For one reason or another, the pandemic has inspired many people to pursue various dreams and business ventures. Some individuals may have been laid off from their job due to Covid or, they may have suddenly been inspired to pursue their dream due to these unprecedented times.
Jamaican immigrant Shellie-Ann Kerns was one of those individuals who was inspired to return to her farming roots by creating a farm in Washington’s Middle Satsop Valley. Kerns was furloughed from her job as an aircraft dispatcher and was then inspired to pursue her goal of creating a farm. Her Instagram account documented her crowdfunding journey to build a 20-acre black lead farm.
Shellie-Ann Kerns has a successful GoFundMe account where she has made comments indicating that donations will be used for equipment around her homestead. Donations are currently being used to fund a tractor, a new well, and a commercial kitchen which will be used for teaching and making spice blends. So far, her GoFundMe account has raised over $77,000.
Shellie-Ann Kerns indicated that these donations are extremely helpful to growing her farm as donations will help to clear land for large-scale planting. Kerns is also very passionate about baking with sourdough, and she is very upfront about her desire to create a demonstration kitchen for creating spice blends and also teaching classes.
Kern’s heritage remains an important part of her journey as both of her parents have agricultural roots. Her mission also involves complex issues of food insecurity. Kerns has applied for grants that will support her produce. Her main goal is to offer SNAP, EBT, and food stamp recipients reduced rates in order to feed people in need.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
