FARMER
Island Hill Farm
By Jordan Parker Photos Alanna Belair, Sara Bakker, Story Thorburn
Farmer Flory Sanderson has lived at Island Hill Farm since high school, and her entire family has found purpose and joy on the property. Flory opened the farm to the public in 2013. Her three daughters have all worked there and developed different skills as they switched between work at the destination and their own passions. “Rebecca has input on our animals and their care, and she produces all of the signage you’ll see around the farm on your visit. Jennifer had input on the business side, keeping personal limits to the business, and helping us with the flow of the experience. Casey continued with hands-on experiences like our yoga, and she worked on herself while living here and helped me too," says Flory.
“They brought ideas from their own life experiences in travelling around the world. My girls’ artistic sides shine through in art all over the farm and on some of our products in the shoppe, and we have a lot of fun ideas for the future together too. My daughters are my biggest supporters, challengers, and pushers; their worldly travels have told me that I can be a world destination. I value my girls’ ideas and thoughts, and they are a great sounding point for me,” says Farmer Flory, who is genuine when she says she wouldn't have the success she enjoys without the support of her daughters. Also standing behind her all of the way were her parents. Flory’s father Earle Shepherd would hear Flory say, “Dad, someday I’m going to do this…” and he would respond, “No, Flory, you ARE doing it.” Farmer Flory’s mom,
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