Nestled on a scenic hill in an unassuming location in Kansas City, KS you'll find Lavender Hill Farm KCK. The family-run business is more than just a charming urban lavender farm, it’s a labor of love and community care rooted in healing and hope. Founded in 2019 by Joe and Jenny Steineger, Lavender Hill Farm grows organically cultivated lavender that’s transformed into soothing, all-natural products while supporting the fight against human trafficking. Along with the help of their son, Ben, Lavender Hill Farm has blossomed into a brand that brings peace and is celebrated all throughout the Kansas City area and beyond.
We caught up with the Steineger family to learn more about farming lavender and owning a business in KCK.
1) You've been a part of the KCK community for a while now. What's special about running a business here?
Ben: What I love most about running a business in KCK is being part of the family tradition. I come from a long line of farmers, growers, and makers on both sides of our family. One grandfather farmed many, many acres of land in KCK, and the other sold vegetables at City Market just like we're selling our lavender now. It's in our blood. It's just who we are and I'm incredibly proud to carry on the tradition. It makes me feel very connected to my ancestors.
Joe: Lavender is one of nature's most calming and cherished plants known for its soothing fragrance, soft purple blooms and gentle beauty. A pleasure to grow in Wyandotte County.
2) What’s your favorite part of the lavender growing or harvesting season? How does growing lavender in the Midwest differ from growing in other areas?
Ben: My favorite part of the season is when all plants begin to wake up in Spring. Lavender turns slightly silvery when it goes dormant in the winter. It's so exciting, and also a bit unnerving, waiting for them to slowly turn green again. By June the field is a sea of purple, but the entire process is slow and subtle. That slowness and subtlety is deeply healing if we can learn to integrate it into our busy lives.
One thing that is probably a bit unique to growing lavender in the midwest is that we are at the mercy of Nature herself. If we get a brutally cold winter it can devastate our crops, as we have learned the hard way. Yet on the other hand, when we harvest the lavender during the summer it's not uncommon to see many 90-100 degree days. Growing anything in Kansas is not for the faint of heart!
Joe: Mother nature and working together with her creates a connection to this earth like no other. There is something unmistakable about a simple life lived faithfully before God. You can see it before a word is spoken. The quiet peace in the eyes, the ready smile, the gentle way a person carries themselves. Trusting God in the small things is big. In the lavender field it shows on your face before you ever realize it.
3) How does the KC community support and inspire your work?
Ben: The community has been nothing but welcoming, gracious, and helpful to us. A man named Lavender Jack taught us much of what we know, and his only expectation was that we pay it forward to the next farmer we encounter who wants to learn. Kansas City is flush with wonderful farmers and creators and we are grateful to call many of them friends.
Joe: The companionship we share with our other workers from Welcome House and trafficked friends creates a bond that we cherish. When God's love takes root in a heart, it grows outward. It touches your family, your friends and coworkers, even strangers that cross our path.
4) In a few words, how would you describe Kansas City, Kansas to someone visiting for the first time?
Ben: Kansas City,Kansas is a historical city with a small town vibe. It is a melting pot of culture where no street looks like the next one. It's an interesting blend of country and metro. And the folks that live in KCK sure are proud to live in KCK!
Joe: A person from the "Dotte" is real in a unique way. Blue collar, good hearted people. Our connection to people in this area is strong and has been ongoing for over four generations. We love it here and we look forward to the lavender farm continuing our partnership with the good people of KCK.
5) For someone visiting for the first time, which lavender product would you recommend as a gift or souvenir?
Ben: Our lavender hydrosol is our top seller, and for good reason! Through distillation of our lavender, our hydrosol is unique to Lavender Hill Farm because it is made with our lavender, in our still, by our Joe. You can find lavender hydrosols out there, but you won't find another Lavender Hill Farm hydrosol. We are obsessed with it and we're so glad others feel the same! We also hear our eye pillows, "Grace" essential oil roller, and candles are also delightful!
Joe: Our unique and handmade product line continues to grow. We listen to our customers' wishes and try to develop products that will enhance their lives. Living the lavender life is very beneficial to all aspects of finding a joyous and peaceful existence. Our newest product of lavender soap is a result of this process.
We hope our connection with Visit KCK and KCK area businesses will help us become even more visible to the outside world. We invite you to check out Lavender Hill KCK, with an enthusiastic "Come and See". - The Steineger Family
Visiting Lavender Hill Farm KCK is available by appointment. Products are sold online throught LavenderHillKCK.com, at the City Market in Kansas City, MO, and currently in the Visit Kansas City Kansas Visitors Center. Call 913-321-5800 to check inventory.
