Amanda Goodwin - Goodwin Family Farms / The Arkansas Traveling Goat Farrier

Explain your background or how you got interested in your chosen field?:

I was not raised with livestock or on a farm but I was always drawn to them. When I was about 11, I started working on a dairy farm and got evolved with 4H. After leaving home, I started building my little farm. As with everything there was ups and downs. In 2011, I started up Goodwin Family Farms. Our daughters showed sheep and goats. In 2020 when Covid hit, I lost my position as a Branch Coordinator for Airgas and had to find a way to support my family. It was then that I started trimming goat and sheep hooves. My husband soon joined me as his place of employment shut down. Since then we have traveled all over Arkansas, parts of TX, OK, MO taking care of herds. We not only educate others on how to care for their livestock but we offer several other services that help the individual goat/sheep owners, especially since most areas are very rural and no vet care around.

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman? What is the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?:

I believe that being able to relate to people and being compassionate about them learning and trying to provide the best care for their livestock. Most of our customers are female and they are comfortable with me as a female and I believe most can see me forging a way of life doing what I love so it gives them hope that they can accomplish the same and they can!

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?:

As a female, I do understand that I don't always have the physical strength that it takes and thankfully I have a supportive husband that is my team player.

What mistakes have you made along the way and what did you learn from them?:

I understand that you can't please everyone. You just move on to the next one, bc that next one will be so greatful for your knowledge and expertise.

Do you or did you have a woman leader as a mentor or are there specific women who inspired you and why?:

My biggest mentor has passed but ill always admire her. Her name was Doris Laird and she owned and operated a dairy farm by herself. She never took flack off of anyone and danced to her own drum beat. She not only taught me to stand up for myself and on my own but to have the courage and backbone to tackle whatever life threw at me.

You are a busy woman. What do you do to relax and maintain good mental health?:

I try to take time to spend with my own dairy goats, ride horses, watch our youngest show her registered brahmans or spend quality time with my grandkids and family.

To help other women starting out, Tell us how you advertise your business. Do you use social media marketing, website, facebook? What provides the most value to your business?:

When we first started, I made a Facebook page and did a couple paid advertising. Also offered prizes after so many likes etc. Now we just go off word of mouth. In my opinion, customer reviews and referrals are the best. Not only free but will bring in more legit business then any ads you could run. Be consistent, reliable, make sure your customers are happy and you will have it made.

What is your website?:

Www.goodwinfamilyfarms.com

What is your facebook address?:

https://www.facebook.com/amandagoodwin2011