Meet the Owner

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About Heidi

HEIDI BENJAMIN
Owner & CEO of Takk House

Hi, I’m Heidi — owner of Takk House, Meadowlark, and someone who’s spent her life creating spaces and experiences that feel meaningful, soulful, and full of heart.

I started my career as a wedding photographer, spending over a decade capturing moments of love, beauty, and connection. My background in photography taught me how to see the world through a creative, human lens — and eventually, it inspired me to create a space of my own. In 2014, Takk House was born — a historic, architectural gem in downtown Troy, NY that I’ve lovingly restored into a one-of-a-kind venue.

Takk House has always been more than a building. It’s a reflection of everything I love — art, antiques, storytelling, warm hospitality, and honest celebration. Over the years, the business has grown organically alongside me, evolving into a full-circle experience that honors both beauty and intention.

In 2021, I launched Meadowlark, my own plant-forward catering company. After years of witnessing a disconnect between venues and catering teams, I saw an opportunity to offer something more thoughtful — intimate menus, curated aesthetics, and genuine care. Quality over quantity is the heart of Meadowlark, and it shows in every detail.

Then in 2022, I planted my first small flower farm. What began as a way to slow down and reconnect with the earth has blossomed into something truly special. Growing cut flowers for my own joy quickly turned into a passion I now get to share with our couples. You can often find my seasonal florals on display at Takk House — a surreal, full-circle moment I never imagined when this journey began.

When I step back and look at what I’ve built, it no longer feels random — it feels like an ecosystem. A life rooted in beauty, purpose, and care. From seed to flower, from house to home, everything is connected.

I’ve been called an old soul, and it’s true. My aesthetic is a blend of old and new, always with a sense of history and heart. My work is an extension of myself — curated, deeply personal, and designed to make people feel loved.

At the end of the day, I’m a caregiver at heart. Hospitality isn’t just my profession — it’s who I am. Whether you’re visiting Takk House, enjoying a Meadowlark meal, or celebrating love under a canopy of flowers I grew myself, I hope you feel it: the joy, the intention, the gratitude. It’s all real.

– HB

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I love music, and feel that growing up seeing bands with my friends has truly shaped me into the person I am. In my free time I love enjoying live music. These days I tend to gravitate toward indie female singer-songwriters.

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I have always had a strong connection and bond with animals & nature. I feel most fufilled when surrounded by those things. I am always talking to the birds, helping turtles cross the road and attempting to pet things I probably shouldn’t. I feel extreme empathy for souls that do not have a voice.

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II’m a self-taught cook who shows love through food. Creating thoughtful, beautiful meals is my favorite way to care for people — it brings me so much joy. I live a plant-based lifestyle and truly believe that cooking with intention and compassion makes everything taste better.

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I grow seasonal flowers and a variety of vegetables in my garden — many of which end up in Meadowlark dishes or on display at Takk House. From dahlias and cosmos to fresh herbs, tomatoes, and greens, growing my own ingredients connects me more deeply to the food I make and the beauty I share.

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I’ve built a life and career by following my gut, staying true to what I love, and letting things evolve naturally. Nothing about my path has been traditional, but every twist has led me closer to the meaningful, creative, joy-filled work I get to do every day.

Becoming a mom to my son has been the most grounding and joyful chapter of my life. He’s my greatest teacher, tiny sidekick, and the reason I’ve learned to slow down and savor the little things.

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I thrive on adventure and feel most alive exploring new places — whether it’s hiking through a national park or soaking up the sun in a tropical spot. Travel fuels my creativity and reminds me there’s so much beauty beyond the everyday.

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I live a wonderfully chaotic life on a hobby farm surrounded by animals — including our beloved Scottish Highland cow named Mae, a flock of quirky chickens and ducks, bees, and six (yes, six!) dogs who keep things lively. I dream of adding rescue pigs and a donkey to the mix someday. Caring for animals brings me so much joy.

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Before opening Takk House, I spent over a decade as a wedding photographer and studied art in school. Capturing love stories taught me how to see beauty in the smallest details — a skill that still shapes everything I do, from styling events to arranging flowers and creating thoughtful spaces.

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I’m the owner of Meadowlark, a plant-based catering business focused on seasonal, beautifully crafted food. What started as a way to offer more thoughtful meals for our events has grown into a true passion project rooted in care, creativity, and community