Sisters continue to follow dream of opening a Christmas tree farm in late mother's honor
SLINGER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sisters Krista and Kara grew up on a dairy farm, but it was the family's love for Hallmark movies that led them to want to turn the farm they grew up on into a Christmas tree farm.
Growing up, the sisters would watch dozens of Hallmark movies with their mom. It's still one of their favorite holiday memories and traditions.
After losing their mom to cancer a few years ago, they decided to make that dream a reality. They planted trees on their property. And in the meantime, they've opened a tree lot and a pop-up holiday market, and Inspiration Acres was started.
"We're supporting other people's dreams ... whether that be the side hustle for somebody that's working, something else ...or its the mom that stays at home with her kids and is looking for a passion to support her family," said Krista Peterson.
There are more than 30 local makers selling goods in the market. Entrepreneurs inspire the sisters, like Confections for Every Occasion, a business started by a blind chocolatier.
Peterson describes it as holiday cheer.
"The art of giving, the art of making and bringing joy," she said.
Whether you're looking for gifts, stocking stuffers or something for the pesky elf on the shelf, Inspiration Acres is full of ideas.
Entrepreneurs and crafters make everything from mittens to wall hangings out of reclaimed wood and cocoa bombs.
Krista and Kara hope to one day move the market and the tree lot on to their own farm. And eventually offer u-cut trees.
"We can't wait to get back to the family farm and bring out that full experience where you guys can be in the Christmas tree fields with us and see all the hard work we've been doing. It takes about 7 to 10 years to grow those," said Peterson.
In three years, they've donated $5,000 to charities benefiting pediatric cancer.
This year, they're donating to three charities: the Slinger Food Pantry, Washington County's 4H Program and the Gingerbread House.