Cultivating a Life in Bloom

From Survival to Sustainable Business

Hotchkiss Flower Farm | County of Northern Lights, AB

Deep in the rural landscape of the County of Northern Lights, about 20 km north of Manning, Kristy Kilik has done more than planted a garden. She’s cultivated a lifeline. Kilik’s approach to addressing serious health challenges has blossomed into Hotchkiss Flower Farm, a northern destination for specialty cut flowers, bulbs and seeds.

“I grow everything here from cut flowers to seeds and bulbs, and people can come experience it,” said Kristy Kilik.

As with many businesses built from the ground up, the farm wasn’t born in a boardroom. Real life circumstances came together, and choices were made. Kilik’s seemingly unrelated skillsets—oilfield construction, heavy equipment operation, photography and web design—naturally came together to help grow this blooming business.

“I got really sick in 2015. I had autoimmune issues and became extremely sensitive to chemicals, even those found in food bought from a store,” said Kilik. “After years of trial and error, I reached a turning point by 2019. I started growing our own food. I added flowers because they help the garden, and I enjoy them.”

Knowing she had to find a way to work from home to support herself during this time, Kilik tested the waters.

“After making a few bouquets and selling them here and there, I realized I was on to something,” said Kilik. “It became a way to move from surviving to something steady. I could stay home, take care of myself and still create income.”

Kilik’s past endeavours seemed to be coming into alignment.

“Before this, everything I did for work in the past kind of played a part. When we started building the farm, I was able to run the equipment, do the groundwork, build the website and market it. It all just lined up.”

Operating a specialty farm in Northern Alberta requires more than just a green thumb. It requires a specialized understanding of a demanding environment. Kilik runs nearly every part of the operation herself, with support from her husband Tyson and stepson Chas.

“From planting and harvesting to marketing, shipping and selling, it’s pretty much all me,” said Kilik. “When I started, one florist bought everything I grew. But, to keep up, I had to either expand or change direction. There’s a lot of demand, but it’s not easy to grow at that rate here.”

For entrepreneurs, adaptability is often the cornerstone of growth.

“I needed something flexible. That’s when I moved into online sales and selling across Canada. I was building my website from my laptop at the ball diamonds,” said Kilik. “People see the flowers, but most of my time goes to orders, shipping, customer service and organizing.”

While summer may seem like the busiest season, the work is evergreen.

“Winter is one of my busiest times. I’m ordering months ahead, cataloguing inventory and setting up pre-sales. It doesn’t really slow down,” said Kilik. “Shipping is one of the hardest parts. With extra costs, delays and disruptions, you just have to keep adapting.”

Kilik has spent years implementing trial and error and has developed a deep understanding of her acreage.

“I’ve learned how to read the soil—what it needs, what’s missing and how to adjust. That’s probably where I’m the strongest,” said Kilik.

From-scratch businesses tend to foster connections. Despite the competitive nature of the business world, Kilik has found a support system among other flower farmers. In addition, Hotchkiss Flower Farm has become a destination for community members.

“When people come here, it’s an experience. They bring family and friends. They walk through the flowers. It’s more than just making a purchase,” said Kilik. “I think people just enjoy being here. It’s something different. Many people like our tulip tour, which is held in late May or early June.”

Looking ahead, Kilik plans to focus more on education and helping people learn how to grow locally.

“Once you understand the land, there’s a lot you can do,” said Kilik.

Hotchkiss Flower Farm reflects Kilik’s decisions and her drive. It’s what happens when a good idea receives enough light in the right growing conditions.

“I didn’t start with a big plan. I just followed what worked and kept building,” said Kilik.

To learn more visit hotchkissflowerfarm.ca or connect via social media.

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Words by Laura Hanna | Photography submitted