I can hardly believe that it has been a year since Dairy Goddess Farmstead Cheese has been up and running! When I think about it, it can seem like a lifetime ago…but then again just yesterday.
It has been a crazy year ,that is for sure. To think that just a year ago I received my plant certification after a year and half of planning and building. The same week of my approval I was selling one flavor, Central Coast, at the Hanford Farmers Market. Dairy Goddess is now in 14 farmers markets, 3 specialty stores, and Whole Foods Fresno.
My first month we made cheese with 100 gallons of milk. I can proudly say that as of today, only a year later, I am using nearly 300 gallons of milk a week….to little ole’ me that is very exciting!
Of course the Dairy Goddess does not do this alone…oh no…I have the best team ever.
Co – Captain, Tony Martin, “Mr. Goddess” as he is often called, is my right hand! I would be nothing without his love and support. I thank God for him every day. He rallied behind my idea of making cheese even though I know he thought I was a bit loopy in the head. He supports my whacky marketing ideas. He only rolls his eyes a little now when I put on my hair wreaths and tiara and has accepted my chit chatting and random crazy thoughts. He has become quite the salesman and I know there are quite a few ladies that like to speak with the big strong farmer any day over the Goddess!
My kids! What can I say? Both of them have graduated from college this past year. Tara, working for me full time is doing a great job. She has taken over most of the plant operation and running the valley markets and stores. A.J. my son and Tara’s boyfriend Shane Rodrigues are a huge help in keeping the dairy running smooth while we tend to the coastal markets.
Cousin Cindy Sexton contacted me an said “Hey, I want to help…what can I do”! Help is an understatement. She is not only rockin’ the east bay area in the Farmers Markets but also marketing and recipe ideas. She helps with transportation…even at the last minute. Besides, the blessing of reconnecting with her is the best gift of all.
My Uncle Mike and Sister in law Kathy have been a big help with packaging (even though they haven’t had the best of health this past year). They are always there and do what they can and are our biggest fans.
Tim Luis has been instrumental in packaging and valley farmers markets. His energy and good personality is awesome to be around. He is sadly heading away to college. He is going to be missed…but no worries….we hope to get him in a farmers market near his university.
For a short time we were also blessed to have Aimee Brooks and Sarah Marques selling for us at the coast.
We now are excited to add Kim Welch Mendes (Valley) and Audrey Collar (Coast) to the Dairy Goddess team. We know they are going to be a great addition to our team. Make sure you go and say HI to them and welcome them aboard!
Like anything in life…this year has had it’s struggles. The dairy business has still be tough. Milk prices went up but so did all of the feed. Catching up is still an uphill battle. I pray for our dairy and the industry.
There has been no time off. Dairy and Cheese that has been it this past year. I have sacrificed some family and friend time pursuing this venture. My family and friends understand and have been so supportive but in the mean time those moments are gone.
I have become quite the multi-tasker. As I write this Tony is driving us to Santa Barbara at 530am to farmers market. So for these new skills of time management I am grateful.
My goal for the next year is to possibly expand product line. Become a bit more efficient. I want to spend more time getting in more stores and better marketing.
Most importantly I want to take a bit more time to stop and smell the roses.
Thank you for making this first year such a success! I am so grateful for all the support from so many.
I could not have done it without you!
Dear Dairy Goddess,
Thank you for all of your hard work. You and Tony are amazing and a gift to anyone who knows you! Congratulations on a job WELL DONE…watching your growth and success has been amazing and heartwarming because you, Tony and your “crew” totally deserve it!
Thank you Sharon…you know one of the best parts of this year is having met you!
You are the best cheerleader EVER!
xxoo Barbara
I continue to be impressed by your efforts, energy and success…not to mention what a great product you have! I was one of many of the public at Hanford Farmers Market that met you for the first time and immediately became a fan! You go girl and much continued success!
Georgina Valencia
Thank you Georgina…it is people like you that have help me so much!
I appreciate it!
Barbara
There is a place in Breese IL called The Cheese and More Country Store that would love to sell your cheese.
That is on my list for my next year….better shipping options.
Being a fresh cheese with no preservatives….BUT I am going to work on that!
Thank you Bree!
Thank you, my dear friend…I’ll always be your cheerleader! ❤
Congratulations! Wow a yr. alreay! I knew you would do great, I’m so proud of you!! All the best to you, Tony and your family……May God continue to bless you all.
Love,
Joleen
Awwww Thanks Joleen! Love you guys!
Congratulations!and great job, love the support of your family behind you that makes all the difference, Hope for years of success and health to all. You deserve it. Love and peace! Next stop should be Costco so I can get some..lol Will be in Pismo Beach this week end let me know were I can go to score this super cheese!
Thank you so much! I actually might stop in Pismo on Saturday after market…would love to give you some! Love you guys! I will message you! 🙂
Still waiting for you to come down south, wishing you the best of luck on your future.
Thank you Larry! xxoo Bobbi!
Congratulations on you one year anniversary!!! It is AMAZING what you have accomplished in one year! I am in awe of how much you manage to do in a single week, not only for your dairy and Dairy Goddess Cheese, but also out in the community with the Calfornia Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly SLO as well as other community organizations! I am honored and blessed to be a part of Dairy Goddess Farmstead Cheese, and I wish you continued success!
P.S. And I secretly love being a Demi Goddess!
Cindy, I believe that there is no better demi-goddess ever 🙂 ! But really, God has his place for each of us…and in the strangest way he made our family work…and though raised different…could we be more alike…(we work like donkeys LOL) THAT IS WHY you have been the success you are with OUR cheese! It is just not cows and milk…it is family, respect and love….THANK you cousin! xxoo
Cindy, I believe that there is no better demi-goddess ever 🙂 ! But really, God has his place for each of us…and in the strangest way he made our family work…and though raised different…could we be more alike…(we work like donkeys LOL) THAT IS WHY you have been the success you are with OUR cheese! It is just not cows and milk…it is family, respect and love….THANK you cousin! xxoo
Congratulations Barbara!!! So happy to hear about your first year of success. Can’t wait to by Dairy Goddess cheese locally……