We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julie Thurgood-burnett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julie below.
Julie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
The first step to handling imposter syndrome is recognizing and accepting it. Understand that it’s normal for this feeling to show up, especially when you’re stepping into new, challenging spaces. Just because you feel it doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of reality. Accepting it for what it is—just a feeling and not fact—can take away much of its power. Acknowledge it and keep moving forward anyway.
Taking small but bold steps is a powerful way to work with imposter syndrome. The way through is often by doing things even when you feel unsure. Say yes to new challenges, even if they seem daunting, and allow yourself to build on the momentum. You grow each time you push into the unknown, and those small victories add up. These experiences give you solid evidence against any doubts that arise.
It’s also essential to shift how you view others’ achievements. We often feel imposter syndrome is most vital when comparing ourselves to others. Instead of measuring your worth by someone else’s accomplishments, try seeing them as inspiration. Celebrate their wins, knowing that their path is not yours to copy. You’re forging a journey that is uniquely yours, and that’s where your focus should be.
To help reinforce this, keep a record of your wins. You might create a journal, a “success” folder, or even a collection of kind feedback you’ve received. When doubt starts to creep in, these reminders can help ground you in the reality of what you’ve achieved. These little acknowledgments remind you of the steps you’ve already taken and the strength you have.
Remember, imposter syndrome can be a grounding force rather than a barrier. Instead of letting it freeze you in place, use it as a moment to check in with yourself. Ask questions like, “What am I afraid of here?” or “How can I use this feeling to guide my growth?” It’s a reminder to stay humble and motivated, not a reason to stop moving forward.
Sharing these feelings with others can also be a relief. You’ll find that many people—even those you look up to—sometimes feel the same way. This shared experience normalizes imposter syndrome and makes it easier to handle. It’s about self-acceptance and resilience, learning to walk with this feeling rather than trying to eliminate it. Over time, it can become a guide that helps you stay authentic to your unique path.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hereward Farms began as a whim—a small passion project starting with 40 lavender plants. What began as a simple idea quickly took root figuratively and literally. We nurtured the soil from those first few plants, experimented with different varieties, and slowly saw the potential for something bigger. The vision grew as the fields did, and soon, those initial 40 plants blossomed into over 6,000 lavender plants and a field of 400,000 sunflowers.
It’s incredible to look back and see how much we’ve grown from that tiny beginning. What started as a small side project has evolved into a full-fledged business grounded in the beauty of nature and the joy of creating something meaningful from the earth. Every product we offer, from skincare to home essentials, reflects that same spirit of curiosity, passion, and growth that started it all. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that begin on a whim.
Hereward Farms is a beautiful, sustainable lavender farm in East Garafraxa, Ontario. Spread over 250 acres, it’s home to over 6,000 lavender plants and a vibrant field of 200,000 sunflowers. But what makes Hereward Farms truly unique goes beyond just the stunning scenery. We’re proud to say we’re one of Ontario’s only fully sustainable farms, using everything we grow to create high-quality, all-natural skincare and home products.
Our focus is on delivering more than just products; we offer an experience. Our tagline, “From Our Soil to Your Soul,” embodies this journey, showcasing how we nurture each plant to create safe, all-natural, and 100% Canadian products. Each item is crafted thoughtfully, without GMOs, parabens, or chemicals, and is eco-friendly and cruelty-free—making them suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. Our Lavender Lounge + Boutique, open year-round, lets visitors dive into this world of wellness, offering a range of items from skincare to home products, all infused with the soothing essence of our lavender.
Right now, we’re excited about several upcoming initiatives. This year, we plan to launch a takeout café offering lavender-inspired drinks, a perfect way to bring the lavender experience to another level. We’re also expanding our product line and growing our wholesale reach, so our products will soon be available in more places across Canada. We’re even preparing for select ticket sales for our 2025 season, ensuring that every visit is exclusive and intimate.
Our Lavender Lounge + Boutique, which offers everything from lavender-infused oils to unique home care products, like our Cleaned Up All-Natural Lavender Cleaner and Fetish Luxury Lavender + Mint Foot Cream (a favourite featured in Vogue), has become a community space where people can connect with nature. We also host special events, workshops, and farm tours designed to give visitors a firsthand experience of what makes Hereward Farms unique.
At Hereward Farms, we’re dedicated to offering our visitors and customers an unforgettable blend of beauty, sustainability, and quality—a little bit of Ontario’s natural charm in every product. Whether through our serene fields, high-quality skincare, or exciting upcoming expansions, we hope everyone who visits or uses our products feels a special connection to the earth and the beauty of lavender.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on this journey, three qualities have had an incredibly impactful impact: adaptability, a deep commitment to quality, and a willingness to learn.
Firstly, adaptability has been essential. Starting a farm and product line from scratch came with constant change and plenty of surprises. Seasons vary, crops have challenges, and market trends shift. Being able to pivot—whether expanding our product line or finding new ways to engage with our customers—helped us turn each challenge into an opportunity. For those early in their journey, I’d say start with an open mind and embrace change. The unexpected can sometimes lead to the best outcomes.
Secondly, a commitment to quality is vital. From those initial 40 plants to our full range of products, we’ve always held ourselves to a high standard. The quality of our products reflects the integrity and care we put into every step, from field to finish. For anyone just starting, I’d say stay true to your values. Quality isn’t always the easiest or cheapest path, but it’s with trust and long-term success.
Lastly, a willingness to learn was key. Whvitalwe started Hereward Farms, there was so much I didn’t know about farming, sustainable practices, and even product formulation. I became a student of each process, learning everything from soil care to eco-friendly packaging. For those just beginning, don’t be afraid to dive into new skills or areas. Knowledge is empowering, and investing in learning will give you the confidence to keep evolving.
For anyone early in their journey, embracing adaptability, staying committed to quality, and fostering a constant learning mindset can set a solid foundation. Remember, every step, whether an engine or a success, is part of the growth.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful gift my parents gave me wasn’t just in words or gestures but in the values they instilled, which have stayed with me every step of this journey. Though they’ve passed away, their legacy lives on in the lessons they taught me: faith, kindness, love, hard work, and, above all, the importance of being true to yourself. They believed in living a life filled with purpose and compassion, where you give wholeheartedly to the people and projects around you.
Their passing left a deep mark, but their influence continues to shape who I am and my work. They taught me that faith doesn’t just mean believing in something bigger; it’s also about having faith in yourself and your path, even when it’s uncertain. They showed me that kindness and love are never wasted and hard work is the backbone of anything meaningful. Watching them embody these qualities taught me to pour those same values into my own life and work.
Their influence gave me a foundation to pursue Hereward Farms with authenticity and resilience. The farm isn’t just about the products we make—it’s a way to carry on the spirit of who they were and what they instilled in me: that you can achieve great things when you stay rooted in kindness, put in the work, and honour who you truly are. Their guidance may have come to an end in the physical sense, but their legacy lives on in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herewardfarm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herewardfarms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herewardfarms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliethurgood/
Image Credits
Headshot by True Nature Video
All others: Julie Thurgood-Burnett
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
