From family project to flourishing farm: 1818 Farms grows in North Alabama

In 2012, Natasha McCrary launched 1818 Farms as a small family project. 

The idea was simple: teach her children about responsibility and entrepreneurship through a hands-on experience.

That idea quickly evolved. What began as a request from her son for a sheep has grown into a nationally-recognized brand rooted in nature, sustainability, and community connection.

“We were just going to mainly do farmer’s markets and little children’s birthday parties and have the sheep. It just kind of took off from there,” McCrary said. 

Located in Mooresville, about 20 minutes outside Huntsville, 1818 Farms is known for its flowers, shea creme, and farm-based experiences including workshops, tours and events.

McCrary said owning and running a farm requires a commitment to constantly adapting and staying informed.

“In this job, I think you have to be a lifelong learner. I say that a lot because you always, whether it’s soil testing or bringing a new product here to market, you just got to change with the times and be on top of all the information that you can have to make the best end product,” she said. 

McCrary continued, “I’ve learned so much because I’ve surrounded myself with great mentors, especially on the sheep side, because I mean, I can vaccinate or give shots. I can pull a lamb when it has a baby, all these things I couldn’t do before.”

In addition to its farming operations, sustainability is a core part of the operation, with an emphasis on minimizing waste and making full use of farm resources.

“We try to use every piece that we can. If it’s a flower that isn’t used, it goes into compost. It’s always about reusing and not taking more from the land than you’re giving,” McCrary said. 

Looking ahead, McCrary said the focus is on increasing access to the farm and expanding in-person experiences.

“Our big goal for this year is doing more at the farm, having the farm open more just to get to meet people and then see the flowers and then really transition into having the gift shop open a lot more,” she said.  

McCrary noted the farm is designed to help people slow down and reconnect with the outdoors.

“A lot of it is mainly about connecting back with nature — connect with nature, take time to be outside. I think that’s one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is be in the outdoors and connect with nature,” she shared. 

Reflecting on her own work at the farm, McCrary offered perspective on finding a career that is fulfilling and meaningful.

“Find something that you’re excited about every day. We work very hard and this job, (especially on the flower farm side) is very demanding on your body and on what you do, but it doesn’t feel like work,” she said.

She also advised fellow business owners to network actively and to view failures not as defeats but as crucial learning opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid. You’re going to have failures.  No one is 100% successful. A lot of times what we learn the most is from a failure,” McCrary said.