Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sara Church. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I was pregnant with my first born, I wanted clean skincare products to use on myself but also my growing family. The natural skincare industry was not what it is today and this was hard to find. Everything seemed to be greenwashed. I decided I would make them myself. I started creating natural products that actually worked! What I also found was a creative outlet and fell in love with formulating new products. This dream grew into a regenerative farm where we produce all of our own herbs, goat’s milk and pastured lard for our skincare line. We also produce our own meat for our family but also for our community. Through this endeavor I have found my purpose but most Importantly my passion!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mother and wife foremost. I have 2 children and a third on the way. I am passionate about healthy living, being outdoors and life on the farm. I enjoy spending as much quality time with my family as possible.
Our brand is focused on bringing sustainable skincare that is 100% non-toxic to others all over the world. Skincare products that are natural and actually work! We believe healthy living isn’t just your skincare routine but also what you consume and your mental health. This is why we are also passionate about raising animals outdoors in pastures and forest where they can live their healthiest but best lives! We love food and a high quality meal that was humanely raised.
We believe our practices are what separate us from the rest. We are a Certified Naturally Grown farm located in Virginia. We have the highest standards for our skincare line and our regenerative farm. We grow our own herbs for our herbal infusions to create our products. In doing so, we have potent products that actually work and heal the skin. We focus on true herbalism practices. Our oils, butters and waxes are all purchased Certified Organic.
We use raw goat’s milk in our soaps simply because the benefits are in the raw milk not the pasteurized. We have a well loved herd that provides us with all of our own milk to use in our products.
We raise a heritage breed of pigs, called Kunekune’s. Not only do we raise them because they are true pastured pigs but the quality of their meat and lard are unmatched. Their lard has been compared to emu oil, that’s kind of a huge deal! We use the lard in our soaps and are formulating new ways to use it in other products.
We partner with local regenerative farms for our tallow products. We believe skincare should be simple ingredients. Tallow is an amazing ingredient that has been overlooked.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My ambition is what I believe has brought me here today. I had folks say “everyone creates products like these” and even “friends” that didn’t support me. I had a dream to bring healthy products to others and I’ve never lost focus on that mission. If I would’ve listened to any of the naysayers we would not be where we are today.
While I was raised up on farms as a child, I didn’t learn about herbalism or regenerative agriculture in my childhood. I had a passion for farming and animals at a young age. I am 100% self taught and have done tons of research over the years. You don’t have to be an expert in the subject to get started.
Consistency is the most important task in being an entrepreneur. Stay focused and productive but don’t forget to take some time outside of your business for yourself and your family.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing that happened to me was losing my dad when I was 14 years old. My dad had cancer and only 6 months to live when he found out. He didn’t eat organic or take care of himself the way he probably should have. However, back then natural living was not what it was today. I lost him in 2008 and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t missed him. Through this tragic loss, it has driven me to be healthier for my children and for myself. My dad had an amazing work ethic and could do just about anything. I’ll never forget his perseverance.
Another impactful thing my parents did for me was my mom has always been healthy. She worked out 5-7 days a week, tried to eat mainly organic, always outside hiking, gardening, etc.. I became more like my mother when I became a mother myself. Growing up I didn’t understand why we couldn’t have the “good stuff” for food and had to eat the more flavorless foods but now I fully understand. My mom also raised us on her own while working a full time job and enrolled in a college she attended in person in another state. She is so strong and her strength has definitely rubbed off on me. Thank you mom for everything you did for us!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.willowmoonfarm.org
- Instagram: @willowmoonfarm
- Facebook: Willow Moon Farm
Image Credits
Photo credit: Hannah Keller Photography, LLC
