Dirt & Drive

Dragon Creek Ranch

5.0 (1)
Entrepreneurship

Turning a small homestead into a real business.

5d ago · Video

12: From Craft Fair Vendor to Store Owner: The Dixie Delight Story

At what point does a vendor selling candles at craft fairs decide it's time to open an actual store? For Janet, owner of Dixie Delight Country Produce Store in Hiram, Georgia, that leap came after years of building her candle business one festival at a time. In this episode of Dirt & Drive, Janet walks us through that transition - from a table at craft fairs and vendor events to owning a full storefront filled with local produce, meats, honey, sourdough, pottery, and dozens of other local vendors. We also talk about a major setback along the way: the county took her original building through eminent domain, forcing her to start over. Today, she and her team operate out of the big red building on Bill Carruth Parkway - the one you can't miss, with a yard full of concrete statues and birdbaths out front. We dig into how she made the shift from making everything herself to curating a store full of other local makers and farms, and what it actually takes to manage a business like this day to day. If you've ever sold at a market or craft fair and wondered what it would take to open your own store, this episode walks through exactly what that transition looks like. In this episode we cover: Going from selling candles at craft fairs to owning a full retail store Surviving eminent domain and rebuilding the business from scratch Transitioning from making everything yourself to working with local vendors What it takes to manage a store with dozens of local products under one roof What life inside Dixie Delight Country Produce Store looks like today 🍎 Follow Dixie Delight Country Produce Store: https://www.facebook.com/dixiefarmersmarket https://tiktok.com/@dixiedelightproduce https://instagram.com/dixiedelightproduce 🎙️ Follow Dirt & Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod 🐉 Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Aug 13 · Video

11: She Wanted Goats. She Got Alpacas. Now She Runs a Rescue.

She was looking for goats. Instead, someone online was trying to give away a few alpacas... and Laura said yes. That one decision turned into L&R Alpaca Haven Farm, a full-blown alpaca rescue and breeding operation in Douglasville, Georgia. In this episode of Dirt & Drive, I sit down with Laura to talk about how her farm grew from a spontaneous rescue into something much bigger. We cover what it actually takes to care for alpacas day to day: feeding, health, and handling their wool, and how rescue work is different from simply running a farm to turn a profit. We also dig into how she funds it all: applying for grants, partnering with local businesses for fundraising, and hosting events right on the property! Including alpaca yoga, glass blowing, sourdough bread classes, art classes, and seasonal events throughout the year. If you've ever wondered what it takes to run an animal rescue as a real, sustainable business... or you just want to know what alpaca yoga is actually like... this episode has it all. In this episode we cover: How L&R Alpaca Haven Farm started with a spontaneous "yes" to free alpacasThe difference between running a rescue and running a farm for profitDaily care: feeding, health, and handling alpaca woolFinding grants and fundraising through local business partnershipsHosting events like alpaca yoga, glass blowing, and sourdough classes to fund the rescue🦙 Follow L&R Alpaca Haven Farm: https://www.silverliningsanimalrescueinc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LRAlpacaHaven https://www.instagram.com/lralpacahaven 🎙️ Follow Dirt & Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://www.tiktok.com/@lralpaca 🐉 Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening! #AlpacaRescue #AlpacaYoga #DouglasvilleGA #AnimalRescue #GeorgiaFarm #DirtAndDrive
Jul 28 · Video

10: From a Few Cows to a Full Business: Ithica Beef, Villa Rica, GA

What does it actually take to turn a handful of backyard cows into a real, licensed, USDA-inspected beef business? In this episode of Dirt & Drive, I sit down with the woman behind Ithica Beef, a small farm in Villa Rica, Georgia, selling six to seven cows a month straight from their own pasture to their on-site store. We talk about how it all started, what it took to get USDA licensed, approved, and inspected, and the real startup costs behind building a beef business from scratch. We also get into the relationships that make this business worth it: why she loves hearing from customers that her beef doesn't upset their stomach the way store-bought meat does, and the pride of building something with her husband, right on their own property. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to running an actual beef business, this episode walks through it start to finish. In this episode we cover: How Ithica Beef got started, from a few backyard cows to a full operationGetting USDA licensed, approved, and inspected: the real process and costsWhat it takes to start raising and selling cattleBuilding trust and relationships with customersRunning a family business, side by side, on their own land🐄 Visit Ithica Beef: https://www.ithicabeef.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Ithica-Beef-100064569053709/ https://www.instagram.com/ithicabeef/ https://www.pinterest.com/ithicabeef/ 🎙️ Follow Dirt & Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod 🐉 Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jul 16 · Video

9: They Bet Their Retirement on Jojo's Fresh Market - And It's Finally Paying Off

Three years ago, a husband and wife team took their entire retirement savings and bet it all on a small local market. The first two years weren't even profitable. Today, Jojo's Fresh Market in Paulding County, Georgia is finally starting to turn a corner, and it's become something much bigger than a grocery store. In this episode of Dirt & Drive, I sit down with the couple behind Jojo's Fresh Market in Dallas, Georgia to talk about what it really costs to bet everything on a small business :financially and emotionally. We talk about how they built relationships with local farmers and even backyard gardeners, buying produce from people with nothing more than a small home garden. We get into how they decide which local vendors and products make it onto their shelves, what it takes for a small producer to get a foot in the door, and why they believe so deeply in supporting small over big. If you've ever dreamed of opening your own store, getting your products into a local market, or you just want to hear an honest story about what it takes to keep going when the numbers aren't there yet, this episode is for you. In this episode we cover: Betting their entire retirement on a business with no guaranteeSurviving two years without profitHow they source from small farmers and backyard gardenersWhat it takes for a small producer to get into a store like theirsWhy they believe in small business over big distributors🥬 Visit Jojo's Market: https://jojosfreshmarket.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/JoJos-Fresh-Market-61557779307554/ https://www.instagram.com/jojosfreshmarket/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@jojosfreshmarket 🎙️ Follow Dirt & Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod 🐉 Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jul 7 · Video

8: The Farm That Became Hawkins: Stranger Things, Christmas Trees, and a Family That Never Stops

Before "Stranger Things" made it famous, this farm was already a legacy in the making. In this episode of Dirt & Drive, I sit down with the sisters behind Sleepy Hollow Christmas Tree Farm - the real-life corn maze and farmland where Stranger Things was filmed, including Hopper's cabin. But long before the cameras showed up, this was a Christmas tree farm started by their dad back in the 1970s. We talk about what it was like watching their family land turn into a worldwide filming location, how it brought tourists from around the globe, and - more importantly - how they've built a business that goes far beyond the fame. From pumpkin patches and escape rooms to birthday parties, farm photography, and animal encounters, this family has figured out how to turn every inch of their property into an experience that keeps people coming back all year long. This is a story about hard work, family, and how a small homestead can grow into something bigger than anyone imagined - Stranger Things or not. In this episode we cover: How Sleepy Hollow Farm became a Stranger Things filming locationBuilding Hopper's cabin and hosting the corn maze scenesTurning a Christmas tree farm into a year-round experience businessPumpkin patches, escape rooms, birthday parties, and moreWhy experiences - not just products - might be the future of the small family farmFollow Sleepy Hollow Christmas Tree Farm: https://www.sleepyhollowtrees.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SleepyHollowTrees https://www.instagram.com/sleepy_hollow_farm/ https://www.escapewoods.com/ Follow Dirt& Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jun 30 · Video

7: How We Almost Lost Everything (And Found Our Farm's Purpose with Tallow)

Before there was Dragon Creek Ranch, there was years of grinding... eBay flipping, estate sales, a brutal home sale, and a closing that almost didn't happen twice. And even after we finally got here, a family setback nearly made us lose it all before we ever got started. In the middle of all of that, I was also quietly losing a battle with my own skin. Years of rosacea and eczema, hundreds of dollars spent on prescriptions and creams, nothing working. Then somebody recommended tallow. My reaction? "Ew. Absolutely not." Thirty days later I caved. And three days after that, my skin started clearing up for the first time in years. This is the full origin story of Dragon Creek Ranch. The grind, the setbacks, the skin transformation, and the wedding favor that accidentally launched a business. If you've ever wondered why I do this... this is your answer. Grab your coffee. Pull up a chair. This one's personal. Follow Dirt& Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jun 16 · Video

6: How To Get Started Selling At Markets & Vendor Events (Step-By-Step)

Thinking about selling at farmers markets, festivals, or vendor events? This episode walks you through every single step: from getting your business license and the right insurance, to setting up your booth, prepping for weather, taking payments, and capturing customers after the event. I'm sharing exactly what I did to go from zero to $900 in sales at my very first event. Whether you make soap, skincare, food, or crafts... this is the setup guide I wish I'd had. Follow Dirt& Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jun 9 · Video

5: From Plant Sale to Farm Stand: The White Barn Farm Story

In this episode, I talk with Jessica Bowman from White Barn Farm about transitioning from a 7-year plant sale to their very first farm stand. We dive into what actually sells (hint: honey is #1), lessons from years of plant sales, and what it really takes to run a successful farm stand. If you're thinking about selling plants, honey, or farm goods, this one is for you! Follow Jessica Bowman/White Barn Farm: https://www.tiktok.com/@white.barn.farm.nh https://www.instagram.com/whitebarnfarmnh Follow Dirt& Drive: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtanddrivepod https://instagram.com/dirtanddrivepod https://tiktok.com/@dirtanddrivepod Follow Dragon Creek Ranch: Shop Tallow: http://dragoncreek.org https://facebook.com/dragoncreekranch https://instagram.com/dragoncreek.ranch https://tiktok.com/@dragoncreekranch https://www.youtube.com/@Dragon_Creek_Ranch If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Jun 2 · Video

4: I Asked 15 Farmers Market Vendors Their #1 Tip... Here's What They Said

At the local farmers market I asked 15 different vendors one simple question: What's your #1 tip for selling at farmers markets? Their answers were honest and practical. This is real advice from real vendors on what actually works at farmers markets. If you're thinking about starting at farmers markets or you're already selling and want to do better, this video is packed with real advice from people actually doing it. I'm currently building a tallow business from our small family farm, and this is part of documenting that journey ... learning what works, what doesn't, and how to grow something real. In this podcast episode you'll hear: 1. What actually helps vendors make sales 2. Common mistakes to avoid 3. Real world tips from unexpected sellers 4. What successful booths do differently If you've ever thought about selling at a farmers market, start here. About us: Dirt & Drive is all about turning a small homestead into a real business. We're building a small farm-based business centered around traditional, simple skincare like a grass-fed tallow soaps. http://dragoncreek.org Thank you to the vendors who work so hard and shared their knowledge with us: 1. My husband - thank you sweetheart! 2. Nests & Knots https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587086810134 3. Cartecay Candle Co. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071346567246 4. Sugar Pike Soap Co. https://www.facebook.com/susan.shepard.350455 5. Story Rocks 6. John Jennings 7. Fat Bastard Coffee https://www.fatbastardcoffee.shop/ 8. Hey Hunni LLC https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090441513379 9. Mother's Hearth Bakery https://app.simply-bread.co/mothershearthbakery/ 10. Chris's Camo Rub 11. New Hope Black Walnut Farm https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089601051253 12. Arlowe's Bakehouse https://www.facebook.com/arlowesbakehouse/ 13. Paw Pals Accessories 14. StephScott Crochet 15. Ellijay Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/ellijayfarmers/
May 26 · Video

3: The 1-Acre Income Plan: Flowers, Farm Stands & Making Your Homestead Pay with Greenhorn Grove

What would you actually do if you had just 1 acre of land and needed it to start paying for itself? That's exactly the question Matthew Guager of Greenhorn Grove answered in a video that recently went viral...and in this episode, we took that conversation much further. Matthew doesn't just talk about homesteading in theory; he lives it, he's built real income streams from it, and he breaks it down in a way that anyone can follow. We start with the basics of direct sales. Why flowers are one of the smartest first crops for fast income, how to run a simple farm stand, and what beginners should know before stepping into a farmers market for the first time. We also get into vegetable sales and how even a modest growing operation can start generating cash relatively quickly. But this episode goes well beyond selling produce. Matthew livestock, the best starter animals for a small homestead - lower maintenance than many people expect, multiple income angles, and a great fit for beginners who want livestock without getting in over their heads right away. We also get into the world of agro tourism. Matthew hosts events on his property and uses an Airbnb to turn his homestead into a destination, not just a farm. It's one of the most underutilized income strategies in the homesteading space. Then there's the model a lot of people overlook: farm subscriptions. We talk through how a small farm can set up practical recurring revenue: giving customers a reason to come back consistently while giving you more predictable income month to month. And finally, we go deep on social media - because for Matthew, it's actually his biggest income driver. This is one of those episodes that covers the full picture ... from your first crop sale to building something that genuinely sustains itself. In this episode: Flowers, farm stands & farmers markets... the fast path to first incomeBeginner livestock choicesAgro tourism, property events & Airbnb as a homestead income streamSetting up farm subscriptions for recurring revenueHow social media can become your biggest earner (Matthew's #1 income source) Connect with Matthew Guager: Greenhorn Grove Website: https://www.thegreenhornguides.com/herewegrow Follow along with Dragon Creek Ranch: Website: https://dragoncreek.org If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. Dirt & Drive Podcast: Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
May 18 · Video

2: Selling Sourdough in a Saturated Market (How She's Growing)

In this episode of the Dirt & Drive podcast, we’re talking about a question a lot of small business owners are quietly asking right now… is sourdough too saturated to sell anymore? I’m joined by Joane Moran, founder of Breaking Bread and Company, to have an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build and grow a sourdough business in today’s market. We dive into the realities of competition, and what’s actually working right now. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s still possible to turn sourdough into a profitable business, or how to pivot when things feel crowded, this episode is for you. Connect with Joane Moran: Breaking Bread and Company Website: https://breakingbreadandcompany.com Follow along with Dragon Creek Ranch: Website: https://dragoncreek.org If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something from the ground up. — Dirt & Drive Podcast Real conversations about building a business, working the land, and creating something that lasts. Before you head out to pasture, remember, this is just people sharing opinions not medical, legal, or business advice. The opinions expressed here don't necessarily reflect the views of the host, Dragon Creek Ranch, or the Dirt & Drive Podcast. Always remember to do your own research. It's ok to get your hands a little dirty, but keep your rap sheet clean. Thanks for listening!
Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

Dirt&Drive: Turning a small homestead into a real business

In this very first episode, I’m sharing the real story behind Dragon Creek Ranch - how we started, to building a tallow soap and skincare business, to why I’ve decided to learn as much as I can from fellow farmers, homesteaders, and business owners. In this introductory episode, I talk about: How Dragon Creek startedWhy I chose tallowWhat we’re building, and where this is all goingFinding others that are successfully building a business with their homesteads, and sharing their stories 🧼 Shop Dragon Creek Ranch: https://dragoncreek.org 🌿 Follow along as we grow this farm + business. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast and share it! It truly helps more than you know.

Trailer

Dirt&Drive: Turning a small homestead into a real business

In this very first episode, I’m sharing the real story behind Dragon Creek Ranch - how we started, to building a tallow soap and skincare business, to why I’ve decided to learn as much as I can from fellow farmers, homesteaders, and business owners. In this introductory episode, I talk about: How Dragon Creek startedWhy I chose tallowWhat we’re building, and where this is all goingFinding others that are successfully building a business with their homesteads, and sharing their stories 🧼 Shop Dragon Creek Ranch: https://dragoncreek.org 🌿 Follow along as we grow this farm + business. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast and share it! It truly helps more than you know.

Turning a small homestead into a real business.

Creator

Dragon Creek Ranch
Years Active

2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Dirt & Drive
Show Website

Dirt & Drive