Photography and Article by Gwen McCauley

as appeared in Ottawa Valley Living on June 20, 2008

If you're like me you think of pioneers as those hearty souls of by-gone generations who settled and cleared the land, creating the farming and industrial base that supports us to this day. But I've become aware that our beloved Ottawa Valley currently hosts a new type of pioneer: the people who pioneered producing organic foodstuffs long before it became chic and politically correct.

So I headed up The Valley to learn a bit more about some of these stalwart folks being inspired by Kim Elkington, co-founder of The Algonquin Tea Company. I first met Kim about a decade ago when she and her business partner were new to the 'wild crafted' tea business. It was great to renew our acquaintance over a cup of her flavourful Homestead Tea and freshly made Rhubarb-Apple pie in her sunny Eganville country kitchen.

We talked about the many challenges that face all small businesses as they grow and evolve, Kim proving to be a refreshing example of how important it is for an entrepreneur to be clear about her intention for being in business, yet remaining flexible to the changing needs of the marketplace. She talked passionately about her business experiences including how she had discovered specific market niches for her special products. 'Wild crafting' is a special kind of organic product in that the base ingredients are collected by hand from wild plants ensuring that the native supplies remain viable. 

Kim described the process of collecting only the succulent top raspberry leaves by thinking of herself as a moose grazing on the plants. She talked about how her carefully collected, dried and mixed blends are now sought after and appreciated by chefs across the US who offer exclusive dining experiences to their customers.

I was delighted that we have the luxury of having someone with her insights, tenacity and business acumen right in our backyard. Kim also talked about her deep commitment to using her tea company to create and support a school where future generations can learn to appreciate the earth's wisdom. Already she and her partner offer workshops and seminars on primitive living, sustainable building, wildculturing and food culturing - with more to come.

Gwen McCauley - Life Transition Coach, author, artist and lover of life. Proud owner of a plot of bush and rocks near Pakenham. Gwen enjoys exploring The Valley via its back roads and byways. www.ouicoach.com