sort of like a virtual show-and-tell. You can seek, find, and share great local shoppes and events and then show-and-tell your finds.

2. You seem to have your hand in so many different things, how do you manage juggling all of your projects with being a mom and a wife? Do you set aside a certain amount of time each day for your business time?

It always just works. I am lucky in that my family loves what I do, so they are really supportive. But yes, I try and work after my boys leave for school in the morning and then wrap things up before they get home.

3. Regarding the Farm Chicks Show – how does one go about being a vendor ….. is it by invitation only or do they have to submit a description of their shop and things they are selling for acceptance?

There is an application on my website, http://thefarmchicks.com , where anyone can apply to be in the show. It's not exclusive in any way (that's just not my style.) Applicants submit pictures, along with a description of what they are selling, so that I can get an idea of their goods and if those goods are the right fit for the show.

4. Are you amazed at how successful your show continues to be each year?

Yes! Every year I'm very overcome with emotion when I watch the show unfold and see the shoppers come out. I've never experienced anything like it.

5. I personally have two of your books … “The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen” and “The Farm Chicks Christmas”. Do you have any new books in the works?

I don't have a new Farm Chicks book right now, but I am working on a book with Jenny Doh, along with a few others, and I will have an entire section in that book. I'm unable to reveal the content of the book right now, but can say it's something I've always wanted to do and it is very "Farm-Chicky!" :)

6. Your latest adventure “My Favorite Find” sounds very intriguing. You have released enough information just to make us all very curious. What has been your favorite part about putting this new project together?

I love that My Favorite Find is going to be a way for other businesses or even someone doing something as small as a yard sale to get the much needed exposure they need to be successful. That makes me really happy.

7. You have publicly stated that you are always happy to offer encouragement and advice to those starting a new business --- what is the primary piece of advice that you find yourself giving over and over again.

Stay true to your own vision. Don't get sidetracked with what you see someone else doing or someone else being successful with. Your business needs to be about what you love and are passionate about. And don't give up. Business is hard and you have to be willing to put in the time to reap the rewards.

8. Of all of the vintage treasures that you have collected over the years, which piece means the most to you and why?

I have a couple of pieces of jewelry that belonged to my grandmothers. I used to have a set of one grandma's mixing bowls and one grandma's cookbook, but they were all lost when our home burned down when I was in high school. Both of my grandmothers died before I was born, so their jewelry is special to me.

9. You are certainly a busy lady, but whenever you find yourself needling a little break, do you have a particular hobby that you turn to to help you just slow things down a bit and get everything back into perspective?

Exercise is my friend. It's what I turn to, to keep my brain healthy and happy.

10. And last, but certainly not least, what is your favorite dessert?

Do I have to choose just one? Mostly it's cheesecake but sometimes chocolate cake with vanilla cream frosting.