About
Farmstead Fest

Natalie is a homesteader, farmer, educator, and advocate of farming at every scale. She began her homesteading journey on a 1-acre farmstead located in Varina, Va. where she raised poultry, rabbits, goats, and pigs along side her husband. After transitioning away from teaching middle school, she continued her love of teaching others through various workshops and events to empower women in ag. Previously, known as Handmade on Homestead, she is now stewarding a new piece of land and expanding her journey at Feral Ridge Ranch. 

Natalie encourages others in her community to use the space they have, no matter how big or small to achieve their goals of growing their own food. She is also passionate about learning and sharing old ways of harvesting and cooking both the vegetables and meat products a small homestead can produce. Natalie shares her journey in hopes to inspire others that feel they may not fit the typical homesteader mold!

Eryn is passionate about plants of all kinds, equitable access to quality food, and herbal medicine for all. In addition to her love of all things natural,she is a freelance artist working in the internet realm for a variety of creative clients. In 2020 she began working with the Virginia Association for Biological Farming as their Media Manager and Conference Assistant. Through her organization Richmond Plant Hub she shares free seeds and seedlings directly to gardeners and farmers in the Richmond, VA area. 

On the best days, Eryn can be found in the medicinal plant and perennial-focused backyard city garden she created with her partner Chris, of Youth Outdoor Workshops (who will be directing Farmstead Fest’s Youth Program), or watching birds with their new little one, Juniper Moss.

Meg loves tending the land and animals of Moonrise Farmstead with her toddler Theo and partner Ben. [chickens, goats, pigs, Kaya the farm dog and Orion the barn cat] They landed on this peaceful property in 2020. They grow a garden each spring (and sometimes fall), host community events, and offer primitive campsites. Meg enjoys creating opportunities for people to connect and holding space for community to grow. 

Between chasing chickens, petting piggies, and grazing with the goats, Meg is a Creative Director for her business OberArt Creative - specializing in video production, graphic and web design. She has worked in the marketing and design world for nearly 20 years and finds it is a lovely balance to farm life. Meg worked as a creative in San Francisco from 2010-2015 and lead the arts community in Moab, Utah as Arts & Special Events Director for the City of Moab from 2016-2019. Meg is thrilled to host Farmstead Fest and many more gatherings in the years to come.