My love for agriculture started early through 4-H and FFA, where I spent every chance I could learning about farming, animals, and community. Over the years, I worked on vegetable farms, cut flower farms, and with livestock—gaining the experience and confidence to finally begin my own homestead adventure.

Today, Ivy Oaks Homestead is the result of that passion. I have a deep love for caring for our chickens, who provide us with beautiful, farm-fresh eggs each day. When I’m not with the flock, I’m tending to our garden beds, preserving in-season herbs and vegetables, or crafting small-batch spice blends and preserves.

Life on the homestead is never dull. Alongside our chickens, I’ve taken in several rescue cats and share the place with a few loyal dogs. I’m happily married, and while I manage the logistics and day-to-day care of the homestead myself, I’m lucky to share many of the responsibilities (and joys) with close friends and family.

Some of my favorite moments are the simplest ones: sipping coffee with the chickens in the morning, tending the garden throughout the day, and closing out each evening with a walk through the beds at sunset after cooping up “the girls.” Those rhythms bring balance, joy, and a sense of connection to the land I care for.

At Ivy Oaks Homestead, everything we do is rooted in care, respect for the land, and a passion for bringing wholesome, homegrown products to our community. From fresh eggs to seasonal vegetables, cottage foods, and preserves, this is more than a farm—it’s a way of life I’m proud to share with you.

In addition to the homestead, floral design has become a meaningful part of my journey. Since 2020, I’ve created custom wedding designs for more than 50 events, many of which I completed while working directly on a cut flower farm. Along the way, I pursued formal training in the art of floristry and earned my Floral Design Certificate from McHenry County College. My approach is rooted in collaboration—I love working hand in hand with couples to bring their vision to life while sourcing blooms from trusted local farms and wholesalers. Each wedding design is unique, crafted with care, and tailored to reflect the beauty of both the season and the story being celebrated.

All of my cottage goods are produced under the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Act. I completed the University of Illinois’ online Cottage Food Operators Course, along with a Food Manager Training Course, earning my certification as a Food Protection Manager. My cottage food operation is registered and fully compliant with county regulations, allowing me to sell my goods throughout Illinois. In addition, I sell farm-fresh eggs under the Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act with a state-issued egg license, and I market my homegrown produce under the Farm Products Marketing Act. These registrations ensure that everything I share from Ivy Oaks Homestead is safe, compliant, and of the highest quality.