Gardens to Goats: Carrissa’s Journey to a Fulfilling Homestead
How Carrissa of Lone Feather Farm built a thriving homestead through resilience, hard work, and a passion for goats, gardening, and self-sufficiency.
Homesteading isn’t easy—it’s not the clean, pretty, fun-filled snippets you see on social media. You’ll cry, question your life choices, and spend most of your time looking like something the barn cat dragged in. But it’s all worth it. That egg, still warm under your hen. The tomato that comes out of your garden and into your dinner. The cheese you made all on your own. Nothing will ever be as satisfying or bring you that kind of fulfillment. We were meant to be connected to this earth, and nothing will make you feel those roots like homesteading.
For Carrissa of Lone Feather Farm, this connection runs deep. Nestled on her 3-acre farmstead in Western Maine, she’s built a life rich with purpose, hard work, and joy. Her homestead is living proof that self-reliance and sustainability can flourish on any scale.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Wins
Like every homesteader, Carrissa has faced her fair share of challenges. Three years ago, Carrissa faced a difficult divorce that left her managing her homestead on her own. “It wasn’t easy navigating homesteading alone, but I learned to lean on my own resilience and the support of my community,” she shared. Through determination and adaptability, Carrissa turned hardship into growth, proving that resilience is at the heart of every successful homestead.
Yet through these struggles, Carrissa has achieved incredible milestones. One of her proudest accomplishments is the launch of BiteMe! Herbal Goat Treats—a small business she co-runs with her daughter. More than just a product line, their herbal goat treats reflect years of hands-on experience and a heartfelt commitment to animal wellness. Seeing customers return for products that support their own herds fills Carrissa with pride.
In addition to BiteMe!, she produces and sells goat cheeses, yogurt, handmade pasta, and luxurious goat’s milk soaps and lotions—each crafted with care from the animals she raises.
She’s also passionate about teaching others, sharing her extensive goat knowledge on her blog and dreaming of expanding her impact through future on-farm classes and events.
Goats are at the heart of Lone Feather Farm. Carrissa not only raises and cares for her goats but also actively participates in goat shows, continually refining her breeding program to produce healthy, high-quality animals. She offers goats for sale, giving others the opportunity to start or expand their own herds with animals raised with expertise and love.
Carrissa’s passion for sustainable living continues to grow as she dives back into beekeeping—a step that will not only enhance her farm’s self-sufficiency but also support local pollinators and boost her garden’s productivity.
Advice for Aspiring Homesteaders
Carrissa offers honest and heartfelt advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own homestead: start with what you know and grow from there. “Grow what your family will eat and what you can preserve for the year ahead,” she advises. This simple mindset keeps homesteading practical and rewarding.
Balancing homesteading with family life and business isn’t easy, but Carrissa makes it work by blending passion with practicality. “You have to truly love homesteading and be able to adjust your goals as life happens,” she explains. Flexibility and passion are key to sustaining the homestead life.
Looking Ahead
Her story is far from over. As she continues to grow Lone Feather Farm, she’s excited to expand her goat breeding program, dive deeper into beekeeping, and create more opportunities to connect with and teach her community. She’s always looking for ways to grow—not just her farm but herself. Her story is a reminder that homesteading is a lifelong journey—one filled with learning, adapting, and celebrating every hard-earned success.
Inspired by Carrissa’s homesteading journey? Pin this post to save her story and get motivated to start your own self-sufficient lifestyle!
Carrissa’s journey is a beautiful example of how dedication, hard work, and a love for the land can build a life of purpose and fulfillment. From her gardens to her goats, every part of Lone Feather Farm tells a story of resilience, joy, and growth. Her unwavering commitment reminds us that even through the hardest seasons, the rewards of homesteading are immeasurable.
Are you dreaming of starting your own homesteading journey? Share your thoughts or your own story in the comments below!
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