We recently had the chance to connect with April Hollingsworth and have shared our conversation below.
April, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People often think animal rescue is just about saving cute animals and giving them new homes, but behind every rescue is an entire world of heartbreak, healing, and hard choices. It’s a 24/7 commitment to medical care, cleaning, feeding, and constant advocacy for animals who are often in dire need of help.
What’s most misunderstood is how much sacrifice and structure rescue work truly requires. It’s not just long nights, missed holidays, and no vacations. It’s constant fundraising, vet appointments, behavioral rehab, and carrying the emotional weight of the ones we can’t save.
At Fabled Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, we’re not just rescuing animals. We’re rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and creating a safe space for those the world has neglected. It’s not glamorous work, but it is important.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is April Hollingsworth, and I’m the founder of Fabled Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Tennessee. We’re a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary dedicated to animals in need, especially those who are overlooked, elderly, or have special needs.
What makes Fabled Farm special is our belief that every life matters, even those deemed “unadoptable.” We provide medical care, safe shelter, and love, but even more than that, we give each animal a voice and a story.
I started Fabled Farm to create a place where animals could heal, find their forever homes, and where people could find peace by working alongside them. It has grown into a successful organization with hundreds of animals helped every year, promoting compassion and community education.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a child, I spent my days rescuing stray dogs, scooping up injured birds, and raising money for animal rescues by selling handmade art to anyone who stopped by our home. I had a heart that, even then, ached for every creature in need.
Like many people, I followed a more conventional path. I earned a Fine Arts Photography degree from Ohio University, moved to Nashville, and launched a successful photography studio called Harmony Designs Photography.
After 20 years in business and a life changing move from East Nashville to acres of land in Christiana, Tennessee, I retired my business to concentrate all my efforts on building a rescue program for equines, farm animals, and kittens.
With the years running my own business I gained leadership experience, communication skills, marketing knowledge, and a strong foundation for building a sustainable rescue and sanctuary. In many ways, I’ve come full circle. I am back to the person I always was, just with stronger tools in hand.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For as long as I can remember, my greatest fear was losing the animals I loved. In rescue, loss is a constant companion. I had to learn that love and loss are inseparable. Instead of letting the fear paralyze me, I began reframing it. I started recognizing that grief is the price of deep connection. Now, I focus on staying present. I love each animal fiercely while I can and try to create as much joy and comfort in the time we share.
Loss still hurts every time. There are days I struggle to keep going, but I always find peace in knowing their story ended in a place surrounded by love.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is exactly who I am. Whether I’m covered in hay, chasing an escaped goat, celebrating an animal recovery, crying over a loss, or writing heartfelt adoption bios, there is no fake version of me.
Rescue work doesn’t allow you to be anything except your authentic self.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
In the quiet of the evening, when the chores are done and the sun is low, I walk the farm with the dogs and I see horses grazing calmly, goats playing, pigs snoozing, and chickens dust-bathing. Everyone is safe and simply free to be themselves.
That is when I exhale. That is when I feel completely connected to myself and know I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fabledfarmrescue.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabledfarm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabledfarm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FabledFarm
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fabledfarm
Image Credits
Fabled Farm Rescue & Sanctuary
Dolly DeLong Photography
