Duchessa Gelato - A Young Rural Entrepreneur's Journey to Forbes 30 Under 30

In this episode, I'm really excited to introduce to you Wilhelmina van Bedaf, also known as Maartje Murphy or  Duchessa Gelato.  She started a business making gelato in 2018 using milk from her family's dairy farm in Carrington, North Dakota, a small town of just over 2100.  Her business has done so well. And it's so impressive that in late 2020, just a little more than two years after starting her business, she was named to Forbes Magazine's 30 under 30 list. Yup. That's right. She's under 30 years old and one of 30 people to be highlighted for doing amazing things in the food and drink industry.After going to school and working as a full-time nurse, she mentioned to her mom one day how cool it would be to make gelato from the milk on our dairy farm.  Gelato is a sweet treat similar to ice cream that is a common treat she enjoys with her grandparents when she visits her native Netherlands.  You'll learn how she made this dream come to fruition.  Today not only does she still make gelato, but she had built a creamery and also makes gouda cheese and cheese curds all starting with milk from the family's dairy.  At Cows and Co Creamery located on their farm located down the road from her parents, she and her family have created an amazing business.  These value-added ag products, bringing more value to the ag products her family creates are a great benefit allowing them to get more money from the milk they are producing rather than just selling it wholesale.  Follow Duchessa Gelato on FacebookFollow Duchessa Gelato on InstagramKrysti Mikkonen is the owner of Rural Gold, a business located in rural South Dakota offering website development and coaching services for small to medium-sized businesses, with a special place in her heart for rural ones.