This week’s #BeautyBoss is Natasha McCrary, Owner and Operator of 1818 Farms—a working farm located on three acres in Mooresville, Alabama. From happy animal residents that include a pot-bellied pig and a Babydoll Southdown sheep to a vast flower field and gardens, the historic farm hosts various workshops, events and classes such as wreath making, food preservation, and more.

In 2017, the farm began its “Seed to Vase” initiative with the goal of educating others on ways to identify, grow, harvest and arrange seasonally grown flowers. In the spring of 2018, they launched the 1818 Farms Flower Truck, which brings fresh flowers to the community and can be found weekly from mid-April through September at various locations and pop-ups throughout Alabama.

McCrary also founded a line of bath and beauty products by the same name, which grew out of the need for simple products that really work. All of her products are handmade, hand-packaged, and formulated with therapeutic grade ingredients, while pictures of popular farm animals grace the product labels.

We chatted with McCrary, who shares the inspiration behind the brand, favorite wellness and beauty tips, best advice, and more. 

When was 1818 Farms founded and what does the name mean?

1818 Farms opened in 2012. It’s located in Mooresville, AL (pop. 58). 1818 Farms is named for the year Mooresville was incorporated—one year before Alabama became a state.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

The inspiration for 1818 Farms originated with my middle child, who fell in love with a Southdown Babydoll sheep that he met at a petting farm in October 2011. Owning a Babydoll was all he could talk about and I began to dream of owning a small profitable farm where we could teach our children to appreciate the land and animals, and be good conservationists. 1818 Farms’ bath and beauty products have grown from our commitment to our farm and the need for simple products that really work.

Featured on the labels are some of our farm animals, from Farrah Fawcett’s Bath Tea to Sweet Pea and her scented Shea Creme. In 2017, we began our “Seed to Vase” initiative to educate others on identifying, growing, harvesting and arranging seasonally-grown flowers. Today we have over 11,000 flowers growing in our fields. 1818 Farms is a working farm, a bath and beauty business, a flower farm, and so much more! 

Does 1818 Farms have a hero product?

1818 Farms Shea Creme is without a doubt our hero product. It is made using three ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, and an essential oil or fragrance. The Shea Creme is available in eight scents, as well as an unscented version. 

Customers love its light and fluffy texture. It’s extremely concentrated, so a little goes a long way. We recommend applying a pea-size amount and adding more as needed. Our Shea Creme has become a part of many customer’s daily skincare routines. We have, by far, more repeat purchases and unsolicited testimonials of our shea creme than any other product.  

What are your favorite products from the brand?

Farm life and constant exposure to the outdoor elements can make it difficult to maintain hydrated skin. Our Shea Creme and Argan Face Serum are my two must-have products to use for hydration.   

I apply our Shea Creme to hands, feet and body at bedtime. The Argan Face Serum is used specifically as a facial moisturizer. The serum is a blend of argan oil, evening primrose oil, grape-seed oil, vitamin E, and lavender essential oil. 

I apply the serum at bedtime and in the morning after washing my face. It only takes a few drops of this concentrated serum for skin to feel hydrated. The serum absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy.   

Where are your products sold?

1818 Farms products are available at brick-and-mortar stores throughout the United States. You can find your closest local retailer by visiting our store locator map. Our products are also available on Amazon and our website.

Future plans for the brand?

We are currently developing new Shea Creme scents that complement the existing line. In 2020, we are also launching our seed business by selling our first heirloom flower seeds.  

Who inspires you?

Successful entrepreneurs inspire me. I know firsthand the countless hours that you must commit to building a company from the ground up. I enjoy watching others create a business from a simple idea/concept and achieving their goals. I’m inspired by their excitement, determination, and never give-up attitudes.  

Secret to success?

Think long-term when building a brand and customer loyalty. Surround yourself with the best employees that you can hire and invest in their training. Lastly, always be authentic to your customers. 

Beauty secrets?

I wear sunscreen 365 days a year. Never take your skin for granted.

Wellness tips?

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. I carry a reusable water bottle with me everywhere I go.  

Best advice?

If you determine a process isn’t working in your company don’t be afraid to make changes. Doing something because it’s always been done that way, isn’t always the “best way.” 

Keep your eye on market trends. You want to be aware of your customers’ changing needs/wants and how that will impact their buying behavior. 

How do you like to relax?

Spending time in my flower garden or reading a book are my favorite ways to relax.  

For more information, visit 1818farms.com and follow them on Instagram: @1818farrms

[Images courtesy of 1818 Farms]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk