I just got home from a trip to Provence, so it seems fitting that this month’s interview should be with my dear friend, Dawn Pritchard, owner of Silver Linings Lavender. I met Dawn in 2008. Her kindness, hilarity, and ability to find the positive in any situation has always stayed with me, and it’s probably one of the main reasons we’ve stayed friends this long. She’s one of those rare friends that no matter how long it’s been since you caught up, it feels easy, natural, and effortless.
In addition to being an awesome person, Dawn is a total badass. In 2013, she competed in the Carroll Biz Challenge. She was selected to present her idea- a lavender farm that would be open to the public- to a rather large crowd as well as a panel of judges. She won. Dawn has more tenacity and fortitude than almost anyone I know, and it’s been so wonderful to watch her journey from being a horticulturist, to a mommy, to a successful, empowered business woman.
Ok, let’s start at the beginning- when did you fall in love with gardening?
I was bit by the travel bug when I was young, so I went to live in Australia for a year. While I was there I participated in a program that allowed me to exchange labor on organic farms for room and board (WWOOF). When I got home, I wanted to put that experience into practice for myself, so I bought a bare root rose from a mail order catalog. It was literally just a root with some branches. I planted it anyway and within a few months it BLOOMED. ‘I did that!?!? I need to do it again!!!’ I’ve been hooked ever since.
How did your journey progress from studying horticulture at Temple University to becoming a businesswoman?
While visiting extended family in England, I saw an ad for York Lavender Farm and it sounded interesting. I convinced everyone else we should make the side trip to see it. We pulled in, and before we even got out of the car I put my hand on my husband and said, “I WANT ONE.” I decided then and there, but farms aren’t cheap. I started making products, so I could build the revenue and business experience to get the farm.
For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve felt very passionate about giving back and helping others. Have you always been this way?
I was bullied pretty badly when I was young. I think it really instilled this strong sense of empathy I have. I’ve always admired and loved your big heart, and how you always go above and beyond for others.
Do you have any favorite organizations or causes that you feel people should know more about?
This empathy thing really pulls me in lots of directions when it comes to wanting to help others, but currently I’m working with Silver Linings Lavender to help an organization in Baltimore called Samaritan Women that helps victims of sex trafficking.
How do you balance being a small business owner and having a family?
Honestly, it was a lot harder when I was working from my home. Our dining room had become my office, so it was always pulling me in. Now that I have an office in my shop, I’ve set specific SEPARATE hours for business or home.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
I just made a new item last month that I’m in love with. Lavender & Rosewater face mist. I feel so high end and classy when I use it. And it smells AMAZING.
Aside from lavender, what is your favorite plant? Why?
HAHAHA You mean today? I could never nail it down to one, but currently I’m loving my hellebores. They bloom so early, which is great for letting me know spring is actually coming. And there are so many varieties! I want to get one of every kind.
I feel like the only plants I can keep alive are rosemary, orchids, and thyme. Any advice on how to be a better gardener?
Perennials! You just have to get them through the first year, then they’ll come back again and again and again. Look into which ones are hardy where you live.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I can’t say I remember any specific words of advice that stuck with me, but the encouragement and support my friends have given has helped get me to where I am today.
What advice do you have for a woman starting her own business?
BE PREPARED TO FAIL. You will, probably more than once. But falling is not what will break you, staying down is. Tenacity is the most important skill an entrepreneur should have. It’s also a damn good skill to have as a woman.
