The idea for 1818 Farms, a flower farm and award-winning lifestyle brand, began with a trip to a petting zoo. It was there that Natasha McCrary’s eight-year-old son, Gamble, became smitten with a Babydoll Southdown sheep.
Though McCrary had no prior farming experience, the self-described lifelong learner decided to adopt a few lambs in the hopes that raising them would help her children forge a deeper connection with nature.
“I wanted them to understand the importance of giving more back to the land than you take,” she said.
Soon, McCrary caught the farming bug herself. After adopting some more animals, including chickens, mini-pigs and a Nubian goat, she formed 1818 Farms. As she searched for how to make the farm financially self-sustaining, she came up with the idea of a brand of beauty products. Today, 1818 Farms crafts small-batch products like its whipped Shea Creme—winner of Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Beauty Award for best body butter—and botanical wax sachets. Each product uses ingredients grown and harvested on the farm—including wool from the original sheep that started it all.
In 2017, McCrary joined Amazon Handmade, a maker-only community where small businesses can connect with customers seeking handcrafted, high-quality goods. Her Amazon storefront helped her grow a loyal customer base far beyond Alabama.
“Amazon Handmade allows us to share our story and products with people who truly value craftsmanship,” she said.
Still, McCrary’s mission extends beyond sales. Through community workshops, a curated flower garden, and an educational YouTube channel, she invites others to discover the joy of intentional living.
“Everything I create reflects my passion for craftsmanship and community,” she said. “Whether someone is discovering our products online or attending a hands-on class, I want the experience to feel meaningful and deeply connected to the values of our farm.”