Meet Joanna and Trevor Mann | Permaculture Farmers, Herbalists, Medicine Makers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna and Trevor Mann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna and Trevor, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Our business name is based on a quote from Walden by Henry David Thoreau. “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings.” This was our exact experience in starting our farm. When my husband and I met, we both had a spiritual practice and ideals, but did not really know exactly what we wanted to do. We just followed our joy and intuition, and the path to our business unfolded miraculously in front of us. Doors just opened up. We had no doubt we were doing exactly what we were supposed to be doing because of all of the synchronicity and beauty with which our life unfolded.

What should our readers know about your business?
Personally, I walked away from law school because my mental and physical health were suffering. That was both the easiest and hardest thing I’ve ever done. After that, my life became about pursuing what it is that fulfilled me. I went from teaching yoga to massage therapy to herbalism all just following what the universe seemed to be teaching me and nudging me towards. Now as a mother and farmer I laugh that I walked away from law school because the constant grind had no appeal to me- and now I work 24/7 as a farmer business owner. I work harder than I ever thought I would be able to, but the love of what I do allows me the energy to keep moving forward.

The Farmacy evolved when my husband started permaculture farming and market gardening and I offered some extra tincture I had made to his clients. It sold better than any of the vegetables! We decided to shift gears and become an herb farm.

What sets us apart from other companies is our devotion to holistic healing. By that, I don’t just mean taking natural medicine. The way we farm heals the land we farm on while we are growing products to heal people. The relationships we have made along the way are just as healing as well! We love to see how our ideals have spread into the community to empower people to take charge of their own health or the health of the ecosystems around them. We have a vision of a much healthier world that goes beyond what medicines we put into our body that includes how we treat the planet and people around us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely have to check out Pepper Place Farmer’s Market in Birmingham where all of the region’s best farms and makers showcase their wares on Saturday mornings.

Although we aren’t much of partiers, Saturday evening would have to include a trip to Gip’s Place- the last standing juke joint in the backyard of one of the most interesting, open hearted humans. There is no other experience quite like it.

During the week we would eat at our personal favorite local eatery, The Essential, that focuses on fresh farm to table fare. It is located on beautiful, historic Morris Ave. Afterwards we could grab kombucha from Harvest Roots taproom. Or if we got a sweet tooth we could swing by Crestwood Pharmacy and Old Fashioned Soda Fountain for ice cream and drinks.

We would enjoy hiking at Moss Rock Preserve with lunch across the street after at Moss Rock Tacos.

We would have to swing by Birmingham Yoga for yoga classes, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to take in the beautiful scenery, and relax with massages at Evolve Studio.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Walden by Thoreau is a no-brainer, but we also have the privilege of having incredibly loving, supportive families. Our farm could not be what it is without them. Joe Jones, our father/ father in law is a living example of how to live in service to others. He reminds us to keep our hearts open, put relationships first, and remember why it is we do what we do. Beyond that, he offers physical support in building farm structures, babysitting the kids, and pitching in any way he can. If there is one person who’s support and guidance has allowed us to become who we are, it is him.

Website: www.waldenfarmacy.com

Instagram: waldenfarmacy

Facebook: Walden Farmacy

Image Credits
Image one is by Heather Higginson Photography