By: Kirstin Spanu

Rachael Jarvis is a mother, teacher, goat herder, soapmaker, beekeeper—and nothing short of extraordinary. On her one-acre homestead, she has raised four daughters, a small herd of goats, and a flock of chickens. But beyond her role as a mother and farmer, she runs Walnut Hollow Naturals, a business dedicated to simple, healthy living.

Rachael’s mission is clear: to provide her local community with products that are not only natural butbeneficial. Everything at Walnut Hollow serves a purpose. The goats supply nourishing milk, while the bees pollinate her vibrant garden, offering honey and propolis to keep her family—and her neighbors—healthy.

Stepping onto her homestead is like entering a sanctuary. The buzz of bees, the bleating of goats, and the warmth of the sun create a peaceful atmosphere, as if nature itself is extending a welcome. The land exudes love and care, with each element contributing to the whole.

At the heart of the property stands a wooden two-story building. Upstairs, remnants of Rachael’s homeschooling days linger—a cozy rug, a few chairs, and a space where learning once unfolded.Downstairs is where the magic happens: her soapmaking studio. Here, the earthy scents of essential oils, dried flowers, and beeswax blend with the rich, creamy aroma of goat milk as she crafts her renowned products.

“I taught myself how to make soap,” Rachael says, stirring honey into a warm mixture of beef tallow and coconut oil. “I like to experiment with different ingredients and formulations. Some recipes work wonders for skincare, while others are perfect for household cleaning. It’s all about finding the right balance of ingredients.”

Though she sources a few items, like coconut oil, from beyond her region, most ingredients—like beeswax, honey, or goat milk—come from her farm or the surrounding area. “No one’s growing coconuts around here,” she laughs. “But, the tallow that I use comes from Walnut Hill Farm—another local farm in our area. For the things I can source locally, I try to do that.”

By sourcing locally, Rachael is reducing her carbon footprint. Many of the ingredients for her products travel only a few miles rather than across oceans, helping to support both sustainability and the local economy.

“It’s really important to support the local farmers and the local producers,” she explains. “The way of the future, and the way society is going is oftentimes shaped by where the money goes. If people can help other small businesses by keeping their money local, I think it will strengthen our community as a whole.”

Rachael sells her handmade goods—everything from goat milk soap to laundry detergent, deodorant, and chapstick—at the local farmer’s market and the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store focused on natural, local products. Through her work, she is not just providing items for wellness, but cultivating a deeper connection between people, their health, and the land they share.