For Torie Kramer, owner of Barefoot & Backroads farm stand, it all got started with chickens in summer 2026.
“Then I thought, ‘What are we going to do with all these eggs?’” said Kramer. She started playing around with names to put on egg cartons, started a Facebook page and reached out to Wasem Fruit Orchard and asked if they’d like to carry them. They said yes. Barefoot & Backroads was born.
“They take our eggs every week, then I said I wanted to do more,” said Kramer. “I started getting into crafting and finding my own outlet and passion. I did one or two farmer’s markets and loved talking to people, but it’s a lot. There was a storm at my second market, and I came home and built a farm stand.”
The first one was handmade by Kramer out of pallets. Then she took a chance on a little trailer, named it Winnie, and now has a standalone, honor system boutique farm stand. Winnie is located at the corner of Wantee and Darling roads, at 13685 Wantee Road, and accepts cash and cashapp. The farm stand is currently open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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It’s not your typical farm stand, though you will find in-season vegetables and eggs when the timing is right. Multiple other small businesses join Kramer’s crafts and thrifting finds inside Winnie’s walls, offering items including candles, wax melts, lip balms and even propagated plants. There are also a Little Free Library and a Hot Wheels swap, so the community can share.
In addition to running the farm stand and parenting two young children, Kramer also works full time as a purchasing specialist.
“I do not have any secrets. I am winging it and I want everyone to know that it’s OK to just start,” she said. “I truthfully have had this as an outlet outside of being a mom, wife and employee. I love bringing together the community. Right now, I’m still learning how to balance it all. The kids help with whatever I can – putting labels on things, things like that. Now that it’s crock pot season, we will be surviving on that. Dinner is already done.”
For Kramer, it’s about showing her kids that she has a passion for something outside the demands of family and everyday life.
“I’m happy the kids have been able to see me happy,” she said. “My husband is into drag racing. I wanted a passion like that. Now my kids can see that. They get to see mom happy and proud of what I’m doing. Of course this flows on to them.”
What has surprised Kramer most about being a business owner? The community.
“I’ve always heard that saying that your biggest cheerleaders will be people you don’t even know,” she said. “That’s true for me. I’ve made relationships with the community through how well this business has been received.”
Get to know Torie Kramer
Tell me about yourself! How would you describe yourself?
I’m Torie! I’m a wife, mama, animal lover, thrifter, crafter and the lady behind Barefoot & Backroads. I’m a little chaotic, stubborn when I have my mind set on something, and I’m almost always working on some new idea. I love supporting other local makers and small businesses, and I’m a big believer in just figuring things out as you go. I definitely don’t have it all figured out — but I’m having a lot of fun trying.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. I went from city girl to “give me some land and let the kids and animals free-range.” I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Career background?
I spent most of my career in the medical field, but I decided it was time for a change. I made the move to purchasing around the same time my husband and I were starting our family. I now work full-time as a Purchasing Specialist while also starting and running Barefoot & Backroads.
If you could learn one new skill/talent/ability to master, what would it be?
Building/woodworking! I always have some crazy idea for something I want built, and I’d love to be able to just grab the tools and make it happen myself. I’m very much an “I bet I could make that” person — I just need the skills to back up the confidence!
Which do you prefer: podcasts, books or movies?
Books, hands down! Give me a good book, a cup of coffee and some peace and quiet —which, as a mama, is usually the hardest part to find.
Dream vacation?
Alaska has always been a dream of mine, and we’re checking that one off the list with an Alaskan cruise in 2027! I think a dude ranch out West might be the next dream. Give us horses, mountains and wide-open country — we’re in!
Any hobbies?
Thrifting is a BIG one! I love finding old things and giving them a second life. I also love crafting and upcycling, reading, spending time with all of our animals and going to the racetrack with my family.
You can be counted on to bring _____ to the potluck.
Chili cheese dip or some kind of dessert! I’m not showing up empty-handed.
Favorite local restaurant?
This is a tough one because as a Milan local, I love them all! It really depends on the mood. If we want burgers, it’s 100% Roy’s. Mexican? Peppers. If I’m craving shawarma, we’re going to Shawarma Twins. And sandwiches? Without a doubt, OG’s. You can’t make me pick just one!
Favorite hidden (or not so hidden) gem in the Ann Arbor area?
Honestly, Milan! I know that’s probably cheating a little, but this town has completely stolen my heart. There are so many great little businesses, places to eat and fun events here. I grew up a city girl and never expected to love small-town life as much as I do, but here we are!
Any quotes or mottos that inspire you?
“Just keep going.” It’s simple, but it’s how I try to live. Not every idea is going to work, not every day is going to be a good one, and sometimes you’re going to wonder what the heck you’re even doing. Just keep showing up, keep trying and keep going.
Advice for mompreneurs who are thinking of starting their own business?
Just start. Seriously. You don’t have to have everything figured out — I sure didn’t. Start small, try things, mess up, change your mind 400 times and keep going. Don’t let a slow day, low engagement or somebody else’s opinion make you question what you’re building. And most importantly, don’t change who you are because you think you have to look or act a certain way to be a “real” business owner. Be yourself. Your people will find you. Also give yourself some grace, too. Being a mom, working, taking care of a family and trying to build something of your own is A LOT. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth doing.
