Inspiring Conversations with Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha McCrary.

Hi Natasha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Located on three acres in the northwest corner of the historic village of Mooresville, AL (pop. 58), 1818 Farms was started by Natasha McCrary and is named for the year Mooresville was incorporated, one year before Alabama became a state. The happy animal residents on our little farm include Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, mini pigs, and a Great Pyrenees guardian dog. In an adjacent field, over 14,000 flowers show off their best colors and blooms, having been lovingly and carefully tended to, bringing beauty today and providing seeds for future seasons.

The idea for this family project originated in 2011 with my eight-year-old child, who fell in love with the Babydoll Sheep that he met at a petting farm we visited. Owning a Babydoll was all he could talk about, so, thinking this would be fun and educational for our family to do together, I began researching where to buy a few lambs to raise as a family project on our land here in Mooresville. And then, Gamble, my 8-year-old entrepreneur, began to plan what he was going to do with his sheep: sell the wool, sell the manure to garden shops, charge for photographs, and even stage a Nativity scene at the church if he could find a baby, I began to dream my plans for a small profitable farm where we could teach our children to appreciate the land and animals and to be good conservationists. We also wanted to teach them the importance of being self-sustaining.

Over the years, the farm handcrafted product line has grown to include shea creme, bath soaks, wax sachets, face serum, pressed flower resin art, botanically dyed scarves, and more, The 1818 Farms product line is now available in 600 stores across 45 states and online.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The process of developing a personal care line as well as growing and working with flowers, fresh, pressed, and dried, is not always easy. Our business model is full of diversity. I wear many hats and must balance the day-to-day business activities while planning for future growth.

In the personal care line, there have been sourcing challenges with raw ingredients and packaging. As a farmer, there are variables in the environment that I cannot control. Over the years, I have enjoyed many successful growing seasons mixed with a few failures, which I consider learning experiences. However, at the end of each day, my goal is to provide customers with the highest quality product.

Over the past twelve years, I have focused on continual personal and business skill developments that will help achieve this goal.

As you know, we’re big fans of 1818 Farms. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with a steadfast commitment to sustainability, land stewardship, and community engagement. Inspired by my passion for “life the way it used to be,” I wanted to create a company that would have a true connection to its customers.

Our bath and beauty products grew from our commitment to the farm and the need for simple products that work. Featured on the labels are some of the more popular farm animals, from Farrah Fawcett’s Bath Tea and Clover’s Lip Smack to Sweet Pea and her scented Shea Creme. These products are all handmade, hand-packaged, and include therapeutic-grade ingredients. Even as we have grown, our team continues to use original small-batch recipes to make simple and effective bath and body favorites, providing the consistent quality customers have come to expect from 1818 Farms. I was thrilled that our Shea Creme was dubbed as Good Housekeeping Magazine’s “Best Body Butter” in their 2023 beauty awards.

Our farm is also a space for creative experiences. During the summer months, our open-air pavilion is used for our Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshop participants. Guests spend time touring my beautiful garden as I identify my favorite varieties of heirloom flowers and demonstrate the best methods for harvesting flowers when gathering them for arrangements.

Following the garden tour, participants gather at the 1818 Farms pavilion where the hands-on portion of the workshop will begin. Each participant is provided with a gorgeous selection of fresh-cut flowers and herbs gathered that morning at the farm. Next, I discuss the floral elements needed to create a balanced bouquet and demonstrate the basic steps to follow to create a stunning floral arrangement for any occasion.

By sharing my creative spaces with others, I hope to inspire them to build a space that brings them joy and where they can create beauty all year long. Bloom Stroll and Bouquet workshops are typically posted on our website in mid-February for the season. To be the first to know about upcoming workshops and events join our priority contact email list. To join the mailing list (https://mailchi.mp/1818farms/1818-farms-landing-page).

In January of 2024, 1818 Farms will launch their new “Where I Bloom” product line. This unique line invites you to embrace your roots and showcase your love for the state that holds a special place in your heart. Our unique collection of state-shaped products, featuring delicate prints of carefully arranged pressed flowers from 1818 farms, is a celebration of home, pride, and personal identity.

Whether you’re a native resident, a transplant, or simply have a fond connection to a particular state, the “Where I Bloom” product line serves as a tangible reminder of the place where you truly Bloom.

The line will include giclee fine art prints, note cards, coasters, t-shirts, and flour sack towels. These conversation starters will become cherished mementos and symbols of your connection to the place that calls you home. Embrace your roots, celebrate your heritage, and let “Where I Bloom” be the canvas for your state pride.

What does success mean to you?
Success is inspiring others to reach outside of their comfort zone and have the confidence to grow into the person that they want to become.

Pricing:

• $5 – $180 products

Contact Info:

• Website: www.1818farms.com
• Instagram: @1818farms
• Facebook: 1818 Farms
• Twitter: 1818Farms
• Youtube: The1818Farms

Image Credits
Olivia Reed Photography and 1818 Farms