Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Barnicki.
Hi Brenda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are a new fruit and vegetable farm that donates 100% of our proceeds to children’s charities and grows additional produce to feed the hungry in our community. Located on a ridgetop in upper East Tennessee with a fantastic view of the mountains in three states, we are also creating some event space and overnight stay accommodations on the farm property to raise additional funds for the charities we support. Eden’s Vista is our second social enterprise designed to benefit vulnerable children and hungry families. My husband and I were both trained as chemical engineers, and Scott still works in the industry. I transitioned to business leadership before leaving the corporate world and launching Bellafina Chocolates. This gourmet chocolate company donates 100% of its profit to children’s charities and employs women in recovery. After successfully converting Bellafina Chocolates to a 501-C3 non-profit and hiring an outstanding Executive Director, I shifted my full-time effort to launching Eden’s Vista. We are now entering our second growing season on the farm and offer weekly mixed produce boxes to customers who enjoy fresh, responsibly grown local vegetables, berries, herbs, jams, and baked goods. In our first full year, we donated over 3,500 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks, homeless shelters, and feeding programs. We donated over $20,000 to regional and international orphanages, schools, foster care, and other children’s charities. One of our favorite programs is helping to create a vegetable garden and orchard at Kuda Vana Children’s Home in Zimbabwe, Africa. The children are excited to raise some of their food, which helps the orphanage’s sustainability and self-reliance and teaches these young people valuable life skills. Want a “fast forward” visual summary of our journey to launch Eden’s Vista? Go to our Facebook page and scan the posts from the bottom up!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We never imagined that we would live on a farm and pursue this all-consuming, full-time mission to help threatened and vulnerable children. We have always believed that God blesses each of us with a unique set of talents, skills, passions, and opportunities that we can choose to use to make a real difference in the world. Eden’s Vista is living proof of that! The biggest challenge in launching our social enterprises, Bellafina Chocolates and Eden’s Vista, has been to embrace the opportunity to learn new things and step way out of our comfort zone. Through every new challenge, we have found amazing friends, community volunteers, and customers who have supported our mission.
We’ve been impressed with Eden’s Vista, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Perched at the top of a high ridge just 90 minutes from Knoxville, our farm offers unparalleled 360 views of the surrounding mountains, rolling hills, and valley floor. From the first day we stepped foot on the property, we knew this place was too special not to share with others. So, we have exciting news! Starting sometime this summer, you will be able to experience this beautiful place up close with a peaceful retreat in one of our impeccable overnight stay suites or balcony apartment. Every room has a magnificent indoor and outdoor view of the Southern Appalachian mountains. We recommend rising early enough, at least one morning, to see the sun rising over the mountains while the mist settles into the silent valley below. It’s magical! You can also enjoy strolling our woodland hiking trails and open fields or snack on fresh produce from our gardens and orchards. Perfect for a romantic weekend, mini-vacation, or to make a memorable impression on an important client or business associate. Also consider one of our indoor or outdoor event spaces for your next corporate meeting, staff retreat, or family gathering. Enjoy a peaceful, semi-rural setting located conveniently in the center of the Bristol/Johnson City/Kingsport area near I-81 and I-26. And the best part of all? Every dollar you spend at Eden’s Vista helps orphans, threatened children, and hungry families!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Individuals or restaurants near our farm in Gray, TN, can subscribe to get weekly or biweekly fresh produce boxes or bulk quantities of herbs, vegetables, and fruit. We also love having volunteer gardeners. Others can order homemade jams and baked goods or plan a visit to enjoy Eden’s Vista personally. And please consider our farm as the perfect spot for a unique event that your guests will always remember. For more details, follow Eden’s Vista on Facebook, sign up to receive weekly emails during the growing season, and check out our new website (under construction) at edensvista.com. Most of all, we hope that learning about our journey and mission will inspire you to consider what gifts and talents you have to share to help the people around you. Post a picture and tag us on Facebook. We’d love to be inspired by you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edensvista.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Edens-Vista/100068187083010/
