It is said a teacher doesn’t retire, they just change classrooms. This axiom holds true for Gena Stephens. A veteran educator, Gena spent 9 years as a kindergarten teacher and an additional 17 years as one of the Directors at Sterling Montessori School in Morrisville, NC. When it came time to retire she decided she wanted to return to her roots….living on a farm. "I grew up on a farm and lived the farming life as a child….getting up before school to work the farm and returning after the school day to continue my chores. After graduation, I was ready for the city life." That decision led her to settle down in the Raleigh-Durham area. But after raising children with her husband John, they decided to return to the rustic life.
It all started with a plan on a napkin. Literally…on a napkin. As Gena and John outlined what they were seeking, John, a hands-on Construction Project Manager began designing their barn and living area. After some back and forth, and looking around, they found the ideal location – 54 acres in Granville County. And with that, their adventure started to take shape.
Their daughter’s wedding quickly turned into a business. "While others offer a venue and a theme, at Carlee Farm, we offer a complete farm wedding experience," says Gena. With the mission to provide a "rustic elegant wedding at an affordable price to begin your life together," a wedding at Carlee Farm truly integrates itself into the farm. Even to the extent that customers and guests want their donkey and goats to join the reception in the fenced area in front of the barn. Yes, we have grown from Goat Yoga to Goat Weddings.
The dual barn and home turned into two structures, and the quick transition turned into a two-year adventure….including living in a fifth-wheel with no electricity or running water for much of the time. "It was a bit of a trial," says Gena. "But it was all part of the dream." A statement that has become the farm’s mantra. When their daughter announced she was getting married and wanted a "farm wedding" – their vision started to crystalize and they knew they had created a farm that is Uniquely Carolina.
In essence, the barn is not a venue, but an invitation. An invitation to the farm. An invitation to not only visit, but become part of the farm and, remembering Gena is an educator, to learn from the farm.
This "farm is a classroom" approach is most apparent in the many youth camps and events Gena, John, and their grown children run at Carlee Farm "We can teach a child about tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and have the children pick them and try them. Or we can teach them how to put tomatoes, onions, and peppers and other products together and create a salsa," explains Gena. Appreciating that learning has no boundaries, strawberries and other crops have also been turned into "salsa" by the children as well.
The focus on learning and fun extends to the adult and family programs as well. From cooking classes to candle making, Gena and the farm continue to reach out and touch those in the surrounding community.
Like most farms, diversification is key. You need many avenues to keep yourself moving forward. Therefore, in addition to the hay, honey and farm fresh eggs, weddings/event, children’s camps, and adult programs, Carlee Farms also creates products for sale. From candles to jams, to soaps, Carlee Farms is starting to become a brand. And having fun doing it. Their latest venture is a line of soap made from donkey milk. As Gena comments, "we have a soap to clean every ass in your life!" Not only does the milk provide a valuable cleaning base, but it also lends itself to some fun names such as Fruity Ass, infused with apple, Sweet Ass with Lavender, and Winey Ass with Chardonnay.
From farm weddings (goats included if you wish) to kid’s salsas, to whimsical ass soap, Gena and John have certainly created their dream. The result, a farm that is Uniquely Carlee Farm and Uniquely Carolina.
For more information on Carlee Farm, you can visit their Web site at www.carleefarm.com, email them at carleefarm@gmail.com or call Gena at 919-601-2359.