The Women Behind the Operation
Farming ain’t easy and it certainly hasn’t always included women in high-ranking leadership positions. However, neither of these sentiments intimidated founder Katie Lesh from tackling her dreams and making them into her reality. Born into a farming family, Katie grew up well-adept in the hard labor practices of agriculture as well as the significance involved with fostering strong relationships with customers. Having worked countless Farmers Markets alongside her father, Tom Shepherd [no relation to the Shepherd Family of Santa Ynez], Katie knew that one day she, too, could take the reins of the family business. So, at just 21 years old, Katie and her then-boyfriend Jason bought her father’s farm cart and turned it into what is now known as Farm Cart Organics.
As the years passed, Farm Cart Organics grew in size and in reputation — known for their high quality produce, excellent customer service, and full farming transparency. So, when COVID-19 came bustling into all of our respective lives, Katie noticed a bright opportunity in an otherwise bleak time. It was the opportunity to grow their business by helping even more people in our local communities receive the finest organic resources available, all while staying safe and healthy at home. In order to accomplish this new feat, she gathered a star-studded team of five incredibly capable and intelligent women. Meet Katie, Corey, Kodi, Lacey, Carolina, and Kate! Each of us come from vastly different upbringings and have also ventured down very different life paths before colliding into what is now the core of Farm Cart Organics. So, how did Katie assemble this rockstar line-up of passionate women? Well, we decided to sit down and find out more from the women themselves.
What were you doing before FCO? How did you first hear about us? What led you here to begin with?
Lacey (customer service email lady, farm box supply chain, wizard of efficiency): I was studying agricultural business at Cal Poly SLO, about to graduate! I found the job listing from a FCO social media post and thought it would be a fun part-time gig. Almost 4 years later and I just can’t seem to leave! It’s been so fun and fulfilling to watch FCO grow as a business and to be a part of that expansion.
Kate (powerhouse box loader): I used to wait tables over at Rincon Brewery and had picked up a part-time gig working here at Farm Cart Organics as a farm box packer. I’ve always loved serving my community and getting to connect one-on-one with the many faces of Carpinteria over food — it's always felt right. So, when the opportunity came around with COVID to start working full-time at FCO, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I’m a Carp local, born and raised, and I couldn’t imagine serving my community in a better way than through good food. I feel really lucky to call myself a team member! Plus, these girls always keep me laughing!
What does female friendship mean to you? What has it been like working in a heavily dominated female work environment?
Carolina (creative writer, warehouse leader, thinker): Throughout my life, I’ve always had one or two really strong female friendships that have taught me more than any one class has ever provided me. It’s about women supporting women. It means looking the other person in the eyes and knowing they’ve got your blind spots covered and your best interest at heart, because your successes and triumphs are theirs, too. So, to have that translated into a workplace dynamic has been overwhelming in the best ways possible. I know that when I come to my team members with questions or concerns, they are there to hear me out and to move forward accordingly. I’m not afraid to be bold or loud, because I know that the sky's the limit when I’m at work. We are all here because we have one joint goal — to support Farm Cart Organics as it continues to flourish.
Katie (boss lady): Honestly, I'm just glad to have other women around me that support this cause as much as I do. I really value what each woman has brought to the table. They all have such different skill sets and it’s been so cool watching each of them blossom into their respective roles. Women working together just makes sense to me — it's fun, we understand each other, and everyone is insanely humble and eager to learn. We are all young and for most of us, this is our first professional job. We make mistakes all the time but are also open to learn from them — always looking at ways to improve. We’ve got so many great ideas and the work ethic to accomplish all that we dream up. And believe me, I’ve got BIG dreams!
How does FCO empower you as a person outside of work?
Corey (director of operations, problem solver): FCO pushes me to continue to make ethical choices in my outside life, with all that I've learned working for a business like this, I can apply it to different parts of my life and the choices I make. The clothing I buy, the products I bring into my home, the food I consume, and such.
Kodi (sales & marketing, professional box labeler): I have a very specific memory of coming home one day after an early morning box packing shift, and realizing that this was the first job I've EVER had where I feel good about my work when I get home. Working for a company and people who share the same values as I do has made me feel more empowered in my role in the community and my ability to make a difference. Eat those veggies and support local y'all!! It really does make an impact.
As a multifaceted business, we are always on the lookout for the right tools to elevate our overall operation. Similarly, this idea also extends to the people in our workplace, as they are the greatest influence on our behaviors, attitudes, and subsequent successes as it relates to the strength and vitality of this business. Eight months later and this female-led team is thriving, and so is Farm Cart Organics!
