Sustainable Lavender Farmer, Herbalist, Entrepreneur - Julie Thurgood-Burnett 🇨🇦

About

Hi there! I’m Julie Thurgood-Burnett, the founder, President, and CEO of Hereward Farms. How did I get here, you ask? Well, let me share a bit of my story.

In 2020, during the lockdown, I was running a marketing agency with my then-business partner. Life was a whirlwind of work with little room for anything else. I wasn’t dreaming of moving to the country—I was already here, living on our 250-acre farm with my kids, my wonderful husband Stephen, our three dogs, and two cats.

Despite being surrounded by nature and animals, I never had a green thumb or much experience in farming. However, I needed something more, something creative, to spark joy in my everyday life. That’s when I discovered the world of lavender.

With a background in cosmetology and years of running my marketing company, I found myself uniquely equipped to dive into this new venture. The transition wasn’t just about growing lavender; it was about healing through healthy alternatives and finding a new passion.

Today, I immerse myself in every aspect of our lavender farm. From infusing the oil and making the product to taking all the product and lifestyle photos, creating promotional listings, and handling social posts and branding content. It’s a blend of my creative spirit and my professional expertise, and it brings me immense satisfaction.

My journey is about more than building a business; it’s about embracing a new way of life, one that balances work with creativity and healing. Every lavender bud we grow is a testament to this journey. I’m thrilled to share this part of my life with you and hope it inspires you to find your own path to fulfillment. 

Career

My journey seamlessly blends entrepreneurial leadership, community impact, and a strong commitment to sustainable practices. These elements have significantly bolstered both the economy and community fabric of Dufferin County. Leading Hereward Farms has been an incredibly dynamic experience. With over 6,000 lavender plants and 400,000 sunflowers, we've not only thrived as a business but also spearheaded innovation in natural products. Our dedication to sustainable, organic farming underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship.

What I love most about my work is that it not only intertwines my passions for creativity, healing, and nature but also promotes healthy alternatives and helps others find their wellness path. Meeting with clients and customers who have now become friends of mine, as well as working with local creatives to ensure we make the most of what we do here at Hereward Farms. Witnessing our products make a positive impact in people's lives is incredibly fulfilling.

Hereward Farms has garnered multiple accolades at the Clean Beauty Awards, celebrating the excellence of our products. Our work has also been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair. Additionally, we've received awards for our sustainable business practices, and, I was honored to be named Business Person of the Year in 2024 for Dufferin County/Centre Wellington.

I'm deeply passionate about our community involvement, particularly through charitable work. We proudly support organizations like Family Transition Place and the Orangeville Food Bank, extending our impact beyond agriculture to social welfare. These efforts address immediate needs and cultivate a culture of care and support within Dufferin County, which I believe is essential for any community-centric business.

In sum, my career is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and community. It exemplifies how dedication to sustainable practices and a love for nature can create a meaningful and lasting impact on both people and the environment.

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