Hidden Gems: Meet Erin Hostetler of The Patio Farmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hostetler.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started The Patio Farmer in 2017 as a side hustle. I have a background in non-profit management and agricultural production. I’ve worked on farms of all sizes and shapes, from large-scale organic production farms to small-scale urban farms to goat dairies. I love teaching people how to grow food and watching them learn firsthand how food is produced. I believe that by having the experience of trying to grow something edible from start to finish makes us more conscientious consumers. We certainly view food, and the food system, differently once we’ve tried to grow it ourselves! 

Once 2020 hit, my business totally transformed. I quit my “day job” and poured myself into The Patio Farmer full-time. I work primarily with individuals who are wanting to grow food at home. I do have five business clients that I work with too, on a weekly basis. For individuals, I offer Consultations, Installations, Maintenance, Classes, Plant Sales, and a Monthly Membership service called Plant Club by The Patio Farmer to help them feel supported and meet them where they are in their food-growing journeys. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
HA! If a small business owner tells you it’s been a smooth road… they’re lying! 

There are always struggles. But there are always celebrations too! That’s the beauty of entrepreneurship. 

Two key “struggles” I have had with the business are, 

1. Making a seasonal business into one that can bring in consistent income year-round.

2. Customer retention beyond 6-12 months.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Patio Farmer?
I teach people something that is both seemingly daunting and simple in a way that is easy to understand and approachable. My goal is to make my clients and customers feel supported by their local expert to be able to accomplish something for themselves, their families, and their communities, with the goal of making them lifelong learners and food growers! I absolutely love answering questions, and there’s no such thing as a silly question. 

I am also starting to branch out and seek clients outside the Charlotte area. Be in touch if you want to learn more about that, and definitely, sign-up for my (free) weekly newsletter to stay in the loop – www.thepatiofarmer.com/newsletter 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Growing up, I hated doing yard work chores on the weekends… ha! So, my parents really got a kick of out the fact that I started working on farms after I got my Master’s… and even more that I fell in love with the work! 

Pricing:

• SOW Plant Club Membership ($14/month)
• KNOW Plant Club Membership ($29 / month)
• 45-Minute Virtual Consultation ($75)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thepatiofarmer.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepatiofarmer
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepatiofarmer
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/thepatiofarmer
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-patio-farmer-huntersville
• Other: www.thepatiofarmer.com/membership

Image Credits
The Patio Farmer