Making her way through aisles of colorful blooms, Natasha McCrary’s smile broadens as affectionate ‘Babydoll’ Southdown sheep nuzzle into her open arms. “I love everything about the farm, but the sheep are my favorite,” says Natasha, whose passion for nature, affinity for flowers, and entrepreneurial spirit sustain 1818 Farms in tiny Mooresville, Alabama. Natasha’s farming life unfurled when her family bought a rare breed of sheep in 2000. The physical effects of farm labor inspired her to create luxurious bath and body products, which are sold online and in specialty stores across the country.
“What better way to share my love [for the animals] than by having them as our cover guys and cover girls on the products?” asks Natasha, who honors the resident fauna by incorporating their likenesses into the 1818 Farms collection of handcrafted pampering products, exclusive home goods, and more.
Hand-whipped Shea Creme made of coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils is a steadfast favorite, and a smiling ewe is pictured on the jar. Clover’s Lip Smack lip balm features a playful miniature pig by the same name, and a mischievous Nubian goat called Farrah is the face of Lavender Goat’s Milk Bath Tea.
After adopting the first sheep, Natasha planted produce and lavender as a trial run for her ultimate goal: harvesting a variety of beautiful blossoms. “I could talk your ear off about flowers all day long,” says Natasha, who attributes her success to tireless research and a lot of trial and error. Natasha’s team sells zinnias, anemones, and more by the stem from a vintage pickup truck that travels to area retail shops. They also preserve the flora that does not sell fresh to create dried bouquets, one-of-a-kind wreaths, and sachets of dehydrated petals.
“People come down here and see how beautiful it is, and she makes it look easy,” says Natasha’s husband, Lawrence, who joined his wife full-time in 2012. The couple hosts various events throughout the year, including floral arranging workshops, tours, and sheep shearing demonstrations. Reservations are required and spaces are limited. “Education is a huge part of our mission, and we want them to leave with an experience they won’t forget,” Natasha says.
Whether people support the farm through the merchandise, the flowers, or the family’s social media videos of adorable lambs, Natasha takes pride in their work. “What makes 1818 Farms so special is the authenticity of being a true working farm, a producer of handmade goods, and an educational outlet for the community,” she says. “It makes me happy that [visitors] always say, ‘It’s just like what we thought it would be.’”
Photography by John O’Hagan
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