ABOUT ME

Hey there, I’m Jessica Knowles!

Welcome to The 104 Homestead—I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a single mom of three, a lifelong nature nerd (with a degree in zoology), and the messy-haired, mud-booted writer behind this little corner of the internet. I started this journey out of necessity, but I’ve stuck with it because it gave me something I didn’t expect: purpose, pride, and peace of mind.

Homesteading isn’t about doing everything perfectly or living some dreamy off-grid life. It’s about learning to do what you can, where you are, with what you have. And I’m here to walk alongside you as you figure out what that looks like for you.

Where It All Began

My homesteading story started during one of the most chaotic times in my life. I was pregnant with my third child, jobless, and trying to stretch one income to cover a growing family. Out of pure necessity, I began making things I used to buy—from meals to cleaning supplies to personal care products.

Then came a garden. Then chickens. Then homemade laundry detergent. I was hooked.

Before long, I was planting seeds with a baby strapped to my back and learning everything I could about self-sufficiency. And despite the chaos, I found something incredible: a sense of confidence and capability that changed everything.

The 104 Homestead Was Born

In 2013, I launched The 104 Homestead to share what I was learning as I stumbled (and occasionally triumphed) through this lifestyle. I was overwhelmed by all the “you shoulds” and “must-haves” of homesteading and desperately needed a simpler, more flexible approach. So, I created one.

I learned to break down big goals into seasonal bites—what I could realistically handle during Maine’s nearly winter, very winter, still winter, and not-too-bad months. I started writing it all down. One blog post led to another, and that piece of paper with a handful of seasonal goals became a blueprint for a simpler, more manageable homestead life.

A New Beginning

In 2018, everything shifted again. I went through a divorce and bought a small homestead tucked into the valleys of Western Maine. Five and a half acres of fresh air, hope, and possibility. The kids and I jumped in feet first—raising animals, growing more of our own food, and rebuilding a life that felt rooted in something real.

We’ve grown a lot since then, both as a family and as homesteaders. The boys have learned right alongside me, and we’ve even added Michael to our little crew—a man who shares our love for this life and doesn’t mind the mud on the floors.

What I Believe

I believe that homesteading isn’t a destination—it’s a mindset. It’s about choosing to grow, create, and live a little more intentionally, no matter where you live or how much land you have.

You don’t need a barn, a woodlot, or a pressure canner to start. You just need a willingness to try and a place to start. And that’s what this blog is all about—helping you take the next doable step, whether that’s starting a container garden, making your own cleaners, or raising your first batch of quail.

So pull up a chair, dig into the posts, and make yourself at home. I’m thrilled to be part of your journey.

Happy homesteading,
Jessica