After four years of research, Jessica Anderson and her husband permanently left their former careers behind to embark on a new journey. Today, they own and operate The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The unique attraction is the only one of its kind in the South, offering tours, reindeer encounters, holiday activities, and more. Meet this month’s FACE of the South, Jessica Anderson!
How did the idea of The Reindeer Farm come to be?
My husband and I had just had baby number three, and since he had started working third shift, I was home alone with a house full of babies most days. Though we’d made his shift-change decision together — because it was best for our family — it was a lot to deal with. Soon enough, he expressed a desire to do something together as a family and asked me what I wanted to do. I couldn’t immediately think of anything but knew I loved Christmas.
I also always wanted to be a farmer, which is funny because I was a registered dietitian. We were trying to think of ways to combine Christmas and farming, but I can’t grow anything, so I never considered being a Christmas tree farmer. Then one night, as I was sitting in my son’s nursery, talking to my husband on the phone, the idea just came to me: Why don’t we get reindeer? It was like an epiphany — like a sign from God.
What happened next?
I looked into it and discovered it would be incredibly hard — not impossible, but very difficult. There were a lot of hoops to jump through and a lot of red tape — way more than I could have imagined. But we spent four years doing research to familiarize ourselves with everything and get comfortable with the concept before we actually opened the business for Christmas 2020.
What can people expect when they come to The Reindeer Farm?
Well, we started out with two reindeer, a holiday barn, a small gift shop, an indoor playground, and a bounce house. We also had the makings of a petting zoo with straw bales and bunnies. We’ve added on more with every passing year.
We now have 10 reindeer, a larger and climate-controlled holiday barn, an expanded gift shop, an indoor playground, plus a basketball and dodgeball arena, two pedal-car tracks, and two mini zip lines. And our petting zoo has bunnies, mini cows, donkeys, and pigs. My husband and I do everything, so we’re just continuing to build and reinvest in the business year after year.
What has been the best part about running The Reindeer Farm?
From a business aspect, I love seeing friends and families spending time together. It’s also nice to know that they’re making memories in a place we created — the farm was once just a thought and a hope, and now it’s a reality! Being able to step back and watch people react, see kids laugh and play, and overhear conversations feels so festive. On a personal level, the best part is seeing it all come to life and being able to give our kids this unique life opportunity.
As a mom, I feel like I accomplished something important for my kids. I was able to come up with an idea, set goals, and actually make it all happen. One day, I will step back and release the reins to them. It’s satisfying yet emotionally overwhelming to know that I created this and have something unique to offer them.
When you have free time away from work, where are your favorite places to eat and play around the Bluegrass?
I love anywhere with a good wine list and a really good steak or something a little unique. Here in Bowling Green, I love Gerard’s 1907 Tavern. I also love Tra Di Noi Ristorante. Their food is authentic, and their tiramisu is fantastic. But if you’re taking me out for a good burger and a beer, Double Dogs is my favorite.
As for play, we love being outside. There are so many great hikes and lakes in Kentucky. We also enjoy history and love historic home tours. We really like Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site in Perryville and My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown.
Now that you’ve been at it for four years, what advice would you offer someone who might be thinking about making a major career change like you did?
It’s so cliché, but you should have big dreams! The important thing is that it can’t stop there; everything starts with an idea. Dream big dreams, but have a plan and be realistic about what you can accomplish. Set realistic, timely goals — not just one- or five-year goals. Break things down; think about what you need to accomplish day by day. Believe in yourself, and don’t let fear set in!
Along that same vein, what’s the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
Something that I tell people now — based on my experience with The Reindeer Farm — is to keep your dreams and goals to yourself until it’s something you fully believe in. Don’t tell anyone about it until you’re positive no one will be able to dissuade you from moving forward.
My husband and I didn’t tell anybody we were going to start a reindeer farm because family and friends always offer unsolicited advice. The advice always comes from a good place, but it can be really easy to let someone talk you out of doing something you want to do.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
First, there’s coffee, which is my lifeline. I start and end every day with coffee, and my favorite spot is Q Coffee Emporium. I also love crewneck sweaters, which are my go-to souvenir when I travel. I’ll wear them all year long, no matter the weather. And lastly, my phone. Not just because it’s a means of communication and I need it for work, but because of podcasts — I love podcasts and audiobooks.
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