H I L LTO P HA P P ENINGS
AUTUMN RICHARDS WAANI ’12
Sustainable Business
by Kendra L. Bates, Assistant Director of Communications
F
o r A u t u m n R i c h a r d s Wa a n i ’ 1 2 , sustainability isn’t just a mindset; it’s her livelihood. On the brink of her 10-year reunion, Waani updated Berwick Academy on her projects of passion and how she found herself exactly where she was meant to be. Shortly after graduating, Waani earned her degree from the Culinary Institute of America and embarked on a career as a pastry chef. With a lifelong fascination and respect for nature, she soon yearned for her professional endeavors to mirror her personal ones. Thus, the birth of her company, Backyard Fern, an online market offering 100% plastic-free, vegan-friendly, and locally handmade goods. Though sustainability and business were not in Waani’s original plans after leaving the Hilltop, her journey has been a satisfying one. “Although I received recognition and awards in my career as a pastry chef, my greatest accomplishment was actually when I gave myself the freedom to change careers,” she says. “Changing the course of your life can be intimidating. I’m very proud to have allowed myself to pursue and grow my interests in the worlds of art, writing, and sustainability. Recognizing your desire for change and actually creating change are 46 | WINTER/SPRING 2022
two separate things. My greatest fear was doing both and, in turn, I was able to build Backyard Fern, a company that enables artisans to pursue their own creative interests.” Backyard Fern is an online market offering 100% plastic-free, veganfri e n d l y, and locally handmade goods, all while shipping orders in minimal eco-friendly packaging with carbonneutral shipping. The mission behind the business model stemmed from Waani’s own frustrations as a shopper. “I longed for a place where I could shop anxiety-free,” she explains, “a place where I was confident in the quality and sustainability of the goods and where I knew my purchase would directly contribute to something positive in the world. At Backyard Fern, people know their purchase directly supports local makers and small businesses, while 4% of profits are given to charities benefiting environmental and community causes.” In her new business venture, Waani is able to incorporate her expressive talents when working with the 25+ independent artists featured in the market. Collaborating
with a progressive team and a creative mindset is not something new for her, however. The opportunities she had at Berwick to experiment with new methods of creativity are some of Waani’s fondest memories. “Whether it was in the visual, physical, or literary arts, I spent countless hours participating in all the creative spaces Berwick had to offer,” she says. “Having access to such a wide variety of creative courses inspired me to continue to prioritize the arts in my daily life as an adult, which led to the creation of Backyard Fern.” With a new chapter of her career underway, Waani is open to reflection and offering insight for budding young professionals. When asked what advice she would give to students and alumni looking to start a career that follows a personal interest, Waani urged the nurturing of passions and allowing room for oneself to evolve and learn. “While you may be focusing on a specific passion in terms of a career,” she says, “being a well-rounded individual can have an amazing effect on your abilities to be creative and succeed within your focus and life.”
