Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ferrari.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I developed a love for flowers that has stayed with me through every stage of life. I performed growing up, dancing and singing all across Cleveland, and my favorite part of each show was the chance for a bouquet after. In my 20s, I made it a practice to buy flowers every week and discovered how a few well-placed blooms could transform a house into a home. I then dreamt of owning a flower business, but life took me on a different path. I pursued a masters in Applied Politics at American University in DC, while simultaneously working for a PR agency.
That flower-based dream remained dormant for about ten years, as Michael and I navigated city life, moved to Vermont for his law degree, and returned to Ohio to have our three beautiful children.
Through all of the ups and downs, I never lost my love for flowers. I completed the University of Vermont Master Gardeners program, the Floret workshop, and began growing from seed and learning about all-things-flowers ever since. It wasn’t until 2024 I went all-in. Michael built a flower (or flour) cart, which we roll-out with blooms and bread every Saturday and Sunday. We are thrilled to be entering our second season!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe there’s such a thing as a smooth road for a flower farmer. Even when controlling for potential ups and downs, there are so many things out of your control (e.g., storms, pests, deer, you name it). I will say, though, that with every failure or crop loss there are so many lessons learned. I failed many times throughout Season 1, but that just prepared me more for the coming season. And, I think the reason I love flower farming so much is that I’m always learning, experimenting, and trying to improve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ferrari Flours?
My husband Michael and I operate a self-serve, honor system flower and bread cart on the weekends. We started with solely offering flowers, but Michael has been making sourdough bread for our family for years and, after encouragement from neighbors and friends, he started adding his bread to the cart too. Now, we are doing what we love from home, while creating and connecting with our neighbors.
Over the course of Season 1, we began expanding on our offerings. Using only what we grow at home, we started adding dried blooms, edible flower salt, seeds and taper candles on the cart.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I’m one of six kids, and some of my favorite memories are of us all playing outside while my mom tended to her garden. We’d make mud pies, climb trees, or come up with games to play, always within earshot. Her garden was truly beautiful—especially the hydrangeas—and people often stopped to compliment her. At home, if we finished our chores, we’d each earn a dollar a day. I always chose to water the plants, carefully carrying an old two-gallon milk jug around the yard. Even now, there’s something so comforting about watering my plants—it brings me right back to those sweet, simple days.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ferrariflours.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferrariflours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ferrariflours/
