What Three Tiny Chicks Taught Me About Marketing
- Carrie Toreno
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
As a parent, there are certain moments you know your child will never forget. This spring, our family experienced one of those moments firsthand as we watched baby chicks hatch from eggs right in our home.
My son has always loved animals and dreams of becoming a zoologist one day. Last year, his school participated in a chick-hatching project, and the experience made a lasting impression on him. When he asked if we could do something similar at home, I started looking for options and was fortunate to connect with Shawna Hawkes at Heritage Springs Family Farm.
From the very beginning, Shawna was wonderful to work with. She provided everything we needed, including twelve fertilized Silkie eggs, an incubator, and guidance throughout the process. What seemed intimidating at first quickly became an exciting family adventure.
The waiting period felt long, but it was filled with anticipation and learning. My son took his role seriously, carefully following instructions, monitoring the incubator, and learning about the development process inside each egg. Every day brought new questions, observations, and opportunities to learn.
Then came hatch day.
There is something truly magical about watching a chick break through its shell for the very first time. We gathered around the incubator and watched in amazement as three tiny chicks made their entrance into the world. Seeing those first movements, hearing their first peeps, and watching them fluff up was an experience none of us will ever forget.
Over the following six weeks, we cared for the chicks as they grew stronger and more active. Along the way, we documented their journey through photos and videos—from eggs in an incubator to curious, fluffy young birds exploring their surroundings. Watching their growth firsthand provided lessons in biology, responsibility, patience, and animal care that simply can't be replicated through a textbook or online video.
As the chicks grew, I found myself thinking about something I often discuss with clients: marketing is all around us.
Most people think marketing is limited to advertisements, social media posts, websites, or logos. While those tools certainly play a role, effective marketing is really about creating meaningful experiences, telling stories, and building connections.
This project was a perfect example.
Heritage Springs Family Farm didn't simply provide eggs and equipment. They created an experience. They gave our family the opportunity to learn, connect, and create memories together. They sparked curiosity in a future zoologist and turned a simple science lesson into an unforgettable adventure.
That's great marketing.
Every business has opportunities like this. Whether you're a local farm, restaurant, nonprofit, healthcare provider, or service-based company, your story extends beyond the products or services you sell. The experiences you create, the problems you solve, and the impact you have on people's lives are often your most powerful marketing tools.
When people are excited about an experience, they share it. When they learn something meaningful, they talk about it. When they feel connected to a business, they become advocates. The photos, videos, and stories we captured throughout this project are proof of that.
As someone who helps businesses tell their stories through marketing and design, I love finding examples of authentic connections in everyday life. This chick-hatching experience demonstrates how education, community engagement, and storytelling can come together to create something truly memorable.
Now that our six-week adventure has come to an end, it's time for the chicks to return to Heritage Springs Family Farm. While we're sad to see them go, we're grateful for the experience and everything we learned along the way.
I'm also excited to help Heritage Springs Family Farm expand awareness of this incredible program so more families, homeschool groups, and schools can experience it for themselves. In a world where so much learning happens through screens, there's something special about providing children with a hands-on opportunity to witness life, science, and nature up close.
If you're looking for an educational experience that combines science, responsibility, curiosity, and a little bit of magic, I highly recommend exploring the hatching programs offered by Heritage Springs Family Farm.
You never know—you might inspire the next generation of zoologists, veterinarians, scientists, or lifelong animal lovers. And along the way, you might discover a powerful lesson about storytelling, connection, and the role marketing plays in creating experiences people will never forget.
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