A year ago, our lives looked very different. We were living in the city—juggling bills, stress, and a life that didn’t quite feel like ours anymore. We made the big decision to sell both of our homes in Columbus and Marysville, Ohio, and trade convenience for something harder, but more real. We packed up our family, our dogs, our dreams, and everything we owned, and moved to the hills of Letart, West Virginia, onto a 12.5-acre property that’s become the heart of Harvest and Hive Farms.

The journey here hasn’t been easy. In the past year, we’ve weathered more than just literal storms—though there were plenty of those, too. We’ve faced death, illness, and personal struggles that pushed us to the edge. Danielle’s mother, who deeply inspired her love of flowers and nature, passed away in August of 2024. Her loss is still fresh, and every bloom on the farm feels like a quiet tribute to her. At the same time, we’ve faced medical battles, emotional ups and downs, and the daily chaos of running a homestead while being parents, caregivers, and business builders.

Our first winter was brutal—one storm after another. We were snowed in for a full week with 16 chickens, 8 ducks, and four hungry German shepherds to care for. Roads froze, driving wasn’t possible, but we didn’t give up. We trudged through snow and mud every morning to feed and water the animals, haul food, and keep everyone warm. We learned to adapt, and through it all, we grew stronger—physically, emotionally, and as a family.

We’ve had our share of lessons too. We burned one of our barns down so we had a better view lol. An old outhouse finally gave way after we knocked it over to reclaim space for nature. But for every challenge, we’ve had a breakthrough. We built 11 raised garden beds by hand, started growing fresh fruits and vegetables, and planted more fruit trees and berry bushes. Our bees found their rhythm, our compost turned into rich, usable soil, and we began creating real food and real products—raw honey, fresh eggs, smoking wood, and more—all straight from the land beneath our boots.

Everything we do here is rooted in family, tradition, and a commitment to sustainable living. I grew up in the greenhouses thanks to my dad, who spent over 20 years as a horticulture professor at The Ohio State University. Danielle’s mom passed down a passion for beauty and wellness. Together, we’re combining science, heart, grit, and healing into something that matters—not just for us, but for the people we share it with.

Harvest and Hive Farms is more than a name—it’s our way forward. It’s the sum of every hardship we’ve overcome, every lesson nature has taught us, and every dream we’re still chasing. We’re just getting started, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come. If you’re reading this, thank you for being here with us. We hope you’ll stick around, watch us grow, and maybe even find a little piece of peace in this journey, too.