NIKKI WIART

Farmer | Lady’s Hat Farm | Alberta | INSTAGRAM 

What does a day in your work life look like?
Plant, weed, water, plant, weed, water... It's Spring on a flower farm, so every day is building towards a season of blooms. Plus, this year, we've had a new curveball thrown into our busiest season: a baby! Now that we have a little life to look after, on top of the thousands and thousands of plant babies, we've been forced to slow down a bit, as well as hire more hands.

What made you start doing the amazing things that you do?
I grew up on a cattle ranch in the middle-of-nowhere prairies – and as soon as I was 18, I was in the big city, pursuing a career in journalism. Fast-forward eight years, after working in a television newsroom, writing for a national magazine, and finishing a masters degree, I was back here, in the middle of nowhere. I had written my master's thesis on first-generation farmers in Canada, and had the opportunity to travel around the country interviewing young people who had left the city in search of greener pastures – literally. I realized how lucky I was to have access to land, and that I could live a simpler life growing my own food and working in/with nature. I spent a few years growing vegetables, but quickly fell in love with flowers in all their shapes and forms.

What do you have to sacrifice to be good at what you do?
A social life. But... I don't mind! I'm an introverted extrovert, and the farm has forced me to really prioritize how I spend my free time and who with. Energy is precious, and when you work seven days a week, and work long hours, you have to save it for the most important people. You really have to whittle down your social circles – I guess I didn't *have* to, but I wanted to.

What are you great at, and what do you suck at?
Having 100 things on the go at the same time (truly, I'm a great multitasker) – and knowing when to slow down. Getting pregnant last summer was probably the greatest lesson in slowing down – suddenly, I was so tired. I couldn't work until 1am. I needed naps. And now, with the baby, I'm getting truly schooled in slowing down.

What are the top five things that are always in your pockets?
Elastic bands, a wilted flower, a pair of mismatched gardening gloves, my phone, and now... a soother!

What does workwear designed for women mean to you?
I want to give a shout out to Dovetail here... When you all reached about about being featured in the "Woman at Work" series, I immediately tried on the overalls I received from Dovetail last year. There was no way they were squeezing over my new postpartum body – and they may never again. When I told you guys this, you immediately asked what you could send to make me feel comfortable – which was just amazing, so thank you. As women, our bodies change so much over our lifetime, especially if we decide to have children. We need something that's forgiving (as in stretchy!), and still flattering, I love that I am able to wear my Dovetail overalls and shorts and be comfortable. I love that I can fit my phone in my pocket. And I love that I can quickly unbutton my strap to breast feed.