Meet Gracelynn Fjelstad

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gracelynn Fjelstad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gracelynn , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I grew up in a very hardworking family. My dad was a farmer and my grandfather was a rancher. During harvest, my dad would be out working out in the field through the night. When he finished, we would celebrate with a harvest meal. My parents instilled in us the importance of working hard and giving your best. They modeled self discipline. I don’t ever remember them ever sitting around; they were always working, playing with us kids, or doing things around the house. As I got older, I realized what a gift it was to have a strong work ethic. It has benefitted me in every area of my life– from school to sports, and now in my small business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I have been given the privilege of sharing my sourdough heritage with the world. My great-great-grandfather was a rancher in rural Montana. He forged a starter and kept it alive through several generations. Growing up, I loved going to my grandparents and eating their famous sourdough pancakes. When I got older, I asked my grandmother for some starter so that I could bake for my family. I soon discovered that our starter wasn’t like other starters. It was over 120-years old and with its age came amazing flavor, resilience, and strength. Before long, people began asking me to purchase the beloved starter. In 2020, I opened my business and began selling the starter all over the United States and even the world. Thriving Provisions exists to help people “thrive” and “have everything they need on their journey.” I truly believe that sourdough can change your life! At Thriving Provisions, we sell sourdough starter and tools. Everything you need to be equipped on your journey– we have. I also offer live bread classes, consultation services, and have a following on instagram. In the summer, I sell my bread at local markets. I love sharing my family’s story and starter with others because it has helped many people and they can truly “taste” the difference.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back the three qualities that I believe have greatly impacted my journey are resilience, work ethic, and my faith. Owning a business is unlike any other work. You have to push and grind every day. You don’t get days off. You can’t sit back or you will fall behind. This journey has required resilience because I have faced many challenges. Being able to push past the difficulties and remember why I am doing what I am doing has been pertinent to my success. I also attribute my success to my work ethic. My parents taught me how to work hard and give my best in everything I do. Overtime, I’ve experienced the good fruit that hard work brings. I’ve truly been blessed. Lastly, one of the most important qualities that have impacted my journey is my faith. I believe this business is a gift from God and he will use it to help others. In my success and failure, I give all glory to Jesus. He inspired this business and I want to use it for Him.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My number one fan and support is my husband. He picks me up on days that I don’t want to keep going and reminds me of my why. He helps me with the little things- from running to the post office, setting up for events, watching the kids, and bringing me coffee. He encourages me and pushes me to do better. I couldn’t do it without him, I feel so lucky to have him by my side.

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