Tressa Hoffman-Honey Creek Farm
What inspired you to launch your business?
I love growing and being in the garden. I have been growing since my 20s. I took the farm class offered by the University of Illinois, and they expressed the need for food. I immediately jumped on board when I was about 50 and started selling at local farmers' markets.
What is your passion?
I love creating and growing. I try new vegetables every year. Although beekeeping is not my biggest passion, because I am a little allergic, I help when I can. I am a master gardener. Ask me any question about plants indigenous to our area. I love talking plants.
How do you start your day?
I run out the door to let the girls out. We have anywhere from 20-to-30 chickens. They require constant care because of predators, but I would not change it. I love my girls. Then straight to the garden on those warm summer days. By June, the strawberries start, and I am busy as we have a lot of fruit. We sell blueberries, peaches, blackberries, elderberries, apples, rhubarb.
Favorite local businesses?
The Salted Lemon has such delicious ice cream, and the owner, Emily, is a family friend.
What do you deem as success in business?
By the end of the season, I have had it, I am grouchy and getting worse with age, but I still go back every year. I am a retired state worker, and when I sell an online order or sell things at my stand, I am jumping for joy inside. I love it. Especially when someone walks up and says, "I want this." I love being creative. My latest venture is hand-painted works of art. In 2022 I plan to sell garden totems. I am all about the garden and hand-painted screens.
What is your number one piece of advice for business owners?
To be honest. We are and hope that rubs onto others.
For more information about Honey Creek Farm, visit