We were lucky to catch up with Diane Podogrnik recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diane, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My parents were hard workers and I observed that from a very young age. My mother was a nurse and a day care provider. She was an awesome cook, gardener and seamstress. My father was a self taught marine electrician and broadcast engineer. He was brilliant and knew how to work on anything. I learned how to sew and garden from my mother as a child and now I use those skills in my business, the Whoopsa Daisy Farm.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I own the Whoopsa Daisy Farm. It is an ecotourism farm in Duluth, MN. I open to the public in the fall on weekends in August, September, and October. We have animals to feed, a wagon ride, corn pit, sand box, playgrounds, Dinoland, Fairyland and lots of other fun things to explore. We also host birthday parties and field trips. We have pick-your-own blueberries in August and other berries just for picking during the summer. There is also an Airbnb on the property that is open year round. The house can be also be used for crafting retreats for up to 6 people. In the off-season I sew quilts and crafts that I sell on the farm in the fall and use to decorate the Airbnb.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I went to college and earned a degree in biology and then a degree in teaching life science. I had a career as a teacher before I retired from teaching and then started my second career on the Whoopsa Daisy Farm. The skills I learned as a teacher taught me to work with the public and helped me create farm attractions that are appropriate for children. I am also very handy. I have woodworking skills that I have used to create all of the attractions on the farm. My gardening skills have allowed me to grow about 6 different berries on the farm as well as my vegetable garden. My sewing skills are used daily for everything from quilts to curtains.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle of self employment is health insurance. It is not cheap and you cannot be without it. Just over a year ago my health took a huge turn and I had 4 surgeries in 6 months. I did not open my farm for the fall because I was recovering. I came back this summer stronger than ever. If I would not have had health insurance, I would not be here now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whoopsadaisyfarm.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whoopsadaisyfarm
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