Keeley Valverde of The Farmhouse Beer Garden. Submitted photo.
FRANKLIN COUNTY — In the hills and small towns of rural Franklin County, Maine, women are quietly shaping our local economy with determination, creativity, and deep roots in this place we call home. As a woman and small business owner myself, I have come to respect what it takes to balance both – no matter where your roots are. These women have turned passion, skill, and necessity into thriving businesses in our communities. Their ingenuity and moxie remind me on a daily basis that we don’t need big-city resources to build something meaningful. That’s why I have created this series: to shine light on these remarkable women, share their woven journeys, and pass along their hard-earned words of wisdom. I hope these stories will spark courage and ideas for other women across Franklin County who dream of starting their own businesses and are looking for that gentle push to follow their dreams.
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Not only can you get all the best local Maine beers on tap with some great grub – you can cuddle with highland cows (!) at the Keeley Valverde’s Farmhouse Beer Garden in Farmington. Her lifelong passion for fashion, art, and entrepreneurship began working in the fashion industry in her early teens. She has proudly been self-employed since the age of 25 and her love of art, travel, and collecting unique pieces from around the world has remained a driving force throughout her life.
Born in Kettering, Ohio, and raised primarily in Arlington Heights, Illinois, she set her sights on California immediately after high school and never looked back. With her love of fashion, Keeley headed to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) where she developed the foundation for what would become a decades-long career as a business owner.
Her career in fashion took her to Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. These experiences shaped both her creativity and business mindset. After some major shifts in the fashion industry, Keeley transitioned into entrepreneurship, opening her first retail store in Clinton, New Jersey, and going on to build several businesses featuring handcrafted pottery, candles, and custom farm tables and chairs.
Along the way, she lived in many places, including New Jersey, where she spent much of her adult life, and even Costa Rica, where she and her children spent what she describes as one of “the best years of her life…in a beautiful country.” Eventually, that journey led her to Farmington, Maine, where she founded The Farmhouse Beer Garden.
The Farmhouse & Beer Garden. Submitted photo.
Have you always wanted to open a beer garden? How long have you been open?
I bought the Farmhouse in 2017. Then the pandemic in 2020 forced me to change paths and find a new vision. The family and I created what is now known as The Farmhouse Beer Garden in response to losing our business I had operated in Tewksbury, NJ for the past 15 years. We opened our doors on July 17, 2020, and Farmington welcomed us into their community immediately. I think it has been important and rewarding to have a place in the community that large groups of people can gather for relaxing and recharging for the week ahead. We share so many different types of events here from birthday parties to weddings to celebrations of life. The outdoor space is meant to connect people more to nature and disconnect from their daily life. This will be our 7th season here in Farmington. Lucky number 7! Each year has brought its own challenges but with every season it just gets better and better.
How did you come up with the idea of cow cuddling? This is such a fabulous idea! Who is your primary clientele? Do you rely on passersby or tourists?
There is a farm movement around the highland cows. They are very sweet and curious animals. They’re really the inspiration behind our new adventure Collaborating with Intervale Farms has been the key to our success. The knowledge Geoff Posillico, the Highland Cow owner/farmer brings to the experience is irreplaceable and then ending the tour at The Farmhouse just seemed like a natural fit.
The Highland Cow Farm Tour was our first experience we started offering last fall and bookings so far this spring have been off to a great start. The Cow Cuddling experience will open up to the public on Friday July 3rd from 11-5pm and go through Nov 1st. We will be open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays then by appointment for the rest of the week. We are building a small barn and fencing in some pastures. Our first guests will be Jasmine and Raja.
We have plans to expand the pasture next year so we will be able to have more cows visit for the summer and fall months every year. I joined the Maine Tourism Association this year and we have created a brochure that tourists will be able to learn about the Highland Cow experiences we are offering here at The Farmhouse.
The Farmhouse & Beer Garden. Submitted photo.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced running a small business in Franklin County, and how have those shaped the way you operate?
Having a seasonal business I think will always have its challenges. I have really had the good fortune of the best staff that continues to return every season. This really allows me to not worry about opening up each season with the need to hire and then train. It really has turned out to be a perfect situation.
Working hard all summer and relaxing and recouping for the winter has been something I never knew I could make a reality. My past businesses have never allowed me this type of flexibility or lifestyle. I have always worked seven days a week and vacations were always a blur because I was always working while vacationing with my family for the past 20 years. Honestly, working for yourself will always have its challenges but if you always look for the joy you will find the best outcome in everything you do.
What are the most rewarding aspects of starting your beer garden here in Franklin County? Looking back on your journey, what key strategies, decisions, or support systems have been most instrumental to your success so far?
I have had the good fortune to have great family, friends and partners I do business with here in Farmington. The greatest asset to the business are my two children. Without them this would never have been possible. My daughter has been by my side each and every season and my son handles all of the social media and they are both a wonderful sounding board for fresh ideas. They have been here with me through all of the ups and downs of life. They have really helped shape me into the person I am today. Then finally, I could not do this without my amazing staff. Their professionalism and joy they bring to The Farmhouse is the difference and why it works so well.
Keeley Valverde & son, Kyle Secor. Submitted photo.
Do you have a favorite beer and pizza combo? Are you experimenting with any new dishes?
My favorite pizza is our pepperoni pizza and I love a good sour beer! I spend all summer trying all of the local new craft sours from local brewers.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs who are considering starting a small, from-home business in rural Maine? And how do you hope your story encourages local readers to support and celebrate women-owned businesses in our community?
My closest and dearest friends are all female entrepreneurs all over the country. They support me in every aspect of my life. I would not be where I am now without their inspiration and dedication. They bring out the best in me. Whenever I encounter smart and hardworking young people, I like to show by example what life could look like for them. The headaches will always be there for any job but the satisfaction from running your own business and creating your own story really resonates with me and my lifestyle.
I have always found my community I live in to be the best source for starting a new business or becoming an entrepreneur. I look to see what is missing and then find ways I can become a part of that community with what brings me happiness and a sense of security. I am looking forward to many more years running The Farmhouse Beer Garden here in Farmington, Maine.
