Kristin is the primary owner of Fantail Farm while Casey is operating his custom wooden boat business, Kea Custom Boats. Casey was born and raised in Texas while Kristin is a farm girl at heart raised in Iowa. Kristin currently works for NOAA as a marine mammal biologist & started this business while she was furloughed during the longest shutdown in our country’s history in late 2025.
I was inspired to start this business to share a beloved family cheesecake recipe with our community to create meaningful connections during a time of uncertainty. It is also my hope that those who visit this site feel inspired to make a delicious meal to share with family & friends and to gather around the table for quality conversation and to spend time together – we need each other more than ever.
We have one daughter who is the light of our lives – she is an aspiring marine science student & is currently traveling abroad participating in several ocean related internships. As a family we love to travel, sail, and spend time outside. We have two rescue pups, Isla & Pico as well as a flock of chickens and one duck, Buttercup.
Our home is located on Bainbridge Island in the beautiful Pacific Northwest nestled amongst the towering Douglas fir trees and close to the bluffs overlooking Puget Sound.
We have lived in this area for over 20 years and the beauty never fades, it always gives me a feeling of awe.
We are so grateful to build a life here and raise our daughter in an area with so much natural beauty.
Who is the Fantail? The New Zealand Fantail bird is known for its playful energy and resilience and is seen as a symbol of joy, strength, and new beginnings. This aligns with the qualities we are bringing to the future & our new business. It’s also a nod to our love for New Zealand and all of the happy memories we have created there during our visits.
The native New Zealand fantail. Photo Credit: New Zealand Geographic.
Casey & Kristin at Huka Falls in Taupo, New Zealand – July 2025