MY PURPOSE IS TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS
I overcame all the odds to become a successful entrepreneur and I believe that everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or background, should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. I believe business can be a force for good in bringing about change. I work constantly through my partnerships and products to encourage diversity in farming and the wider food business.
By sharing my story and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, I want to give hope and inspiration to people from all walks of life.
MY STORY
Background and heritage
I was born in Jamaica and moved to the UK with my family when I was just a child, as part of the Windrush generation. It was a strange time in a foreign land and my only reminder of home was the delicious Jamaican food that my mother cooked.I grew up in inner-city Birmingham living in complete poverty. As the eldest boy of nine children, it was my job to help my dad on our allotment, where he grew vegetables to supplement food for the family. It was here, away from our crowded two-up, two-down, I first dreamt of owning a farm in the great British countryside – an ambition that became a focus of everything I did.
Career and Achievements
A troublemaker at school due to my undiagnosed dyslexia, I left without any qualifications. But I didn’t let that stand in my way. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in the Parachute Regiment (I have a Dishonourable Discharge to my name) I trained as a chef and spent some time flipping burgers. But I had bigger ambitions. Unqualified but persistent, I talked my way into television, eventually becoming a producer/director for the BBC. I travelled the world making films about food and drink with the BBC Food & Drink programme and am credited with bringing many of the top celebrity chefs to the small screen including Gordon Ramsay, Antony Worrall-Thompson, Brian Turner and James Martin, before founding a food and drink marketing company in London.
Years later, when I was 40, I finally realised my dream of owning a farm in Devon, and it was here my neighbours coined the name ‘The Black Farmer.’ This inspired me to launch my own brand under the The Black Farmer name offering premium quality, affordable British products with outstanding flavour. As the first Black Farmer in the UK I am passionate about British farming, and I work tirelessly to infuse diversity into the industry. In recognition of my contributions to British farming, I have been honoured with an MBE.
SWIPE FOR MORE
My life took a drastic turn when I faced and conquered Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. The only course of action open to me to prevent the Leukaemia returning was to have a stem cell transplant. The transplant certainly saved my life but has left me with Graft versus Host disease (GVHD) which attacks many of my organs – including my skin. This battle with illness sparked my journey into the realm of health and wellness. The hardships I endured inspired me to create Wellbeing Pause, a line of all-natural products designed for sensitive skin.
Passions and InterestsI love all things British – particularly the eccentricities, like Morris Dancing. For some years I’ve worked with a wonderful troupe called the Dartmoor Border Morris – when I have the time there is nothing I love more than to go out dancing with them. I find the whole experience energising and really connects with the history of a local community.
While I was in hospital for the best part of a year recovering from Leukaemia and a stem cell transfer, I decided that when I got out I was going to travel to Spain and visit Jerez – the home of Flamenco dancing. It was there that I fell in love with everything Spanish – the food, the life, Flamenco. I visited so often that I acquired the name Don Wilfred! It was irresistible to me not to create a brand – and so I did. My first product is Don Wilfred Rum which perfectly combines my love of Spain with my Caribbean heritage, home of the finest spirits.
Honours and Awards
My efforts have garnered recognition far and wide. I've been bestowed with an Honorary Degree for my exceptional contributions to the Farming Industry, along with an Honorary Doctorate in Marketing. As a recent addition to the Governing Council of the Royal Agricultural University, I continue to shape farming education, emphasizing diversity and innovation.
Commitment to Small Business
My commitment to empowering small business comes to life in my role as a Director at Good Business Pays. I'm a firm believer in establishing equitable and supportive networks that foster economic growth, a mission that holds particular significance in a post-COVID-19 world. My leadership has played a pivotal role in nurturing sustainable business practices and providing support to local entrepreneurs.It was with this in mind that I wanted to share the lessons I have learned as a businessman and entrepreneur – and to look at those things I could pass on to others to help them on their journey.The result is my book “Jeopardy – The Danger of Playing it Safe”.In it I argue that our natural instinct for caution is one of the greatest barriers to making progress in life, and shows how embracing jeopardy is essential if you want to succeed.
MY FARM SHOP
Welcome to my first ever bricks and mortar flagship store, the Brixton Farm Shop, where my vision has come to life. I've created more than just a retail space – it's a hub of community engagement and celebration.
Here, every product tells a story, and every interaction is an opportunity to connect with others. I invite you to join me on this journey of culinary artistry and cultural exploration. Together, we'll discover the beauty of diversity and create lasting memories in the heart of the city.
PODCAST
Welcome to “Success Is Not Normal,” a captivating podcast series where I, your host, delve into the unique journeys of highly successful individuals. With each episode, I engage in insightful conversations with my esteemed guests, uncovering the unconventional paths and extraordinary experiences that shaped their success.
Join me as we explore the diverse stories of these exceptional people, and uncover the secrets to their accomplishments. In a world where normalcy is overrated, embrace the power of unconventional success with “Success Is Not Normal.”
HATCHERY
JOIN THE HATCHERY
Are you a foodpreneur with a vision that stands out? Does your brand carry a mission that resonates with heart, soul, and personality? If yes, we would love to hear from you. Email wilfred@theblackfarmer.com to explore how The Hatchery can support your journey towards making a significant impact in the food industry.
LET’S NURTURE YOUR DREAM INTO THE NEXT BIG SUCCESS STORY.
JEOPARDY
In my years of recovery after Leukaemia, it gave me some time to reflect on my life and the lessons I have learned as a businessman and entrepreneur – and to look at those things I could pass on to others to help them on their journey.
The result was my book Jeopardy – The Danger of Playing it Safe. In it I argue that our natural instinct for caution is one of the greatest barriers to making progress in life, and shows how embracing jeopardy is essential if you want to succeed.
Drawing on a life that has taken me from a deprived childhood in inner-city Birmingham to becoming one of the nation’s most famous farmers, I demonstrate how we can all go further in life by learning to escape the fears that stop us from achieving our ambitions.
In this book, I hope to show that only by embracing jeopardy, and liberating ourselves from the shackles of uncertainty and self-doubt, can we realise our full potential.
What could you achieve, if you decided to stop letting fear hold you back?
PAUSE
I now have to take very good care of my skin and can only use products that are for sensitive skin. During the first lockdown I was living in complete isolation and I decided to turn my hand to making soap and candles. I even created a brand name: Pause – Relax, Reflect, Rejuvenate. Of course, the lull didn’t last and I was back to putting my full energy into my business! I didn’t want to let Pause go, so I decided to source hand-made products that have been specifically developed for very sensitive skin and only use natural high-quality oils. Made by a small family company on Dartmoor, I hope you will agree that these are truly lovely products. There’s even something for your canine friend!
The only course of action open to me to prevent the Leukaemia returning was to have a stem cell transplant. The transplant certainly saved me but has left me with Graft versus Host disease (GVHD) which attacks many of my organs – including my skin.
SCARLETTS BARN