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

Alright, Judy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Being the daughter of a super successful business owner, I always thought success was all about making money. But I’ve learned there’s so much more to it.

For me, success is waking up every day excited to go to work and feeling like I’m on vacation because I love what I do. That’s why I feel really successful at Snead’s Farmhouse—I’ve achieved that kind of joy in my work life. I have allowed myself to get into a routine because I have no choice but to get up and take care of the animals, prepare for field trips, unexpected vet visits, etc. I have my “kids” depending on me to be fed and loved. Being successful doesn’t allow for sitting out, it requires you to dance. That’s what I remind people of when they visit my farm or interact with me online: you have choices, you can sit it out or dance. You have to have a positive mindset and be able to know that you’re making a difference in others through that commitment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Judy Snead, and I’m the owner of Snead’s Farmhouse, which is located in Cullman, Alabama. I grew up in the city and have always dreamt of living in New York City and dancing on Broadway. Life took a curve when I married a country boy in 2017 and suggested we get Chickens. That day, my life totally changed because I fell in love with the chickens. Who knew there were so many different kinds? What started out as chickens became turkeys, ducks, peacocks, cows, goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, rabbits, pigeons, pheasants, and a tortoise. In 2020, Snead’s Farmhouse was born because people on Facebook were following my story, and the next thing you know, I had to get insurance, a bathroom, and an online calendar to book my appointments. My social media has taken off, and it’s provided me with a good income to help offset the expenses of having a farm. We’ve built an awesome online community where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together to enjoy the fun of farming. I share videos on YouTube that highlight what we’re up to at Snead’s Farmhouse and also offer tips on how to run a successful farm. When I first started, I didn’t know a thing, but thanks to my dedication to social media, I’ve been able to earn an income and learn a ton from other farms in the process. It’s not a competition to see who has the best farm; it’s all about working together, collaborating, and supporting local farms. My non-profit is focused on giving back through animals and community efforts.

I want people to see how hard I work. I’m all about sharing the reality of running a farm business and being a social media influencer. That means showing the good, the bad, and the ugly. I aim to keep it real for my followers, giving them a genuine look at the ups and downs of farm life while inspiring others to get involved and appreciate what goes into this way of living.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

I started my Facebook page on December 9, 2019. Today is December 3, 2024, and I’m being followed by over 98,000 followers on Facebook and over 24,000 subscribers on YouTube. When the farm started, there wasn’t much business during the off-season, which are the winter months. When I was trying to figure out how to continue providing for my farm and community, I figured I would try Facebook. I started the page, nervous about whether anyone would watch or interact, but it’s proven to be the best risk I have taken with this business. Sharing your life on social media is really challenging because people feel like they have the right to tell you what you should and shouldn’t be doing. It was rough initially, but my backup dancers and I created a safe and inclusive space for everyone. It’s nice to have income through my social media, but it requires the commitment I mentioned earlier. As a matter of fact, one month, I had a video go viral, and I was able to build a hay barn, purchase hay for one solid year, and re-create my husband’s garage into an education center from the success of social media that particular month. I was shocked at how much money you can make on social media.

Recently, my stepdad, who lives with me, became ill and is currently on hospice. Needless to say, my hours of operation had to be adjusted due to taking care of him. I’m so thankful for social media so my business can continue being open. Without taking the risk and putting myself out there, I wouldn’t necessarily be able to continue to run my business in person now that I am taking care if my stepdad.

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

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of breaking free from the need to please everyone. For most of my life, I felt compelled to make others happy, often at the expense of my own well-being. Sharing my journey on social media has opened me up to a whirlwind of opinions, and I quickly realized the value of trusting my instincts and embracing my true self.

As my following grew, I encountered my fair share of negativity and hurtful comments. It can be tough to navigate, especially when people feel entitled to voice their opinions about everything under the sun. But amidst the noise, I’ve discovered a community that truly gets me — my “backup dancers.” These amazing followers understand my heart and the passion behind my platform, and they inspire me every day. Together, we create a space where authenticity reigns, and that connection is what keeps me grounded.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sneadsfarmhouse.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CsuYbN3jb/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sneadsfarmhouse8044

Image Credits

Jaclyn Head
Vincente Swope