In Conversation with Jessica Mincher

For this edition of the journal we welcome Jessica Mincher, getting a glimpse into what navigating motherhood, returning to community alongside finding creativity has looked like through the different seasons of motherhood. After having her first son, Jessica and her partner were drawn back to the Sunshine Coast, craving community and connection. In the process, they quickly became aware of the amount of food wastage occurring across local farms. Feeling a pull and deep passion for sustainability, Mary Valley Food Co was born, working with the seasons to repurpose imperfect fruit into handcrafted garnishes. There is an underlying theme of community throughout Jessica’s pursuit of Mary Valley Food Co, from building connection with local farmers to working closely with direct suppliers before products land gently in customers drinks. Outside of her pursuits with Mary Valley Food Co, we get insight into the rituals and daily practices that are a constant for Jessica.

Can you speak to your journey in establishing Mary Valley Food Co?

We’d just had our first son and were feeling a bit restless in Brisbane working for other people. My parents own a farm in Amamoor so they offered the farm house to us to use while we figured out what we wanted to do. We started crop rescuing the produce from the area and drying it.

What is your approach to sustainability and how has this evolved over time?

Sustainability has always been at the heart of our business and leads the decision making when choosing produce, packaging and our packaging suppliers. We package our products in glass jars which are manufactured in Australia, which is then packed in Cardboard boxes manufactured locally, we use a local printer and have an established network of local farms who can offload their excess produce instead of letting it go to waste.

What is something you’d love for people to know about the industry?

I think most people are aware, but buying direct from farmers, the markets and smaller grocery shops helps keep money in local communities and takes away from the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

What does a typical day look like for you?

At the moment it’s school holidays so it’s much more relaxed which I like. I will wake up, put a batch brew on, start the boys breakfast and lunch boxes, sit on the couch with my coffee and scroll my phone. I’ll then have some breakfast and leave for work. We only work short days and always fill the afternoon with an activity for the boys, this is usually surfing or swimming.

How do you fill your creative cup?

I like to see live music, a beautiful film, catch up with friends, watch the sunrise or to read.

What does community look & feel like to you?

Community is really important to us, which is why we moved back to Queensland to be surrounded by our families. It’s so nice because our children all play together now and get together often. We also have some beautiful friends that drop us off meals or little gifts for the kids when we’re sick, which was a lot last year!

Where do you turn when seeking inspiration?

I spend a lot of time on social media and find inspiration from people I follow. I recently started listening to interviews with some of my favorite film directors and found so much inspiration throughout these. I’ve been in a huge rut since motherhood to be honest, it’s been 6 years since I have slept through the night so I struggle to be highly productive and when I do have a spare moment I end up binge watching the latest season of “Emily In Paris.”

Tell us a little bit about your journey into motherhood?

We conceived Harper on a Europe trip, we had no stable home in Sydney and were drifting between states and share houses, we also had an Australian album tour when we returned home and I was a few months pregnant. So, we quickly had to decide where we wanted to live and start making a home! Ha

When reflecting on your transitions through motherhood, what are you most proud of?

My bravery and softening.