Authenticity helps Ami Gignac SHINE as an Ohio farmer

Ami Gignac's love of the outdoors and geology led her to a degree in Mining Engineering. Next, she found herself with an extremely successful career in corporate America, where she spent 12 years working for an international construction materials company. This all sounds fantastic, but Ami was not fulfilled. In fact, she was "sick, mad and tired." She was questioning if she had missed out by putting her job first.

One evening after a stressful day at work, Ami was walking along the Northern California Coast when she knew that she had to make a change and "do something she loves, somethings that's right." She decided to follow her heart which led her straight back to Ravenna, Ohio, where she now farms with her partner Tim Fox. She traded financial security and high stress in corporate America for full-time small scale farming where she is truly healthy and happy.

Ami lost 70 pounds as a result of her new lifestyle which incorporates a lot of job related exercise with healthy, local food. Ami has carved out a niche at the certified organic Breakneck Acres by offering speciality small grains, artisan milling and dry beans. On their blog, Ami and Tim state that their "mission is to responsibly grow natural foods with pride and honesty while educating and inspiring you to slow down, eat healthy, and act locally."

The chickens in the school bus were not part of the original plan for Ami and Tim but they seem to be a favorite for farm visitors, including myself. If you would like to know more about the Breakneck Acres chickens please visit Ami's blog.

Ami will be at Haymaker's Farmers' Market in Kent on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at her farm stand on Wednesdays from 1 to 6 p.m. and at the new Ravenna Farmers' Market. Ami says, "We've got nothing to hide ... so please feel free to stop by, ask a few questions, taste a little dirt, and take home a share of our bounty!"

Connect with Ami on the Breakneck Acres website or on Facebook.

You are sure to be inspired!