We recently had the chance to connect with April Patterson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning April , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, homeschooling and our little part-time one-room schoolhouse have been bringing me so much joy. Being around these sweet kids and watching them learn has been such a gift. I love seeing their curiosity come alive as we explore nature, do hands-on activities, and connect everything back to how the Lord created all things. It’s been a really special reminder of how meaningful simple, intentional learning can be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m April — an entrepreneur, wife, mom, and farm wife. My husband and I own Acres of Grace Farms, where we raise cattle, harvest haylage and silage, grow row crops, and open our farm each year for a pumpkin patch and seasonal events. One of the things closest to my heart is A Southern Marketplace, a wonderful event we host three times a year that brings together artisans/makers, small businesses, and our community in such a special way.
At the heart of everything we do is our faith. We truly believe that everything we have belongs to the Lord, and we’re just grateful to be stewards of it. Whether it’s working the land, welcoming families to the farm, or supporting small businesses through our events, our goal is always to honor Him in it all.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad, without question. He was an entrepreneur who developed multiple businesses over the years, and from a young age, I watched him work hard and lead by example. Some of my earliest memories are of our whole family out in the yard mulching together, setting tobacco, or feeding bottle calves on the farm. Dad and Mom were always working — not because they had to, but because they truly believed in what they were building.
The biggest lesson he taught me was to think — to always look for ways to make things better, more efficient, and to keep growing. He’d say, “If it doesn’t work, learn from it and move on.” That mindset of trial and error has stuck with me and shaped how I approach business every single day.
I try to carry that same perspective into our companies now — thinking strategically but also remembering the value of rolling up my sleeves and understanding every part of the work firsthand. His example encourages me to lead with faith, stay steady when challenges come, and move forward quickly no matter what.
Everything I do today — from how I make decisions to how I treat our team — ties back to what I learned watching him. His work ethic, faith, and forward-thinking ways are woven into everything we do.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be patient, steadfast, and consistent. Good things take time, and God’s timing is always better than your own. Stay steady — keep showing up, keep doing the work, and trust that even the small, unseen efforts will add up to something meaningful. Every season, even the hard ones, is shaping you for what’s ahead.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Instant gratification — hands down. We live in a world where everything happens so fast, and I think it’s quietly destroying people’s ability to grow, persevere, and find real fulfillment. We’ve gotten so used to getting what we want instantly — answers, recognition, results — that we’ve forgotten the value of process, patience, and persistence.
Some of the best things in life and business take time. Growth happens in the waiting, in the problem-solving, and in the hard days when nothing seems to be moving forward. I think a lot of people are missing that now — the satisfaction that comes from steady work, delayed reward, and sticking with something long enough to see it truly flourish.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Probably being the face of our businesses more. I tend to stay behind the scenes — planning, creating, organizing — and I’ve limited how much I personally show up online or interact on social media. Part of that comes from wanting to keep things humble and not make it about me, but I’ve realized that people really do connect with stories, faces, and genuine personalities.
I think I’ve been dimming that light a little — the opportunity to share what we’re doing, the heart behind it, and the faith that guides it all. When people can see and hear directly from you, it reminds them there’s real life and purpose behind the brand. I’m learning that showing up more doesn’t mean self-promotion; it means being authentic, building trust, and letting others see the passion God placed in me for what we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acresofgracefarms.com
- Instagram: asouthernmarketplace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asouthernmarketplace
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