San Diego homesteader Heather Thelen: Business as classroom
Heather Thelen runs Hawthorne Country Store in Escondido and treats the shop as more than a business — it’s a hands-on classroom for her children and grandchildren. Rooted in family traditions of canning, sewing and “make what you need,” the store aims to make homesteading practical and accessible across San Diego County.
Roots of homesteading in a San Diego family
Thelen’s homesteading approach grew from her parents’ household skills and resourcefulness. Her mother’s parents were missionaries and gleaners who taught home arts like canning and sewing. Her father emphasized making what you need from what you have. Those lessons — jars of home-canned food, DIY repairs and garden work — shaped a life where the home and workplace overlap.
Lessons passed down
Four generations now participate in the stores, and Thelen credits that intergenerational involvement with keeping traditional skills alive. Children learn curiosity, creativity and practical problem-solving by helping in the store: counting inventory, packaging products and watching how food preservation works in real time.
Hawthorne Country Store: what it offers San Diego homesteaders
Hawthorne Country Store focuses on gear and supplies for small-scale homesteading: canning jars, seeds, home-preservation supplies and how-to resources. Thelen says the goal is to lower the barrier to entry for people who want to try homesteading without committing to a full-scale lifestyle change.
They serve hobbyists and newcomers across San Diego County and look for product and market opportunities that help residents start small — for example, starter kits, seeds for local microclimates, and basic classes or demonstrations.
| Feature | Home homesteading | Hawthorne small-scale approach |
|---|---|---|
| Start-up cost | Varies; can be high if scaling up | Low — offers affordable starter supplies |
| Learning curve | Steep without guidance | Supported with hands-on demos and staff experience |
| Scale | Backyard to full homestead | Small-scale projects to build confidence |
Why this matters for San Diego neighborhoods
As urban and suburban communities in San Diego look for more resilient food options and sustainable practices, small-scale homesteading offers practical benefits: local food preservation, reduced waste, and community skill-sharing. A neighborhood that can process and preserve its own produce is more resilient during supply disruptions and can reduce grocery bills.
Thelen’s model — family-run stores with local knowledge — helps translate traditional skills into urban settings where space and resources are limited. By promoting accessible entry points, Hawthorne Country Store supports San Diegans who want to try homesteading without needing large property or a big investment.
What to watch next
Look for more local workshops, product launches tailored to Southern California microclimates, and partnerships with community gardens or farmers markets. Thelen has signaled a focus on expanding product lines and educational outreach across the county — expect small, practical offerings aimed at beginners.
If you’re curious, visit hawthornecountrystore.com for store locations, classes and starter kits designed for first-time homesteaders in the San Diego area.
- What is Hawthorne Country Store?
Hawthorne Country Store is a family-run chain in San Diego County that sells supplies for homesteading, canning and home preservation. - Where is the store based?
Thelen operates locations in Escondido and serves customers throughout San Diego County; check hawthornecountrystore.com for addresses and hours. - Can beginners start homesteading in the city?
Yes. Small-scale projects like container gardening, jar canning and seed starting are practical in urban and suburban settings. - How do kids learn from the business?
Children learn inventory, customer service, food preservation and hands-on craft skills by working in the store alongside family members.
Try one small project this month — plant a few jars of herbs or learn a basic canning method — and use local resources like Hawthorne Country Store to guide the first steps toward homesteading in San Diego.
San Diego Homesteader Turns Store into Family Classroom
