Bray Ridge Farms is a flavour‑forward, artisan food business rooted in local agriculture, creativity, and a love of great food. Amanda Kiezebrink is the third‑generation farmer and a Royal Canadian Navy veteran.  Her business brings the “upscale restaurant” experience into home kitchens through a growing lineup of handcrafted flavoured butters, jams, and sweet breads.

What started with just two signature butter flavours has grown into more than 25 savoury and sweet varieties, alongside bacon jams, onion jams, and an expanding range of baked goods. Each product is designed to elevate everyday meals while showcasing the incredible local ingredients available throughout Durham Region.

How the Idea Took Shape

Amanda’s  journey began shortly after retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces and completing the Food and Farming program at Durham College. During the program, she identified a gap in the market: people love the indulgent touches found in high‑end restaurants but want simple ways to recreate that experience at home.

Her final project—two original butter flavours—received strong feedback from test groups. Although she initially returned her focus to the family farm after graduating, the idea never left her. Those flavours were simply too good to ignore.

With a few farmers’ market applications, a handful of new flavours, and a willingness to try, Bray Ridge Farms was born.

A Love for Local and Experimentation

One of the things Amanda loves most about her business is the ability to grow alongside the local food ecosystem. Durham Region is home to many small‑scale farmers and producers with incredible offerings, and Bray Ridge Farms proudly incorporates local ingredients whenever possible.

Experimentation is part of the fun. Amanda enjoys developing new flavours, testing ideas, and welcoming feedback—both positive and constructive—from customers at markets and local shops. Each conversation helps refine the products and keeps the business evolving.

Connecting with BACD

Amanda first connected in 2020 when exploring the different business ideas and opportunities for their farm and then again attending the She Does Business networking event, where she learned about opportunities to showcase women entrepreneurs during International Women’s Week.

That invitation encouraged her to step forward, share her story, and connect with the broader entrepreneurial community in Durham Region.

A Point of Pride

Amanda is most proud of her persistence. There were many moments when walking away would have been easier, but she chose to keep going—returning to the butter concept, expanding the flavour lineup, and continuing to show up at markets and events.

Watching Bray Ridge Farms grow into what it is today is a reminder that believing in your product—and yourself—matters.

Advice for Other Entrepreneurs

“Get yourself out there. Talk to everyone. Network your buns off. Even if nothing happens right away, the connection you make today might pay off later. And above all, don’t give up on yourself.”

Bray Ridge Farms is proof that great ideas can come from unexpected places—and that with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep trying, something small can grow into something truly special.