By Sinclair Holian | Photography by John Michael Simpson
Every handcrafted product from Solstice Herb Farm, from soaps and lotions to mists and oils, has roots in just a single acre.
That acre belongs to founder Stephanie Fay and her family, who have cultivated a charming Pittsboro haven filled with gardens, berry orchards, ducks, chickens and pigs.
Stephanie started the family-run microfarm after moving to Pittsboro from the Chicago area in 2011. She never imagined that her new homestead would become the site of her very own business, but her love for gardening and passion for herbalism flourished on the property, and what began in the gardens soon grew into a full-fledged farm-to-face skincare operation.
Every season, Stephanie designs and creates her unique plant-based products by hand using organic ingredients grown on the farm or by other artisan producers. Her “Sol Daily Super Serum,” an oil-based facial serum packed with skin-healing botanicals, is the farm’s most popular product. “It’s been gaining a cult following in Chatham,” she says. Another fan favorite during the holidays is the “Holy Crown Sacred Anointing Aroma Roller,” featuring frankincense, myrrh and shimmers of gold.
Stephanie’s products aren’t just about skincare – she’s equally focused on caring for the earth. The business runs on a permaculture-based philosophy of responsible and ethical land stewardship that’s visible in every step of production.
We grow whatever we can to use in our products, feed our family and recycle farm inputs and outputs,” she says. Plants like comfrey and nettle serve multiple purposes: “[They provide] food for ourselves and our animals, act as medicine, fertilizer and soil-builders, and of course, are used in our skincare products,” Stephanie says.
Solstice Herb Farm offers limited-edition products crafted to align with the natural rhythms of the earth, a core value of the company. Certain ingredients flourish only in specific seasons, so some products may not be available year-round – or not return at all. “Our governing philosophy is to model and educate others in the value of herbs and other botanicals for our personal well-being and to honor our planet’s precious gifts,” Stephanie says. “Living in harmony with the land and embracing the changing seasons creates a life that is full of peace and beauty.”
Stephanie skillfully balances the tasks of growing ingredients, crafting products and managing their brick-and-mortar shop on Rectory Street with grace and resilience. Nearly four years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Although she’s in stable condition today, the experience has shifted her focus, compelling her to prioritize her own health and self-care. “When it comes to running my business, I have to make a lot of sacrifices and compromises,” she says. “This journey back to relative health hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been blessed with enormous community support along the way.”
And supporting her community in return is what keeps Stephanie moving. “When someone tells me how much they love a certain product, or how the story about a product resonated deeply with them and stirred beloved memories from their childhood, then I know that I’ve done something truly impactful,” she says. “We talk a lot about making ‘magick’ when making products. The real magic is bringing unexpected joy to others.”
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