In this most recent homesteading blog post article we get to chat with Alexandra Fitzgerald of Wild Clementine Co. in Washington State!
Who are you, where do you live, and what do you like about homesteading and operating your craft business?
I’m Ali, the owner and maker behind Wild Clementine Co., based in southeastern Washington state, surrounded by wheatfields. I started my business as a creative outlet, and it’s really taken on a life of its own. My reusable dish covers tie in well with my homesteading hobbies as I’m always making sourdough or meal-prepping, or trying to store all the veggies from the garden, and having reusable food covers in easy reach makes everything more sustainable.
How did you get started with crafting, and what are some useful tips for those who want to get started?
The funny thing is I started my business by total accident. No plan, no nothing. I listed a few pet-oriented items on Etsy back in 2014 to help pay for craft supplies, and, well, clearly it got a little out of hand. 😆 As it turns out, I probably was always destined to be an entrepreneur. As a kid, I had THREE businesses (dog biscuits and beaded bracelets in elementary school and a thriving custom macrame bracelet business in high school). Fast forward to present, and Wild Clementine Co. has become more than I could have ever dreamed, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me.
My biggest tip is to just go for it. Nobody starts off knowing everything, and to learn a craft, you just have to dive in and try. YouTube is a treasure trove of how-to videos for anything you want to learn.
What are the products that you offer from your homestead, and where can people buy them?
At Wild Clementine Co., folks can find eco-friendly, reusable dish covers (round in 5 sizes, casserole dish rectangles, and flat-proofing covers for shaped breads) as well as hot + cold therapy packs.
What are the benefits of using your covers?
-Less plastic waste
-Easier to use than plastic wrap (especially to cover sticky doughs!)
-Low maintenance, machine washable, food-grade, BPA free
-Bright, colorful, cheerful
-Supporting a small, woman-owned business
How are they different from other covers that people might be using?
-The best prints!
-Organic cotton options
-Each item is handmade with fully finished seams
-Food grade
-Less maintenance than beeswax wraps
-LOTS of sizes (no “one size fits all” nonsense)
What are they made of?
Cotton fabric (many prints are also organic cotton), waterproof PUL lining which is food-grade, BPA free, PFAS free, and machine washable. We also offer a breathable organic cotton liner if preferred.
What are the benefits of living on a homestead and/or operating a small business for yourself and/or your family?
We live on 6 acres with plenty of room for a garden, chickens, and fruit trees. That combined with owning my own business allows me some financial flexibility where I can supplement my income from my day job (I’m a fish biologist). We’re fortunate to have the space to grow some of our food and reduce our reliance on industrial agriculture and ensure the crops we grow are healthy and not sprayed with chemicals.
What is the one main life lesson that running your own business has taught you about yourself?
The main life lesson I’ve learned is that I can figure things out! I never knew HOW to start or run a business but I figured it out. I didn’t know how to grow food or raise chickens, but I figured it out. Regardless of what comes up, I know that I’m the type to buckle down and do what I need to do to solve the problem and how to keep going even if the path isn’t always obvious. It’s really given me confidence in myself!
Outside of homesteading or crafting, what do you get up to for fun in your personal time?
Baking! Especially playing with flavor combinations for sourdough loaves.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your homestead/business?
I just celebrated NINE years in business in April. Things have changed a lot over those nine years but I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished at Wild Clementine Co., and I’m excited to see what’s ahead!
For more information visit their website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok
Wild Bluebell Homestead is a charming hobby farm located in Abbotsford that offers a range of hand-made artisanal products, curated vintage furniture, sourdough bread, and other homemade items. The homestead is dedicated to creating unique and high-quality products that are beautiful, functional, and long-lasting, plus each item is carefully crafted with attention to detail. Customers can expect a warm and welcoming experience and a range of products that are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to any home.
