Less than 10 years ago, Tricia Dennis was commuting to her job as a corporate attorney in downtown Detroit.
The former U.S. Air Force Captain spent more than 17 years commuting to her job. She was tired of the grind, so when her husband, Gregory, decided to start a lavender farm, she was completely on board.
“I joke that on April 30, 2017, I was in my business suit and heels behind a desk, and on May 1, I was sitting behind a tractor getting covered in dust and putting in flower beds,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed it immensely. I don’t miss the commute or the corporate life at all.”
In 2017, Tricia was able to quit her job and take over as owner/operator of the lavender business. Located in Imlay City, Michigan, it opened to the public in 2018. The business is both veteran-owned and woman-owned, a rare combination in agriculture.
“I’ve come across several operations owned by women, but I don’t know that I’ve met another farm that is both women- and veteran-owned,” Tricia said.
Trish loves to be on the farm working the garden and pruning the lavender during the summer months. She believes in naturally sustainable farming and works to use best practices for the lavender and honeybees. Everything on the farm is all natural, and there are no chemicals used on the plants.
Tricia and her husband have two active children, Wren and Trace, an upcoming senior and sophomore, respectively, who are also active on the farm.
About the farm
The farm features nine varieties of lavender made up of six lavandula angustifolias and three lavandula x. intermedia.
“Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family,” Tricia said.
In 2018, several breeds of feathered friends joined the Indigo family. Silkies, chickens, ducks and even peacocks enjoy the southwest corner of the farm. Silkies are a breed of chicken named for their fluffy plumage which is said to feel like silk and satin.
There is also a large honeybee population on the farm, who stay hard at work making delicious lavender honey. There are nearly 500,000 pollinators on the farm, and they are an important part of the farm ecosystem.
On the farm, you will find the lavender in full bloom in late June through early July.
A period of growth
In the first year, Indigo Lavender Farms had just under 4,000 plants, and by 2018, it had more than 10,000 plants. Today, the farm boasts more than 14,000 plants and is considered the largest lavender farm in Michigan with six fields and nine varieties. The average lavender farm in Michigan is less than 1,000 plants.
The farm has added more flowers over the last few years, giving a variety of blooms in the spring and fall as well.
The farm itself is 50 acres and not only home to the purple flowering plants but also a farm store with local-artisan-made goods, a greenhouse, garden, chicken coop, wetlands and more.
“Lavender is naturally drought- and pest-resistant; however, we must weed and nurture our plants by hand to ensure their health and productivity,” she said.
After a few years, the couple had more lavender than they knew what to do with, so they started selling products at local markets.
Today, Indigo Lavender Farms is much more than a farm. Visitors are able to pick their own lavender. There are also a number of photoshoots that happen on the property for weddings, engagements and senior photos. They are also a great venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Indigo is also host to several festivals throughout the year, including Lavender Daze July 19-21, which includes several workshops, wreath-making classes, lavender planting, vendors, live music and more.
The farm employs three people year-round, and has as many as 12 employees during peak season, which is mid- to late-June through the middle of August.
The Farm Store features a variety of lavender products made right on the farm, as well as locally made goods.
Support from the community
Tricia said that the couple has received a lot of support and encouragement from the community, other lavender growers, the USDA and GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
“I feel fortunate with my background as a lawyer because I had some knowledge about running a small business; however, it is very challenging. I’ve learned a lot about the farming and the business side as well,” she said.
Tricia said she and her husband approached the USDA for a farm ownership loan, and as part of the requirements, they needed to bring in a banking partner.
“We were referred to GreenStone, and the experience has been outstanding,” she said. “They have terrific customer service and lots of options and alternatives to assist in terms of repayments or refinancing.”
GreenStone was Indigo’s finance partner together with the USDA for the original farm loan. They later approached GreenStone when they wanted to acquire more property for the farm. Before they knew it, Indigo quickly grew from 27 acres to 50 acres, which resulted in a second loan with GreenStone.
Tracy Jelinek, senior financial services officer for GreenStone, said she has been involved with helping to expand Indigo Lavender’s footprint with additional financing for an office building, additional acreage and the Dennis’ primary residence, which is located on the farm.
“Having previously been a Captain in the Air Force and a corporate attorney, Tricia is very organized and detail-oriented,” Tracy said. “She’s good with numbers, and when I became involved, their business was already established, so that helped making the analysis process a lot easier.”
Indigo Lavender was the first lavender farm that Tracy worked with, and she has since worked with several other similar farms.
“I can reach out to Tricia and bend her ear,” Tracy said. “She’s very visible in the public and is able to share her experience, the pros and cons and rewards and successes as she grows her business.”
“GreenStone has been fabulous,” Tricia added.
Customers have the opportunity to pick their own lavender varieties by purchasing a "Upick Bundle", or they can purchase dried lavender in the Farm Store.
Making the move
Tricia had never been involved with an active farm, but she has found she enjoys it much more than her former day-to-day corporate life.
As for advice to those wanting to get started in agriculture, Tricia said to do your research first.
“We did quite a bit of research into what type of crop to plant, which ones were hearty and what climate they require,” she said. “Farming can be challenging but also very rewarding. There are many things out of your control, like the weather, so don’t be too hard on yourself.”
Trica stands in the fields with Senior Financial Services Officer Tracy Jelinek, who has helped the beginning farmer grow her operation with Greenstone's CultivateGrowth program.
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