Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharee Campbell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sharee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Saying I’m a happy business owner would be an understatement. For eight years, I worked a steady 9-to-5 job. It was great in many ways—normal business hours allowed me to spend time with my family—but my true passion lay elsewhere. I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and I wanted to share that love with others, especially families like mine. Growing up, I didn’t have the chance to have pets because our time was consumed by sports and after-school activities.

Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive husband. Back in September, he encouraged me to take a leap of faith when I was offered a position with S&S Services in Lynchburg, VA. That decision changed everything. Not only do I now have a job I genuinely enjoy, but I also have the flexibility to grow my own business: Jeffry’s Funny Farm. Through our mobile petting zoos, we bring animals to families for special occasions, creating unforgettable experiences.

So, am I a happy business owner? Absolutely, YES! I couldn’t imagine it any other way. I’m able to support my family while doing what I love—sharing my passion for animals with every family I meet. Life doesn’t get better than that!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the proud owner of Jeffry’s Funny Farm, a mobile petting zoo dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for families on their special occasions. Our current lineup includes goats, rabbits, and pigs, with plans to expand and introduce even more animals in the future. The inspiration for Jeffry’s Funny Farm came from our own homestead, where we witnessed the pure joy in our 4-year-old son’s eyes every time he interacted with our animals. That light in his eyes and the excitement in his footsteps as he ran to greet them sparked a dream: to share that magic with others.

We are a small, family-run business—a true mom-and-pop operation—built on love, passion, and a desire to grow a dream. Our mission is simple: to bring happiness to families, one furry friend at a time. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the smiles and laughter that animals bring to children and adults alike.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up, my brother and I were raised by our father in a single-parent household. I watched him work long hours, often six to seven days a week, to ensure we had everything we needed. He made it possible for us to enjoy opportunities like playing sports and participating in after-school activities, including my memorable trip to the Virgin Islands for a Marine Biology program. Through his example, my dad taught me that hard work pays off. There were times when he struggled, but his determination and perseverance always carried us through.

These lessons shaped the person I am today. When I pour my heart and soul into something, I usually succeed. But on those rare occasions when I don’t, I keep pushing until I do. Life isn’t defined by how many wins or losses you have—it’s about how you handle the losses that shapes your character. When you truly love something, you don’t give up; you fight to turn that passion into a reality.

If you go through life avoiding risks and refusing to fight for what you love or want for your family, you’ll never experience the fullness of what life has to offer.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up watching my dad struggle, I made a promise to myself: I would work hard to provide a better life for my family. I wanted to ensure that we wouldn’t have to face the same challenges he did. However, somewhere along the way, I lost sight of what truly mattered. My job became the center of my world as I poured endless hours into striving for financial security, believing that if I worked hard enough, my family would be set for life. That became my only goal.

But in the process, I overlooked something far more important—the memories and moments with my loved ones. I had convinced myself that working long hours would secure happiness for my family, but I failed to realize that the time and connection I was sacrificing were irreplaceable. When we’re gone, the money or possessions we leave behind are just things—temporary and fleeting. What truly lasts are the memories we create and the impact we have on the lives of those we love.

I turned my 9-to-5 job into an endless commitment, constantly available to clients even after hours because I genuinely cared. I thought this was what I had to do to provide for my family. Yes, the money was good, and it gave us a comfortable lifestyle, but something was missing—the joy of building memories with the people who matter most and the simple enjoyment of life itself.

That’s when I realized something important. My dad worked long hours too, but he had no choice—he was the sole provider. Yet, he always made time to show up. He was there for every ball game, every extracurricular activity, and every important moment. Looking back, those are the things I remember most—not the struggles, not the lack of money, but the love, the presence, and the memories.

We didn’t have much growing up, but we had what we needed—a roof over our heads, food on the table, and a father who made us feel seen and valued. Ultimately, I learned that while money may make the world go round, it’s not everything. Jobs and responsibilities will always be there, but life is fleeting, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.

As I reflect, I now understand this: material things fade, but the memories we create and the impact we leave on others live on. Focus on what truly matters, because at the end of the day, it’s not the money or the possessions that define a life well-lived—it’s the love, the moments, and the legacy we leave behind.”

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrys.funny.farm
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffrysfunnyfarm24066

Image Credits

Fincastle Herald and Eagle Rock Library for the write up for AG DAY