We had the good fortune of connecting with Arwen Ek and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Arwen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Holistic Homestead started in my kitchen in 2012 with “Dr. B’s” cough syrup. I made it to help my kids get over a cough, and started sharing it with my friends and neighbors. Before I knew it I was in regular production of Dr. B’s, and noticed a need in the community for education about herbal medicine, and access to affordable natural remedies.
Our small, rural mountain community needed a nonprofit dedicated to health education and increasing access to natural remedies and healthy foods. The mission of The Holistic Homestead is to improve health and wellness through education, outreach and advocacy. Since 2012 we have been meeting the needs of our community through making fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible at the Homestead Market & Cafe, and our other community services like the Gilpin County Farmers Market, Hands-On Health for Kids!, and our free Used Durable Medical Equipment lending program.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have spent my life in the nonprofit sector, and it truly is the most meaningful way to make a difference in the world. After ten years with the Homestead I am proud of how far we’ve come – having a brick and mortar Market that serves the community 6 days a week, a full commercial kitchen, volunteers, and a handful of other programs that directly improve health and wellness – but it hasn’t been easy! Like Sheryl Crow said, “Making miracles is hard work, most people give up before they happen.” Finding the perfect location for our spot, keeping a solid Board of Directors, making financial ends meet….these are daily challenges and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. What keeps me going is the big picture – the immense need for access to fresh, healthy and affordable food, and more education about health and wellness. Directly seeing the positive impact of what The Holistic Homestead is accomplishing is so inspiring!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hmmmmm…..can I give you my favorite spots in the mountains? We would hike a different trail everyday in Golden Gate State Park, Arapahoe, Rosevelt and James Peak Wilderness! We would stop into the Homestead every morning for fresh hot chai, and locally made pastries, take a grab-and-go delicious meal to enjoy on the trail, and come back to the Homestead for afternoon tea! Everything at the Homestead is so fresh and healthy, I would want my best friend to feel rejuvenated and deeply nourished by her visit.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Holistic Homestead is a membership based and volunteer powered 501c3 dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our community through education, outreach and advocacy. Our growing impact over the years would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our members and volunteers!
Website: http://theholistichomestead.org
Instagram: @theholistichomestead
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holistic-homestead/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholistichomestead
Image Credits
Harry the Heirloom Tomato photo credit Teri Metallo, 2022