Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivianna Acuña-Francisco.
Hi Vivianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our story really began with the pandemic’s unexpected side effect of making us want life to feel different. When my husband, Paul, and I bought our property in Matawan, we had no idea it would become a farm. We simply wanted more space, more peace, and a place where our family could breathe a little deeper.
With enormous help from our best friends and our two grown children, we learned as we went. What started with a few animals slowly grew into a passion shared by our whole family and eventually into a home for more than 130 fur and feather babies.
As friends and family visited, we saw how much joy the animals brought people. Children lit up, adults relaxed, and everyone seemed to slow down. That’s when we realized this little place had become something special, not just for us, but for the community.
The Francisco Family Farm grew naturally from that. Today, we host private birthday parties, school visits, camps, community events, and family celebrations. Our goal is to create a warm, personal experience where guests can connect with animals, nature, and each other in a way that feels genuine and memorable.
The Goat & The Glass, our boutique mobile beverage trailer, grew from that same love of hospitality and creativity. It allows us to bring custom drink experiences to weddings, private parties, school events, and community celebrations. And of course, Petunia, our very special little goat, is at the heart of it. Petunia has a handicap, but that has never stopped her from being one of our biggest stars. In fact, her gentle personality and unique story make her especially wonderful when we visit schools, where she helps children understand kindness, differences, resilience, and acceptance.
Looking back, none of this was planned. We learned through trial, love, mistakes, laughter, and a lot of muddy boots. But what started as a family adventure became our family’s passion, and now we feel incredibly grateful to share it with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not always been a smooth road. In many ways, we learned as we went, and every stage brought a new lesson.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning the proper care for so many different animals. Each one has their own needs, personality, and vulnerabilities. We have also had to learn how to cope with the heartbreak of losing animals we love, while also becoming better at protecting them from predators, harsh winters, and the brutal heat of New Jersey summers.
Beyond the animals, there has been a huge learning curve on the business side. We had to understand zoning laws, tax laws, insurance, liability, safety procedures, and all the responsibilities that come with welcoming people onto our property. At the same time, Paul and I are both still balancing our careers, our family, and the daily work of managing his business, the farm and The Goat & The Glass.
Another challenge has been learning how to make time for ourselves. When you care deeply about your animals and your guests, it is easy to keep going without stopping. We have had to learn that rest and recuperation are not luxuries, they are necessary in order to keep doing this with love, energy, and purpose.
The road has not been easy, but every struggle has taught us something. It has made us more resilient, more knowledgeable, and even more committed to protecting our animals and creating a meaningful experience for the families who visit us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Francisco Family Farm?
The Francisco Family Farm is not a commercial petting zoo or a large event venue. It is our home, our passion, and a place where families can slow down and reconnect. Because we intentionally keep our events small and personal, every guest receives an authentic experience with our animals in a relaxed, private setting.
What truly sets us apart is that every animal has a name, a personality, and a story. They are not attractions. They are members of our family. Guests are welcomed into our world, not just another venue.
An extension of our family business is The Goat & The Glass, our boutique mobile beverage trailer. We transformed a vintage horse trailer into a custom beverage experience for weddings, private parties, schools, festivals, and corporate events throughout New Jersey.
One of the most beloved members of both businesses is Petunia, our little Nigerian Dwarf goat. Born with a disability, Petunia has become the heart of our brand and a reminder that our differences can become our greatest strengths. Her calm, affectionate personality makes her a natural ambassador during school visits and community events, where she helps teach children about kindness, empathy, inclusion, perseverance, and acceptance.
What we are most proud of is the relationships we have built. Families return year after year, schools visit annually, and many guests have become lifelong friends. We are also incredibly grateful for the farmer friends we have made along the way. One of the greatest things we have learned is that farmers help farmers, and that sense of community has meant so much to us.
Everything we do is rooted in family, animals, creativity, community, and creating experiences that people remember long after they leave.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
We’re not big podcast or business book people. Most of what we’ve learned has come through hands-on experience and from other people who have been generous enough to share their knowledge.
Facebook has probably been our greatest resource. There are incredible homesteading, farming, and livestock groups where experienced farmers are always willing to answer questions, offer advice, and help troubleshoot challenges. We’ve also found Facebook to be an invaluable marketing tool for connecting with our local community. One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is that farmers truly help farmers, and those online communities have reinforced that every step of the way.
Instagram and TikTok have also been essential for sharing our story, showcasing our animals, and reaching new audiences in a fun and authentic way.
On the business side, Canva has become our go-to platform for designing everything from social media graphics and signs to brochures and marketing materials. GoDaddy has been a great resource for managing our websites and online commerce, and Square has made it easy to manage payments and point-of-sale transactions at both the farm and The Goat & The Glass.
At the end of the day, our greatest resource has been the people we’ve met along the way. Whether it’s fellow farmers, small business owners, or members of our community, we’re constantly learning from one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Franciscofamilyfarm.com
- Instagram: @franciscofamilyfarm
- Facebook: @franciscofamilyfarm
- Other: https://Thegoatandtheglass.com
