Written by: Jennifer King
At Boundless Accelerator™, we thrive on our clients’ stories, celebrating their journeys, successes, and the transformative impact our programs have on their businesses. One such inspiring story is that of Kristi Mercier and her business, Harmony Meadows Alpaca. From humble beginnings to becoming a prominent player in agritourism and alpaca product distribution, Kristi’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and the appropriate support systems.
Nestled in the serene landscapes of southern Ontario, Harmony Meadows Alpaca stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by Kristi Mercier and her husband in 2008, the farm began with just four alpacas and a dream. Today, Harmony Meadows is a thriving enterprise with 38 alpacas and a dual focus on alpaca products and agritourism.
Kristi recalls the humble beginnings of Harmony Meadows: “We started the farm almost 16 years ago because we had met some alpacas and kind of fallen in love with them. We love the fact that they were a pretty laid-back animal and that we could use their fleece to make wonderful things.” From these modest beginnings, Harmony Meadows has become a unique business that seamlessly blends animal husbandry with innovative product development and agritourism.
Despite the charm and allure of alpaca farming, the journey was far from easy. Both Kristi and her husband lacked a farming background, making their entrepreneurial path one defined by learning and adaptation. They built their business from scratch without external capital, including shared equity or investments.
In the early days, Harmony Meadows quickly outgrew its initial operations. The demand for their alpaca products surpassed their production capacity and that of their co-op. Kristi had to source additional supplies from the U.S. and South America, always ensuring the highest quality and ethically produced products. As the business evolved, agritourism became a significant part of their offering, organically growing over the past six to seven years.
Their journey took a significant turn when they discovered the RHYZE Ventures program through Innovation Guelph, now Boundless Accelerator™. At a crucial point in their business, Kristi felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. “I was at a stage in the business where it was growing, but I felt like I was floundering. It was basically just me,” Kristi recalls. “I applied for [the RHYZE Ventures program] and got accepted. It opened me up to the kind of supports that could be out there as a solopreneur, but as an entrepreneur, that made me feel not alone anymore.”
The RHYZE program provided Kristi with much-needed structure and community support. The mentorship and business advice she received were invaluable, especially during a difficult personal period. “Having the RHYZE program, even though I wasn’t able to put in as many hours as I might have wanted to, it still kept me from feeling like I had totally left my business behind,” Kristi shares. “It was the structure, which kept me connected, and the support network so that I didn’t feel like I was failing at anything.”
Following RHYZE, Kristi continued her development through the Startup Program, which helped her maintain momentum and refine her business strategies. “The advice that I got from different mentors or business advisors led me to revamping and creating a social media program,” she explains. This strategic shift marked a turning point for Harmony Meadows, resulting in a more consistent and engaging online presence.
Kristi’s journey with Boundless Accelerator™ didn’t stop there. She recently joined the Quantum Drive program, aiming to gain clarity and insight into the financial aspects of her business. “The single biggest thing I’m finding is clarity. Having an official cash flow is giving me clarity on my business as a whole,” she notes. The program has also boosted her confidence: “I know more than I thought I did, and I’m more familiar with or more comfortable in certain situations than I thought I was.”
Kristi’s ultimate goal is to solidify Harmony Meadows’ position as a leader in high-quality alpaca products while maintaining a sustainable agritourism operation. She envisions focusing on product distribution to create a solid financial foundation, potentially enabling future expansions in agritourism and manufacturing.
Reflecting on her journey, Kristi emphasizes the importance of support and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. “The progress I’ve made in the last couple of years since starting with Boundless Accelerator™; I would not be where I am today without the advice, the support, the resources that have been made available to me,” she says.
Kristi’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of community, mentorship, and structured support in entrepreneurship. As Harmony Meadows Alpaca continues to thrive and innovate, Kristi stands ready to inspire and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, embodying the spirit of Boundless Accelerator’s™ mission.
For anyone dreaming of starting their own venture, Kristi’s advice is clear: “Look into programs like these to help you hit the ground running. The resources available today can make all the difference in turning a dream into reality.”
Harmony Meadows Alpaca is more than a business; Kristi’s story has been a journey of growth, resilience, and community. At Boundless Accelerator™, we are proud to have been a part of her journey, providing the tools and support to help her realize her dreams. Here’s to many more years of growth and success for Harmony Meadows!
