I used to have a dream...
… of a life where I baked my own bread made from wheat harvested on my land, and then I would make French toast with that bread, with eggs I collected that morning from my chickens, milk from my cow and then I would drizzle sticky maple syrup from my own tapped sugarbush over that same bread.
I wore an adorable stylish apron designed by Joanna Gaines and used safe ingredients to keep my family healthy. My kids were helping in the kitchen in sibling harmony and joyfully cleaning their rooms, too (yeah ok, that last part is far-fetched).
And then I woke up. ;)
I mean, baking bread IS pretty fun and therapeutic. Sometimes. When I feel like it. But let's face it, cows realistically aren't going to be my next pet (fresh milk- sweet! at 3am- no thanks). And how many people today have access to a wheat field or a sugarbush? And you KNOW with 3-6 kids, sibling harmony is ... well ... let's just say it's a work in progress.
But here's the thing ... when I woke up, I got to keep a part of that dream!
I woke up on this amazing farm at a cohousing village in Vermont where I had access to the most caring and conscientious farmers in America. (Spoiler- I know the people with the cows and the sugarbush in real life!)
Farmer’s Body was founded at the Cobb Hill cohousing ecovillage in Hartland, VT. Cobb Hill is a very special and unique place to be ... where you can live ON a farm but not BE the farmers.
You don't have to milk cows yourself, but can chat daily with the farmer (Kerry) who does, and look out over the lush field of her market garden and buy her tallow and fresh milk at the on-site farm stand.
I KNOW these people - from their agricultural practices to their dreams - and I trust them.
Farmer’s Body literally (and figuratively) brings fresh farm ingredients - from farmers we know and trust straight to your family's tub!
Hello! Nice to e-meet you. :) My name is Meggan (yes, two g's - blame my parents). I'm the main body behind Farmer's Body. I live with my husband and 3-6 kids.
Wait.
You: "Meggan, how do you have a variable number of children?"
Good question! We have 3 biological children and as a foster family, we help to support kids in our community who need a home for a while; we are happy to open our hearts to share our home.
I grew up on the front range in Colorado and am now a proud New Englander. Our family spent time living all across the country remodeling our homes (gotta love Joanna Gaines and Fixer Upper), searching for just the right lifestyle and found it in New England.
I work part-time as a periodontist at a local non-profit dental office where I specialize in gum surgery and especially enjoy treating infants who have feeding difficulties. I am also a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), so this combo of surgeon plus lactation consultant works well!
While I love serving the families who come to us, I also can't wait to slip on my apron or lab coat and sneak out to my studio where I live out my dream and my passion for researching ingredients, developing and creating the products for Farmer's Body.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
I know. It's kind of a quirky name. But grab a cup of coffee and a cozy blanket. The story is worth it!
Let’s travel back in time…picture a little girl with brown bangs, brown eyes, and a keen interest in all things crafty – sewing, cooking, gardening, etc. – as well as a deep love for science. This little girl was curious, creative, and wanted to one day own her own farm so she could make everything by hand.
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, that little girl was me. Ever since I was little, I have always loved to make things. (The photo above is of 4 year old me with my grandma we called "Gagy" - the woman who made the quilt that inspired our logo (see below).) And yes, I'm baking in a flower girl's dress. I've got style.
Now let's fast forward 30 some years to living at the Cobb Hill Cohousing community in Vermont. I got the bug to make soap, and I thought it would be really cool to use some of the products that Kerry, from Cedar Mountain Farm, and the other local farmers had available. I thought it would be great to use all of these local ingredients as well as give local farmers another avenue where they could sell their agricultural products. Of course, it helped that I lived in a place where I had access to all of these amazing people who had these fabulous ingredients that were local as well as sustainably grown. Ultimately, I realized it would be incredible to pull all of that together into bath and body products.
Once I embarked upon the soapmaking journey, I wanted to come up with a name that was not only catchy but also had depth. For several months, Loren (my husband) and I would throw out ideas to each other. One night, as we were lying in bed brainstorming, I suggested something with “farmhouse” and Loren said, “What about Farmer’s Body?” I was immediately intrigued. I thought, well, it’s a little bit quirky but it’s more memorable than something generic, like "Meggan’s Really Great Soap."
What I liked most about the name “Farmer’s Body” was that it made me do a double take. I quickly realized that this name had multiple layers to its meaning.
When I think about a farmer, I tend to think of a man – or at least I used to – in overalls and a straw hat. I didn’t really think about all of these women farmers – and there are A LOT of them! – who are working really hard to carry on so many of these agricultural traditions and traditional skills that are otherwise getting lost to big corporations. These corporations, like Walmart, who have dairy farms with thousands and thousands and thousands of cows are putting small farmers out of business. BUT the women farmers whom I have met are putting an immense amount of effort into trying to keep these traditions alive and well.
With the name Farmer’s Body, I could make a play on words. I would feature these amazing women farmers, with wonderful, capable, strong women’s bodies (instead of the traditional image of the farmer as some guy standing in a field), who are making an effort to uphold traditional farming values by using practices that are more sustainable for the earth and the animals while producing the highest quality of agricultural products. (Our original logo intentionally included the image of a woman farmer.)
So when you first saw the name Farmer’s Body, you probably thought it was referring to caring for the body, which is one layer of the meaning. But it’s also a tribute to the women who are in this industry and doing all of this remarkable work, which is another layer of the meaning. Since part of what inspires the name is having women farmers be involved in the process, I really wanted to focus on trying to source as much as I could from women farmers. And I truly could not do this business without them.
Before my grandmother passed away, I sat with her while she made a beautiful geometric flower quilt in a traditional pattern called “Cathedral Windows”. She painstakingly stitched every piece of that quilt completely by hand, and it is absolutely magnificent. It contains pieces of my grandmother's life. A bit of scrap from baby clothes she made, a dress she sewed, some birthday jammies.
While she was working on the quilt, I sat with her and absorbed the stories she told me, the techniques she shared, as well as the wisdom she bestowed upon me. (This quilt was actually on my wedding altar when I married my husband . . . “gasp” . . . over 17 years ago.)
My grandma passed away in the summer of 2021 and the one thing I asked for was the Cathedral Windows quilt. My Aunt knew exactly where to find it, and I carried it and a piece of my grandmother back to Vermont with me on the plane.
Now, I have this precious, memory filled quilt hanging in the soap studio. It’s a testament to traditional wisdom, traditional handcrafting and the resiliency of strong women. It’s a reminder of the love, dedication, and hard work that it takes to make something truly beautiful, something lasting.
When I began Farmer’s Body, I was one woman on a mission to make a line of skincare products with farm safe ingredients available to everyone. I wanted to connect and support other women through this process. Now, years later, I employ six strong women in the soap studio, I work with women farmers, and I support women-owned businesses.
Although not an exact replication of the image in the quilt, the new Farmer’s Body logo was inspired by the petal designs in my grandmother’s quilt. It is a tribute to the strong women of our past, present, and future, and to the traditional wisdom that I use to create the very best products with the very best ingredients for everyone.
Meet The Team
You: "Meggan - you need help!"
Me: "Yes, yes, I definitely do." I can't do this all alone. Way too many hats to wear all by myself.
I am so fortunate to be surrounded everywhere (at home, at Cobb Hill, at the dental office and at Farmer's Body) by other strong, joyful women (did I mention my dental office is also all women? dentists and staff!) who help put all of these pieces in place and keep them all going. We love supporting other women!
Meet Lindsey
Lindsey joined the Farmer’s Body team during the late spring/early summer of 2021 as a copywriter.
“I help Meggan write the email newsletters and edit/proofread anything she asks me to do, like product labels, etc.”
There’s just not enough time in the day for me to do all the things I want to do to grow my business without the extra help. Fortunately for me, Lindsey asked for a job without even realizing I had one for her.
“Meggan and I have known each other and been good friends since college. I am currently a stay-at-home mom and was an English teacher in my pre-mom life. I had recently started looking into ways to do some part-time work as a copywriter or editor and asked Meggan if she needed any help with editing or writing for her newsletter. I was actually just kind of giving her a hard time because I had noticed a few writing mistakes here and there, but then she offered me the job. I was both shocked and excited, and happily accepted my new position as copywriter for Farmer’s Body. I am so thrilled to be helping Meggan with her business, and I have already learned so much about soap making!”
And what’s Lindsey's favorite Farmer’s Body product?
“Honestly, I am happy to be a guinea pig for any of [your] products because they are all so great. The lip balm is probably my favorite right now. I keep one in my stroller so I can apply during walks with my kids and avoid any chance of chapped lips. I highly recommend giving them a try if you haven’t already.”
Meet Cassie
Cassie started as the production manager in April of 2022; she helps make all of the wonderful products that we carry.
And I know you’re wondering how Cassie found out about this fabulous opportunity: “I met Meggan through the dental office. I was her main dental assistant, and when I hit my 2nd trimester in pregnancy, I decided I really wanted a new job opportunity where I could make being a first-time mom my number one priority. Meggan was more than happy to give me that opportunity.”
As a mom of 3(+), I know how hard it is to be a working mom, trying to do it all, and I knew Cassie would fit right in working with us at the soap studio.
So, what is Cassie’s favorite Farmer’s Body product?
“My favorite product would have to be the vegan lip balm in the plum scent (plum is my favorite scent for all the products).”
Meet Katelyn
Also in April of 2022, Katelyn started as the ultimate assistant! She helps a little bit with everything, and most importantly, keeps the soap studio clean and organized.
“My job is to help with the general upkeep of the studio in order to keep the studio production ready. I help with tasks such as dishes, cleaning, checking inventory, keeping lip trays loaded, replenishing product packaging (keeping items stocked and ready to be filled), putting ingredient orders away, organization of the studio and any other odd jobs as they arise.”
I’m not sure what we did before Katelyn joined the team; she has certainly made everything a little easier on all of us. And interestingly, Katelyn connected with me through my work as a dentist, just like Cassie.
“I met Meggan a few years ago when our sons attended pre-school together and quickly became friends. Meggan was also the periodontist who performed the tongue tie release surgery on our son. Flash forward a couple years, and we ran into each other again, this time at my children’s pediatric dentist office. Meggan was filling in for their dentist that morning. I knew of Farmer’s Body and asked her if she had any work for a stay at home mother of 4 who couldn’t work normal hours. She said, yes! We met a few weeks later, and I began working for Farmer’s Body. I am grateful for the opportunity as well as a space where I can actually hear myself think.”
We all need some quiet space to think, right?! Thank goodness Katelyn found hers at the Farmer’s Body soap studio.
And what is Katelyn’s favorite Farmer’s Body product? “Foaming hand soaps. With 4 kids, I wash my hands a lot!”
Meet Hannah
Hannah joined the team in August of 2022 as the business manager.
So what exactly does Hannah do to help manage this amazing business?
“My main role will be managing our current wholesale and private label accounts, and reaching out to our customers to see how things are going. I am also going to be working on generating new clients. In addition [to that], I will be working in the office doing some ordering [and] accounting, as well as being the Safety Officer."
Wow! You certainly have to be good at multitasking to fulfill all of those roles. What do you think prepared you for joining the Farmer’s Body team?
“Before coming to Farmer’s Body, I was a high [school] and middle school history teacher at a small, local Christian school. That is where I met Jill, who is the mom to some of my former students. It was through Jill that I heard about Farmer’s Body and this position. I have been really enjoying my new role!”
Being a teacher definitely requires a lot of multitasking, so I knew Hannah would fit right in.
What is Hannah's favorite Farmer’s Body product?
“My favorite Farmer’s Body product so far is the sugar scrub. It is a simple and easy way to add a little bit of self-care and relaxation into my daily routine. My favorite scent is the grapefruit and mint.”
Thoughtfully produced & ethically crafted
We know your family's health and safety is super important to you. That's why all of our ingredients are carefully chosen, meticulously sourced and relentlessly scrutinized for your well-being. Farmer's Body is safe, eco-friendly, healthy and clean.
All of our products are free from phthalates, parabens, triclosan, MEA, DEA, aluminum, sodium laurel sulfate, PEG, BHT, and siloxanes.
We are proudly certified as a Vermont Green Business.
Let customers speak for us
Comes in so many flavors! Great customer service!
So far is my favorite without breaking the bank, most of the lip balms are made of different materials and sometimes you feel like they leave your lips dry, this is not the case, they last long and feels like butter without the stickiness
The scent on the lip balm is strong so all my staff loved it. I hope it lasts a long time. Looking forward to ordering more.
We were referred to Farmer's Body for their high-quality products and varieties, and our expectations were exceeded to say the least. Their customer service has been top-notch, efficient and accommodating, and we look forward to using their products for our business!
Purchased the custom lip balms for my spa studio - the turn around on design and shipment was so fast I was pleasantly surprised as custom things usually take a few weeks!
I purchased flavors Vanilla Mint (my favorite!), vanilla, honey, creamsicle and coconut cream. All smell great, and the FEEL of the lip balm formula itself is *chef’s kiss*. So smooth and hydrating. 10/10
I'm 65+ and never written a body product review but Farmer's Body products are the BOMB!
My daughter gifted me the Gentle Citrus Body Butter and I flipped! Went straight to the Boston Hill Farm Shop in North Andover, MA to buy more. Amazing moisturizer for my New England dry patches. Gentle yet remarkably effective. I love it on my face and neck...and smells sooo good.
Best!? I spent Easter in California wine country with two childhood best friends. They dipped into my Citrus Body Butter and couldn't stop. Loved it too and peppered me with questions. With both birthdays near, I sent Body Butter Gift Sets. They are thrilled to say the least.
I can't wait to try more Farmer's Body products soon. I'm in awe of and grateful for founder Meggan's talents and touched by the beautiful family she and her husband are raising in Vermont.
Hence, this 5 star review and rave. 🌟
The lip balm is hydrating goes on smooth and the lotion smells great and doesn’t feel greasy!
I accidentally Submitted a 1 star and needed to fix it!!!
This bar is unscented which is good for people that have allergies. It lathers up easily and rinses clean.
My clients are taking the lip balm like hot cakes and I will be buying more and more in bulk! I can't wait to try out my custom branded lip balms! Dulce de Leche here we come!
My label is as good as it gets. I love it, but most important my friends appreciate and comment about it.
We had a great experience from start to finish! They created a label quickly for us, even had a couple options to choose from. Flavors are all great, we have had a lot of compliments about the flavor and the quality of the lip balm. We couldn't be happier!
They are so buttery and really long lasting! And Meggan is so professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend their products—esp the lip balm.
Awesome stuff … makes your lip soft and taste great too ❤️❤️
I ordered this for my dental office. The lavender mint and chardonnay. The patients love it! Highly recommend.