• Take the time to be mindful for those whose life mission is to nourish you.  For without them, where would we be?

I first read Sarah's story in Paul Dragu's article in the Havre Herald, From Pasture to Plate: Growing, Cooking and Advertising Local Organic Food. 

When I first approached Sarah to be a part of my interview series about women creatives, she told me that she would love to be involved, especially after learning the previous interview was Liz Carlisle who stayed with Sarah's family while Liz was writing her book, The Lentil Underground. (I love it when unexpected connections are made!)

It's hard not to be inspired by Sarah's journey from growing up on the Hi-Line, working on her parents ranch, taking culinary classes at FVCC, moving to Maui and then coming back to Montana to fullfill her dream of starting her own business.

“I figure if I could have my own business and cook, that would be ideal.”

Like any true creative, Sarah pieces together the best from the Montana's organic agricultural region to create her diverse and seasonal menu for her food truck the Streatery.

The seasonal menu could include lentils from Timeless Seeds, sausage from Bear Paw Meats, beef from Prairie Grass Ranch, dairy items from Lifeline Farm and produce from various local farms.

The Streatery is Havre's one and only food truck parked in front of the best brewery in town, Triple Dog Brewery. 

And when you pair an organic local food truck with freshly brewed beer in Havre and add the passion of young entrepreneurs - it's a delicious recipe for Montana rural communities.

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What did you daydream about when you were a kid?

From the ripe old age of 5, I day dreamed about starting businesses. I heard a song about bears who made peanut butter and sold it. It seemed like the greatest idea ever.

I also tried to convince my parents to let me use the power tools and leftover wood from their house to make blocks to sell to other kids.

I was thinking we could start small and then eventually launch into international internet sales.

What is your favorite thing about your studio or workspace?

My workspace changes depending on the day.

I love my vintage green desk and old teal chair where I take most of my phone calls, pay bills, bookkeeping etc.

I love my kitchen spaces because while compact, they are organized and filled with a plethora of amazing Montana grown ingredients.

What have been some of the greatest challenges in your career?

Finances have been a challenge with both Streatery and Prairie Grazed Meats. Mostly with large start-up costs which have been incurred by purchasing and constructing a walk-in freezer for the meat depot, and purchasing equipment for Streatery’s new prep kitchen.

I have so many ideas for expanding Streatery’s services and increasing the distribution of Prairie Grazed Meats, but the cost of it all is daunting.

Another challenge has been our rural location in Havre. Until December of 2018, I was having to drive 4 hours round trip to pick up the majority of my ingredients.

What does success mean to you?

Simple.

• Freedom to pursue these businesses I’m passionate about, and include others in that journey.
• Freedom to collaborate with other businesses in my community who work hard to create a positive impact.
• Freedom to feed nutritious food to my customers.
• Freedom to spend time with the people I love.
• Freedom to travel and explore.
• Lastly, freedom of finances.

How do you deal with self doubt or insecurity?

To conquer fear: acknowledge it then push forward despite it.

To conquer self doubt: habitually speak positive affirmations over yourself.

To conquer insecurity: identify the root cause of your feelings. (Easier said than done) deal with it according to the actual problem.

Remember your value despite your temporary feelings/circumstances.

Who or What inspires you?

Menu inspiration from what is in season AND local. Farm-to-table inspiration from my family, as I grew up eating from our land.

Work ethic inspiration from my parents, and both sets of grandparents. Occasional inspiration from Pinterest.

What advice has been the most helpful in your life?

Write down specific goals and review them EVERY day. Get up early and develop a morning routine.

Tell me about a failure that you learned from?

Nearly two years ago, I wrote a detailed timeline which projected 18 months into the future. The timeline was ambitious, and there really wasn’t anything wrong with it, but reality kicked in.

Huge life factors came into play which completely changed the game. Some were good and exciting. Others borderline devastating. I still have that timeline. Tucked away in my journal, I review it on occasion to remind myself of just how unpredictable life can be.

I learned from this planning failure not to abandon schedules and long term goals, but to leave room for the unforeseen setbacks and growth opportunities.

In short, life is more about the ride than it is the destination.

Tell Me - Why you do What you do?

I am a farm-to-table chef, business owner, blogger and 4th generation ranch kid. I promote local and organic food because I believe it is the best approach to care for the health, environment and economy of communities.

I started these businesses because I have finally found an intersection between what I love, what is right, and a means to make a living.

If you’re interested in the specifics,

STREATERY

Streatery is my food truck. When we’re not parked outside of Triple Dog Brewing in Havre, we cater public and private events.

You can find more information on our Facebook page: @streateryMT

Prairie Grazed Meats

Prairie Grazed Meats is the distribution line I have created for my family’s ranch, Prairie Grass Ranch 10 miles south of Havre. All of our beef is grass fed and organic. Our pork is raised on open pasture and also organic.

• Our Facebook: @prairiegrassranchmt
• Instagram: @prairiegrazedmeats
• Website:  retail sales (only delivering in Havre, MT besides bulk orders) is http://www.prairiegrazedmeats.com

Do you have a favorite song, book or quote that motivates you?

Hailee Steinfeld -> Most Girls. As for a book, I don’t have any quotes, but I recently finished a great book by Terri Savelle Foy called Dream it. Pin it. Live it.

And have also been enjoying Cheryl Strayed’s book called Wild.

Name 1 or 2 women who you admire?

Okay I’ve thought about this for some minutes. I’m including more than two. Beginning with public figures, I admire Mel Robbins, and Chef Melissa Kelly.

For more local examples, there are many small business owners I have worked with, or at least met who are nothing short of fantastic. From floral shops to dairies, breweries, gardens and many things in between, there are some amazing women I admire within my own state.

Finally I admire my mother, for sowing a seed within me as a child to pursue some of these ambitions.

If you could look back and give yourself some advice as you were starting out, what would it be?

Hey. Those businesses you thought would be side gigs? They’re not side gigs.

What one piece of advice would you give to young girls who are trying to navigate their future?

You know how everything is DIY these days? Don’t do everything yourself.

Focus on your specific talents. Develop those aspects of your personality and outsource things you’re less proficient with.

Example: I run a business, but I hired an accountant, website design team, contractor, graphic designer, insurance agent, food truck employees, utilized a small business development center etc.

Even just starting out, your time is precious. And no one is the best at everything.

While you shouldn’t DO everything on your own, you need to THINK on your own.

You have a unique gift mix. There will always be people telling you how to use it. Sometimes they have good ideas. Sometimes they don’t.

Regardless of what others say, you have to take the time to find out for yourself. This should include things like reading on the topics which interest you, reflecting, journaling, trial and error etc.

You might make it right away, or, more likely, you will first face trials, hardships and stress. The important thing is to stay positive and approach failure with the attitude of an eager student.

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You can learn more about Sarah at her blog, The Wanderlust Farmer Chef

Blogger • Business Owner • Organic Chef • Foodie • Wanderer