Daily Inspiration: Meet April Tonkin

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Tonkin.

April, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well… Heaven’s Bales! A dream that came true for this small-town girl, April Tonkin- yes, that would be me. The story begins at birth and to the dismay of the parents, of my deep unexplained love for horses (and basically any other animal- LOL). The endless riding lessons, expenses, and time they both invested were my number one blessing that ultimately kept the dream alive. Fast forward, high school, college, and early adulthood I did my best to keep riding these magnificent creatures. Once married and these things called work and “adulting”, the animal obsession was put on hold for most of 20 years.

Our family chose to move and follow my husband’s career all over the US but I can tell you this, I NEVER lost hope of owning a farm. On our biggest move, which was too shiny Las Vegas, I had my husband pinky promise on the flight out that upon returning back East we would get a small hobby farm. Blessing number two is a husband that keeps his promise to me and any other person he encounters. After seven years in Vegas, an opening was presented to us to get back Southeast, and boy, the timing was perfect. Both kids in middle school would transition nicely for the high school chapter and not to mention having built-in farmhands.

As destiny would have it, an urban farm of 15 acres was on the market. with overgrown pastures, dilapidated fencing, rickety three-stall barn, and a 70s rancher that appeared to have lost hope and cause (much like my 20-years dream in waiting) screamed to my heart “THIS IS THE FARM OF YOUR DREAMS!!!” 2016 was the year Heaven’s Bales came into fruition and we started shaping the acres, barns, and home into a gathering place for animals, friends, family, and business while integrating horses, sheep, llamas, donkeys, dogs, cats, chickens, and a pig into the mix!

I can proudly proclaim getting the farm up and in working order, having 30++ animals on property (most inherited or rescued), and sharing the farm with the community is BLESSING number three!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The farm resembles everyone’s life with its surprises as well as its ups and downs. The physical work of getting the land, barn, and fencing alone was a daunting task (that of which I had NO IDEA how expensive fencing is?). Once the logistics were in order and the collection of animals started arriving made my heart leap with JOY.

One of the landscape guys commented, if I started to build a boat- he wanted in (LOL). The kid’s birthday parties were so much fun! The other highlight was partnering with Morning Pointe, a retirement community basically across the street. We would give them weekly flowers for the lobby which led to a friendship and the addition of Heaven’s Bales becoming a field trip location for the residents.

I have gotten to meet a TON of wonderful families, kids, and seasoned adults, all made possible by this 15-acre farm. It really affirmed there is HOPE in the world. Then… COVID-19 (need I say more?)

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Early Adulthood work as an outside sales representative for staffing companies which led me to a Human Resource position for a community bank in Myrtle Beach, SC. Once our first son was born, I worked part-time with the bank until we started moving with my husband’s company.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people think I’m extroverted but I am totally an introvert. I recharge with my animals.

Contact Info:

• Email: heavensbales@gmail.com
• Website: www.heavensbales.com also a small retail space located in The Painted Tree 9630 Kingston Pike Knoxville, 37922
• Instagram: heavens bales
• Facebook: heavens bales farm

Image Credits
Sage Sohier Lyn and Collier Jenni Tonkin