PJ Jonas is a business owner, goat-wrangler, entrepreneur, and mother. After getting goats to provide healthy milk for her eight children, she decided to put some excess milk into a batch of handmade soap. That decision was the beginning of Goat Milk Stuff, a growing goat milk products business that has been featured on The Today Show, The Doctors, The Huckabee Show, and in “O”, the Oprah Magazine. What started with an initial small batch of soap, has expanded into a host of goat milk items such as goat milk soaps, cheeses, candies, fudge, gelato and more. It’s a team effort to keep the farm running, make and ship all the products, and welcome visitors to the farm. PJ’s husband, eight children (aged 9 to 19), and six full-time employees, all work hard to promote the goodness of goat milk.
Playing Small Moment
In 2008, PJ realized she had some momentum going in the business, but it was not enough income to allow her husband to leave his job―unless, the family made some cutbacks and sacrifices. The entire family voted to pitch in and give up small pleasures to help invest in the family business.
The Wake Up Call
PJ’s wake up call came when she realized the family’s existing 3 acre farm was not going to be big enough to support their growing business. When the family bought a 36 acre farm with a lot of traffic, they decided to open up their farm to visitors.
Style of Leadership
PJ wants her employees and family to know it’s okay to make mistakes, and to strive to be better through continuous improvement.
Current Business Challenge
PJ is finding it difficult to identify good employees. Her challenge is to make better hiring decisions.
What Are You Excited About?
A new kitchen building and a machine milking parlor are the latest projects for Goat Milk Stuff. PJ is excited to be increasing her company’s product line with food products, in addition to soaps and body products.
What Does Your Business Support System Look Like?
PJ’s business support system is her family at the moment. She is interested in getting an outside perspective from other entrepreneurs, but doesn’t want to sacrifice her lifestyle.
Leadership Practice
Continuous learning is something PJ does in order to be the best leader she can be.
Book to Develop Leadership
Lady on the Hill by Howard E. Covington
Advice For Younger Self
“Don’t be in such a rush.”
Inspirational Quote
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the more I work, the more I have of it.” ~Thomas Jefferson
Links
Free Gift: http://www.goatmilkstuff.com/womensoap.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goatmilkstuff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goatmilkstuff
For more resources go to https://womentakingthelead.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goatmilkstuff/
