Kirsten Bansen Weigle of Goldfish Gardens
This post is part of a series celebrating STMA moms who’ve turned their passions into unique local businesses. You can read past #mompreneur articles by clicking here.
This week I had the opportunity to meet local mom Kirsten Bansen Weigle, who gave me a little tour of what she’s growing in her garden at the St. Michael Community Garden on Frankfort Parkway. I got to see up close the unique and beautiful blooms that she offers to local florists through her startup business, Goldfish Gardens. (Take a look at these amazing sunflowers!)
But Kirsten is growing a lot more than flowers in her gardens. Kirsten has four kids who work alongside her throughout the season. Her oldest daughter helps with the administrative and accounting side of the business, while her teenage son provides some of the “muscle” in their home garden as well as at the community garden. Kirsten’s younger daughters, ages 10 and 13, help to cut and arrange bouquets for their customers.
Kirsten, who grew up on a farm herself, missed her kids having that same opportunity and decided she wanted them to experience the joy, struggle, and sense of pride that comes along with working hard to make things grow. She says, “Working together has given us a chance to learn new skills, enjoy the growing season together, and earn money for activities and trips.”
The Goldfish Gardens blooms have found their way into Marketplace Floral, 101 Market in Otsego, Live Laugh and Bloom of Monticello, and Donato’s Floral in Maple Grove. Kirsten also sells fresh, seasonal flowers by the bucket for those who want to create their own arrangements for weddings and other occasions.
New this summer, Kirsten’s family has also been offering weekly bouquet subscriptions to local customers. It’s not too late for you to get in on a four- or six-week subscription and have unique mixed bouquets created for you weekly. Click here to find out more.
One more thing… If you love flowers (who doesn’t?) be sure to follow Goldfish Gardens on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll love getting their photos in your feed. I know I do!
If you know of a passionate local “mompreneur” you’d like to see featured on STMA Mom, click here to send me a message.
Bouquet images courtesy of Goldfish Gardens