Passions Unleashed: The Multi-Faceted Ventures of the Blais Family
Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography
Most people adopt a hobby or two when they become empty-nesters, but not the Blais Family. For Jason and Aubry their hobbies turned into lifelong passions and pursuits.
Aubry, 46, and Jason Blais, 55, are quite the Renaissance couple with a multitude of interests and loves that have blossomed into various businesses within the Stafford area. This talented couple met in 2016 and actually got married at Highland Barn, a rustic venue that the couple now runs.
Back on their wedding day in April 2020, the barn still bore the imprint of its humble origins with a dirt and gravel floor. Dirt was certainly kicked up by their boots, as the couple danced all night with their closest family and friends. Soon after, Jason, a retired Special Forces Army Officer, hung up his combat boots and traded them for his farm ones. Aubry remains “so proud of his contribution to the US Army and his pride in serving our country well.”
The discipline gleaned from his service is certainly paying off as he tends to the needs of the farm. A Citadel graduate, Jason’s dedication to his country echoes in the disciplined rhythm of their farm life, and discipline is what he and Aubry instill in their dogs.
In addition to running Highland Barn, the couple trains Deutsch Drahthaars, better known to us as simply German hunting dogs at Vom Drengr-Jager Kennel. While people across the country found new hobbies during COVID-19, the pandemic catalyzed and inspired the Blais family.
Both Vom Drengr-Jager and Highland Barn were established in 2020 and allow the couple to fulfill yet another passion of theirs: their love for animals. Along with their highland cows at the barn, their Deutsch Drahthaars bring them so much joy and are highly-skilled.
“They are versatile hunting dogs that point, flush, and retrieve upland game and waterfowl,” Aubry explained. “They can track a wounded deer and can also do predator eradication.” The couple trains their dogs through the extensive testing program of Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar Group North America (VDD-GNA). Soon Aubry will pass all of her tests as well.
Aubry has been studying for the past two years in order to receive her certifications and graduate from George Mason University in May as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is already a registered nurse, which is another hat she wears for business number three: owner of Thistle Medical Skincare Studio, which was established in 2018. Thistle has become Aubry’s new career and main focus, while Jason takes the reins over the barn and the dogs.
While all three businesses fulfill different passions the Blaises have, one thing unifies them all: the couple’s generous spirit of giving back.
“Thistle gives back to the community every year through our local social services by covering the Christmas wish lists for three families and three senior citizens from our community,” Aubry explained. “We also donate gift certificates to local schools and organizations for their fundraising efforts,” as the two have lived in Stafford since 2004 and raised their blended family together.
“We have chosen to stay here as it is where our children were raised, and we love the sense of community; our friends and family are here,” Aubry said. “We get to enjoy all four seasons on our farm, and it’s close to the mountains and ocean for fun getaways.”
The camaraderie between their neighbors is also something they love about Stafford and the Blaises embody the spirit of communal support that has helped define their rural haven.
“Our neighbors are fellow farmers. We are always happy to help out by fixing fences, loaning supplies, or looking after farm animals while they are away,” Aubry said. “We also host a big annual summer BBQ, which is always a lot of fun, and we host occasional public events to allow our community a chance to enjoy a day at the farm.” (Stay tuned for more details for this summer’s picnic.)
Their highland cows are the biggest attractions– in both size and fame– at the farm, along with the beautiful wedding venue of Highland Barn. Their two Highland cows, Nutmeg and Nettle, (both four years old) and a bull named Maverick (7 months) are always bringing in admirers from the area. Of course, they have three of their own Deutsch Drahthaars, too: Tyr (9), Blaze (5), and Ari (1).
When they aren’t taking care of their four-legged family members or training others, running a wedding venue, or helping others get the best skin of their lives, they enjoy simple, leisurely home activities, including gardening vegetables and flowers, cooking, and baking. Aubry is “always interested in trying out new recipes,” and is currently trying her “hand at homemade sourdough bread.”
Beyond their farm gates, Aubry and Jason love exploring the world together. From the lush landscapes of Costa Rica to the romantic charm of France, the Caribbean's sun-soaked beaches to the vibrant streets of Mexico, they enjoy their adventures and some time to recoup and relax before getting back to work on the homestead. They have a trip to Kauai in the books for later this year, and a few European adventures, like Scotland, Germany, and Italy, remain on their bucket list.
Back in Stafford– and when they can find the time in their schedules– the couple savors more of the simple pleasures of life and some local favorites. They enjoy “a summer nights watching a movie at Potomac Point Winery'' under the stars, a lovely dinner at Robiolina Italian Cuisine, or “strolling through the Stafford Farmers Market for fresh produce, pastries, and flowers.”
The Blais family continues to intertwine their passion for animals and nature with hard work as they see the fruits of their labors and the richness of a life well-lived on the land that their farm offers.
