On the HOT SEAT:
Leanne Anthon, co-owner
Pine Hill FarmWelcome to the lake country hot seat! We believe in supporting local, and being apart of our community. We cannot think of a better way to get to know the owners of local businesses, community leaders, makers and shakers than to ask them questions to learn their knowledge, advice, wisdom, challenges, wins, and maybe some fun personal tidbits as well. We are hoping a little interview will help drive traffic for them by gaining insight in trust to who they are by you!
Our wellness collective, market, and spa are located at:
200 W. Main Street in Watertown / Our family farm is in Lebanon, WI.
920-390-4462 / email
On the HOT SEAT:Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do? I’m a mom of four amazing kids who attend school in the Oconomowoc School District. My sisters and I own Pine Hill Farm, which started with just the farm operation and quickly grew over the last few years into so much more! I also stay busy working as a nursing instructor at a college in Madison.
When did you know this is what you wanted to do? Nursing has been a passion of mine for over twenty years, starting with my role as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy.
What does Pine Hill all offer? Our wellness collective offers a variety of services including BioScan testing, Halotherapy (dry salt), Infrared Sauna & Red Light Therapy, Massage, and Medical Skincare. Our market includes local vendor goods, organic grocery and artisan meals. We have our own health supplement line that we sell online and in-store and a full CBD line that we source from the hemp grown on our family’s farm. My sisters and I are 7th generation to our farm so it’s pretty neat being able to trace back our heritage to the early 1800’s.
Tell us about your education + how you became Dr. Leanne? My education started at the University of Wisconsin Madison with my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. After I worked as a staff nurse for many years I realized the importance that teaching has in nursing so I went back for my Master’s Degree in Education at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. As a woman veteran, I have seen the importance research plays for us. I recently received my doctorate from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where I studied women veterans experiences with the VA healthcare system. Finally I’m wrapping up my expertise with my Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from University of Cincinnati which I will receive in 2024.
I see you have had many roles in your life. You are an inspiration. Can you tell us how your time in the service shaped you? Military life is tough. It teaches you discipline, dedication, and resiliancy– all qualities for which I am grateful were instilled upon me in my 5 years of service.
How would you describe Pine Hill? Pine Hill Farm is a progressive space. We have a passion for integrating holistic options into traditional care. My sisters and I all have healthcare licenses, which puts many of our customers’ minds at ease knowing they are getting trustworthy advice in meeting their health goals. We have a passion for learning and belong to many professional organizations, including the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) and the American Holistic Nurses Association. In fact, we were speakers at last year’s ACNA conference in Albuqueque, NM. Locally, our focus is to make health and wellness affordable to our community.
Walk us through a day in your life! Despite waking up at 5:30am every morning, my middle schoolers rarely make it to school on time. After a quick dog walk, I either head to Madison to teach for the day or I’m at “the shop” where I’m consulting with customers, which I enjoy greatly. After work I go home to tackle homework and dinner. Then the kids and I head out to their various activities or sports games. As my kids get older, I realize that finding quality family time is a challenge so I try to merge that with their interests and hobbies.
Did you ever imagine you’d be in business with your sisters? Nope. But they are my best friends and support system. Every day at “the shop” is full of family, laughs, cat fights, bossy sisters, and way too much fun. I’m the middle sister so I really don’t have a say in anything.
Can you tell us more about that? The reason that this family business works is because we all need each other. If one of us needs a day off or someone to watch a few kids (we have 9 kids between the three sisters ranging in age from 4-19), we can easily cover. The challenge is when we want to plan a fun family outing and we realize we now own a store that needs coverage. However, we are building a great team of employees to help support us in this area.
Can you tell us about the vendor market? When we started attending farmer’s markets for our CBD and natural body care line a few years ago, we met many amazing vendors, many of whom we collaborate with today at our market.
How do you source the products or vendors that are there? Most of our vendors are local to the area and we’ve either tried and love their products, or they bring us samples to try. Many vendors are from the Lake Country area, including Oak & Elizabeth, Brick House Mercantile, Heart & Honey, Burgies Berries, Sourced In Nature, and Pure Love Essences. We love local and we absolutely believe that collaborating with other businesses makes everyone more successful.
WHAT RESOURCES HAVE BEEN MOST HELPFUL TO YOU AND YOUR SISTERS OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Other business owners have been super supportive. It helps to bounce ideas off those who have already mastered owning a small business. Most others in similar industries as ours have been encouraging and it goes to show that when we all work together, we can accomplish more.
What do you still want to achieve? To complete my advanced practice provider certificate which will open up more doors for our business in various capacities.
What motto/quote do you always try to live by? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
How to your juggle staying an active and involved mom, a nursing instructor and have a role at Pine Hill? I have a very supportive family and both of my parents are still very involved in me and my kids’ lives. In fact, my dad just called me 30 minutes ago to tell me I need new tires and that there’s a special at a local store so I need to get my car in. Then my mom texted that she made me a meatloaf and potatoes for dinner that she would drop off later today! It definitely takes a village.
How do you stay on track and finding the balance? I’m actually a homebody and I prefer being alone. My time at the store and teaching fills me up socially so that when I’m done for the day I can relax and enjoy the solitude.
Just for fun!
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? My kids first, then my PhD.
Have you ever met a celebrity? Tony Evers was at our store a few months ago, that may be the closest I’ve come to meeting a famous person. Also, my daughter was at a birthday party for someone who was related to Flo from the Progressive commercials. Does that count?
Which celebrity would you like to meet? Ryan Reynolds if he were single.
What emoji do you use most often? Laugh Cry emoji 😂
If you are interested in being in the Lake Country Hot Seat with The Lake Country Mom, send us an email or connect with us on social media.
Leave a Reply