Millpond Collective 06

THE JOY OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE

M E E T T H E T E A M

ON THE COVER

JOEL SALATIN AND SON, DANIEL, SHOW US AROUND POLYFACE FARM

SAMANTHA SHOVER

EDITOR, JOURNALIST +

PHOTOGRAPHER MANAGING EDITOR +

JONATHAN SHOVER

VIDEOGRAPHER

pillars

FAMILY HOME

“Millpond Family” is the heart and basic building block of our business. Each client we work with ends up becoming the folks that we want to cook out with, laugh and cry with, and follow along as they go through life’s big adventures. This section of the magazine is devoted to people that we want to highlight that manifest all things “family.”

We want to incorporate all senses of home in the magazine whether it be highlighting an old home built on history, taking you on a tour through someone’s amazing kitchen, giving you the most amazing warm-your-belly recipes contributed by the best cooks we know, and even helping you to remember the things that really make a house a home.

It is hard to know every single business that surrounds us. We want you to know about the mom and pop places that started 20 years ago, or the business of the 16 year old who just started out. We want to shine light on the people that we see shining light on others...and following their dreams while they do it!

This section of the magazine is devoted to all things well-being We want our Millpond Collective readers to have some insight into others that may help them be more in tune with their spiritual, mental, physical well being...whether that be from visiting your local plant nursery, to learning about how to breathe. Grounded is the broadest topic, but probably one of the most important ones of all!

BALANCING BUSINESS AND FAMILY:

ONE FAMILY'S STORY

Running a business is no easy feat, and running multiple businesses can be downright daunting. For the Weatherly family, it's just another day. The Weatherly's are the proud owners of a diversified portfolio of companies spanning several industries: from real estate to Ecco Adesso Vineyard in Fairfield, Virginia, to a non-profit, consulting companies, and even Airbnbs.

Yet despite their busy schedules and the demands of running a business empire, the Weatherly's have managed to maintain a close-knit, loving family.

The Weatherly's journey to entrepreneurship began several years ago, when Michael and Cierra Weatherly decided to begin acquiring rental properties, and started their own

bar/restaurant, which led to them starting their own consulting company in 2015, which then summersaulted them into many other ventures, and most recently "The Farm" commonly called Ecco Adesso: a vineyard, mini cabin Airbnbs, local hang-out, and all around amazing place. With hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, the businesses took off, and soon the Weatherly's were expanding into other industries, even today. They are constantly networking and most recently started a sports mediation business similar to their government consulting company only within the sports field where they work with universities and professional teams and athletes! Today, the family business is a sprawling network of companies, but with their babies by their side, and a hustle personality, they are able to get it all done!

But while they're busy running their businesses, the Weatherly's have never lost sight of what's truly important: family. They make a point of sitting down for dinner together, working on homework together, and they take regular vacations every year to spend time together and bond as a family. They also make sure to set aside time to volunteer in their community, giving back to others, and staying grounded in the process. Their most recent nonprofit they started is a veteran based program working in the gardens at Ecco Adesso getting their hands in the dirt.

Even the kids pitch in and pull weeds and pick vegetables alongside the veterans involved in the project!

When asked what advice they would give to someone wanting to be like them and create generational wealth for their family, Mike and Cierra both responded with a similar response: "Anybody can spiral down a rabbit hole for work, but it's important to keep that work/life balance. As far as a tip for how to be successful: network. It's all about getting out there and meeting new people. Don't be scared to fail and try new things."

Of course, it's not always easy to balance work and family, and the Weatherly's are the first to admit that they've had to make sacrifices along the way They believe that by working together and supporting each other, they can achieve anything.

The Weatherly's have individual and family goals. In their experience, they advised us to "have a "shared goal, you know, a vision. A plan is not necessarily a goal A plan is always good, but a goal to work towards is even better."

For the Weatherly's, success isn't just about growing their businesses and increasing their wealth; it's about creating a loving, supportive family that can weather any storm By all accounts, they've succeeded in that goal. The Weatherly's businesses are thriving, but so is their family. They're living proof that it's possible to have it all - a successful career and a happy family - with a little bit of hard work and a lot of love.

"If you're willing to take the risk and have a passion behind it, nine times out of 10 you're gonna succeed."

-Mike Weatherly

PLANNING YOUR SPRING REMODEL WITH DOVETAIL DESIGN & CABINETRY

Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh. Whether you’re looking to add new furniture, change up the color scheme, or renovate a room entirely, it can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s where interior design firms like Dovetail Design and Cabinetry located in Charlottesville and Staunton, VA come in.

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dovetail's owner, Amy Hart, the creative force making it all happen. She shared her thoughts on the latest trends in home remodels, tips for making the process smoother, and what sets her business apart from the rest.

Making Your Home Remodel Easier

When asked about the biggest challenges homeowners face when embarking on a home remodel, Amy emphasized the importance of having a clear plan in place. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you can just jump into a project without a solid plan in place. Having a clear budget, timeline, and design plan in place before you start can make all the difference in the outcome and overall satisfaction with the project and with the vendors you work with to complete the project.

"If someone is embarking on a remodel and they're terrified, which is not uncommon, the best thing to do is have a team around you. Whether it's your design team, your contractor, family, friends, neighbors, give the neighbor the key to your house when you can't go meet the countertop people...I just think, have a tribe around you."

Amy also suggests involving your designer early on in the process to help guide you through decision-making and avoid any costly mistakes.

Maintaining Design Elements Throughout a Space

Another key aspect of a successful home remodel is making sure the design elements are cohesive throughout the space. Amy recommends having a unifying factor, such as a thread of color to tie everything together. That can be found in a piece of art or furniture, etc.

-Amy Hart

Misconceptions About What Color to Paint a Room

When it comes to painting a room, many people are afraid to make the BIG choice on what color to paint the walls. Amy Hart argues that this is a common misconception and encourages homeowners to keep your walls NEUTRAL. "Treat your room like an art gallery. What's important is the art, right? Not the walls," she explains. "If you want to go bold, do it, but on one wall. Make it matte black with a flat texture to make the room interesting and unique."

Hardships on Remodeling Your Home

Of course, any home remodel comes with its own set of challenges. From managing a budget and timeline to dealing with unexpected surprises, Amy Hart acknowledges that there are difficulties to be expected. However, she believes that with proper planning and the right team in place, the end result is worth it. The end goal is to create a space that is functional, beautiful, and reflective of your personal style.

What Makes Dovetail Design & Cabinetry Special

When asked what sets Dovetail apart from other interior design firms, Amy pointed to the "dovetail pattern" of how the bathroom drawer was constructed and said, "What makes Dovetail cool is our philosophy..."

Philosophy of Dovetail Design & Cabinetry

"I named this company "Dovetail Design" because I want to "dovetail" our expertise and our love for design with our clients excitement and joy at embarking on this awesome project. We know that our clients have ideas that they have been thinking about for a long time. We want to work alongside them or "co-design" to tweak and fine-tune to create a space that everyone can be proud of in the end."

-Amy Hart

EATING AS A FAMILY

DINNER IS SERVED

There's something special about gathering around the dinner table as a family Not only is it an opportunity to fuel up with nourishing food, but it's also a chance to connect with loved ones and build stronger bonds.

If you're looking to strengthen your family relationships and promote healthy eating habits, consider making family meal time a priority

One of the main benefits of family meal time is the opportunity to connect with each other. In today's fastpaced world, it can be easy to get caught up in our own schedules and responsibilities Family meal time provides a dedicated time to slow down and catch up with each other, sharing stories and laughing together

Eating together as a family can also be an opportunity to model healthy eating habits. When everyone sits down to a nourishing meal, it sets a positive example for kids and can encourage them to make healthier food choices Family meal time can also be a chance to try out new recipes and expose kids to a variety of different foods, helping to broaden their palate and encourage healthy eating habits.

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ONE OF THE MAIN BENEFITS OF FAMILY MEAL TIME IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER.

5 TOPICS

to talk about witth your kids at dinner

CURRENT EVENTS

This can be a great way to encourage your children to stay informed and engaged with the world around them. You can discuss local, national, or international news and events, or even just interesting articles or stories that you've come across.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Dinner is a great time to talk about your children's passions and interests. Ask them about what they've been working on or learning about recently, and share your own hobbies and interests as well.

GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS

Dinner can be a good time to discuss your children's long-term goals and aspirations. You can ask them about what they hope to achieve in the future, and offer guidance and support as needed.

FAMILY VALUES AND TRADITIONS

If this is a new activity you are trying to implement into your daily ritual at home, it can be slightly intimidating at first If this is something you already do, but just don't know what to say to your kids (hello, angry teenagers!), then this is a quick list of topics to encourage meaningful talk at the dinner table and engage your children

We hope this encourages good memories witth your children and lots of laughs!

Dinner can be a good opportunity to talk about your family's values and traditions. You can discuss what these values mean to you, and how you can all work together to live by them.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Encourage your children to share stories about their day or week. This can be a great way to foster open communication and build stronger relationships within your family.

AN HOUR AT POLYFACE FARM

As we drove down the winding country roads, the lush green pastures of Polyface Farm came into view. Located in the heart of Swoope, Virginia, this farm is a true gem! Owned and operated by the Salatin family, Polyface Farm is dedicated to developing emotionally, economically, and environmentally enhancing agricultural enterprises.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Daniel, the farm manager and son of Joel Salatin, who graciously showed us around the property alongside his father. As we drove around the pastures and through the woods, we were struck by the diversity of the operation. The Salatins raise chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, and more, all in a way that is respectful of the animals and the land.

One thing that sets Polyface

Farm apart is their use of rotational grazing techniques. Rather than keeping their animals confined to small areas or feedlots, the Salatins allow their animals to roam and graze on fresh pasture. This not only improves the animals' quality of life, but it also helps to regenerate the soil and increase biodiversity on the farm.

In addition to their rotational grazing techniques, the Salatins also use natural fertilizers and avoid synthetic chemicals. This results in a farm that is healthy and sustainable, and produces nutrient-rich food that is good for both the consumer and the environment. The Salatins sell their products in their on-site shop and online, including fresh eggs, meat, and produce from their greenhouses.

The farm also has a covered pavilion that serves as a gathering place for speakers and educational events. The Salatins believe that by sharing their knowledge and techniques, they can facilitate the duplication of their model around the world. They offer tours of the farm, host workshops, and even have an onsite hands-on classroom and apprenticeship program for students to learn about sustainable agriculture.

As our tour came to a close, we couldn't help but feel inspired. The Salatins' dedication to their craft and their commitment to the environment is truly admirable. If you have the opportunity, we highly recommend visiting Polyface Farm and seeing firsthand the amazing work they are doing. Not only will you learn about sustainable agriculture, but you'll also have the chance to taste some of the best food you'll ever eat, all while supporting a farm that is making a positive impact on the world.

BACKGROUND ON POLYFACE FARM

by Joel Salatin

"I am first and foremost a farmer, but not a very ordinary farmer In fact, I’m known as a Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic. Our family farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley now has four generations living on it I’m second generation, but the day-to-day operations are handled by my son. Polyface Farm is a diversified, grassbased, beyond organic, direct marketing farm. We produce salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry and eggs, forage based rabbits, and forestry products. Purchased by my mom and dad in 1961, the farm has gone from a worn out, gullied weedpatch that couldn’t even pay a salary to one that employs 10 people with more than a million dollars in sales.

It’s still experiencing exponential growth Lush pastures supported by ecstatic copulating earthworms testify to the healing.

While many business folks would consider this a tiny business and it is it is considered quite a large farm by USDA sales criteria, which calls any farm with sales above $400,000 annually a large farm. Polyface direct markets everything it produces to a customer base that numbers 2,000 families, 25 restaurants, and 10 retail outlets.

For context, please understand that we don’t do anything conventionally. We haven’t bought a bag of chemical fertilizer in half a century, never planted a seed, own no plow or disk or silo."

Joel Salatin Owner of Polyface Farm

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FOREVER HOME FOR A LOCAL FAMILY

A FAMILY-OWNED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY'S STORY OF BUILDING THEIR DREAM HOME

In the small town of Fishersville, Virginia, a family-owned construction company, Synergy Homecrafters, has been operating for years. The company, run by husband and wife duo, Dillon and Erica Sipe, have been responsible

for constructing numerous homes and buildings in the community. However, their personal dream of building their forever home had always been put on hold due to the demands of running a successful business. .

Dillon and Erica Sipe Owners of Synergy Homecrafters

Finally, after years of hard work, the Sipes have fulfilled their dream by building their forever home on a piece of land convenient to their business and local businesses.

The home was built using the latest building techniques and materials, and every detail was personally overseen by Dillon and Erica to ensure that the end result was exactly what they had envisioned.

The couple took a hands-on approach to the construction of their home, making sure that every aspect was tailored to their unique needs and preferences

CREATE WITH HEART. BUILD WITH MIND.

Sipe

They used their years of experience in the industry to choose the best materials, fixtures, and finishes that would provide both durability and beauty. The result is a stunning, custom-built home that blends seamlessly with the surroundings, but still looks unique and stunning

-Erica

The interior of the home is designed for comfort and relaxation. The spacious living room boasts a large modern fireplace and massive windows.

The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and a large island that is perfect for entertaining guests. It even has a secret door to the butler's pantry with custom shelving, and space for unsightly appliances that they didn't want on the counters.

The bedrooms are comfortable and cozy. The master suite has its own en-suite bathroom with black soaking tub, tiled shower, and walk-in ginormous master closet that hooks around to the laundry for easy access. Genius design!

For the Sipes, building their forever home was a labor of love, and they couldn't be happier with the result.

They take great pride in the fact that their family-owned business made it possible for them to build the home of their dreams. They hope that it will be a place where they can spend many happy years, surrounded by the people and things they love.

The story of Synergy

Homecrafters and the construction of their forever home is a testament to the value of hard work, dedication, and the American dream. It serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Joy of a Capsule Wardrobe:

How

Paring Down Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clothes in your closet? Do you find yourself constantly searching for something to wear, yet feeling unfulfilled and unimpressed with your options? It might be time to consider paring down your wardrobe to a capsule collection of sustainable, high-quality pieces that truly make you feel incredible.

A local fashion professional, Holly Hillman, owner of Billy Opal, shows you the pieces that will complete your capsule wardrobe

The concept of a "capsule wardrobe," popularized in the 1970s by Susie Faux, owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe," refers to a minimalist approach to fashion in which you choose a limited number of pieces to mix and match throughout the season A capsule wardrobe allows you to focus on quality over quantity, and to select pieces that truly reflect your personal style and meet your practical needs.

The benefits of a capsule wardrobe extend beyond just saving time and money on clothing purchases. Research has shown that decluttering and simplifying our physical space can have a positive impact on our mental health A cluttered environment can lead to increased stress and anxiety, while a streamlined space can foster feelings of calm and control.

By paring down your wardrobe to a selection of well-chosen, sustainable pieces, you can create a sense of order and clarity in your daily life.

In addition to the mental health benefits, choosing sustainable fashion is also better for the environment. Fast fashion, or the practice of rapidly producing lowquality, cheap clothing to meet the demands of constantly changing trends, is a major contributor to environmental degradation. By investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that are made to last, you can reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to support ethical and sustainable fashion practices

Creating YOUR Capsule Wardrobe

Start with these easy tips from Holly to create a much better mental space to start out spring and the year 2023!

Pick items that you truly like. Don't be afraid to try on things that you might not think would look great on you. We're our own worst critic.

Don't choose items that are not your style. If you pick something that is somebody else's style, you're less likely to wear it.

Choose items that work for your lifestyle.

Not everything has to be like the whole "figure flattering" thing. The items you choose need to be what you like, and feel good in!

When you go to stores, let people help you because sometimes letting somebody else look at you is different than you looking at yourself. They might pick out stuff that you wouldn't have picked out for yourself. Especially when those people are the ones working around the clothes all the time. They know what will fit you the best or what looks right. Oftentimes, it's something that you wouldn't pick out for yourself, but works!

I love a denim jacket. That's a great piece to have no matter what the occasion.

THANK YOU

It has always been a dream of ours to create a magazine to share amazing stories of all things local. We are so thankful for the hearts that follow our adventures and the support we have gotten along the way. We can't wait to continue to grow this platform and highlight how amazing our community is. Thank you for your continued support, and for making this all possible!

Much love to you all, Sam

and Jonathan Shover

@millpondphotography