Meet Samantha Leslie

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Leslie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Samantha, 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 work ethic is deeply influenced by the example set by my mom and stepdad. I was raised by my mom as a single parent for much of my early childhood, and later, when she remarried, we became a two-parent household with both of them working full-time. Watching them manage their careers while maintaining a balanced home life taught me the importance of dedication, responsibility, and perseverance. They demonstrated the value of hard work and commitment, which shaped my approach to my own professional life. I learned to take pride in what I do, stay focused on my goals, and put in the effort to achieve them, even when faced with challenges. I believe these values have played a key role in how I approach tasks and contribute to the success of the teams I’m part of.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Rabbit Valley Farmers Market is a nonprofit market dedicated to supporting both our community and local farmers. We are committed to advocating for an equitable food system that prioritizes sustainable agriculture and the well-being of the people who grow our food. Beyond providing fresh, local produce, we donate surplus items to the food pantry after each market day, ensuring that those in need have access to nutritious food.

In addition to our market activities, we are building a community garden that fosters inclusivity and provides a space for people to come together, learn, and grow. Our goal is to be a model for other markets and communities, demonstrating that food, and the farmers who grow it, are the threads that connect us all. By nurturing both our agricultural environment and our social fabric, we are creating a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

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?

Three skills that have had a significant impact on my journey are my strong work ethic, organizational abilities, and compassion for others. My work ethic has driven me to consistently put in the effort required to achieve my goals and overcome challenges. I take pride in delivering high-quality results and maintaining perseverance even in difficult circumstances. My ability to organize has allowed me to stay focused and manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring that I meet deadlines and can handle complex responsibilities. Lastly, my compassion for others has shaped how I approach both my personal and professional relationships. It has motivated me to help those around me, collaborate with empathy, and contribute to creating supportive environments, whether in the workplace or my community.
My best advice for others is to: Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learn from them rather than shy away from them. Persistence is key to developing a strong work ethic.
Create routines: Establishing regular routines for tasks, both big and small, helps create structure in your day and minimizes chaos. Routine builds habits that improve organization over time.
Finally, put yourself in others’ shoes: Try to understand what others might be going through and respond with kindness and empathy. This practice helps you to connect more deeply with others and show compassion.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to step back and focus on just ‘the next thing.’ Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I prioritize and let go of tasks that aren’t immediately urgent. By narrowing my focus to the most important task at hand, I can maintain my energy and stay productive without feeling bogged down by everything on my to-do list. I also remind myself to spend energy only on things that are within my control. This helps me avoid unnecessary stress and stay grounded in what I can actually influence, which ultimately allows me to move forward with more clarity and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rabbitvalleyfarmersmarket.com/
• Instagram: rabbitvalleyfarmersmarket
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbitValleyFarmersMarket/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-leslie-404700263/

Image Credits

Photo of Samantha by Livingood Photography

Market photos by Rachael Michelle Photography