Back to the Root: How Green Harvest Homestead is Stirring Up Skincare with Whipped Tallow Wonders
By: Sheila Duncan
In a world increasingly drawn to natural, time-honored skincare solutions, one company is turning heads—and softening skin—by going back to basics. Rooted in tradition yet driven by modern wellness, Mika Green with Green Harvest Homestead, LLC, is redefining beauty through the power of tallow. Sourced responsibly and crafted with care, their nourishing products harness the centuries-old benefits of grass-fed beef tallow to deliver rich, skin-loving moisture without the synthetic fillers found in most commercial brands. I recently had the opportunity to meet Mika Green and purchased some of her products.
What inspired you to start a skincare business, and how did you discover tallow as a key ingredient? “It was honestly, by chance. I wanted to render some lard, but I had no idea what I was doing. So, I went to YouTube to learn the proper process. Different video recommendations began to pop up, and I came across a video on “How to make Whipped Tallow Face Cream.” I was intrigued about a natural skincare product, so I went down the rabbit hole and started to research. I made myself a personal batch that I used for several months. Then I searched someone local to get more and realized we didn’t have anyone in this general area. I made an interest post on Facebook to see if anyone would even be interested in something like that, and I was blown away by the responses. Over the next few weeks, I ordered the supplies that I needed and then began the process to establish my business and LLC. Green Harvest Homestead LLC was officially formed on September 1st, 2024.”
For those unfamiliar, what exactly is tallow, and why do you believe it’s beneficial for skincare? “Tallow is the byproduct of Beef Suet. It’s the fat that is located specifically around the cows’ kidneys. This particular fat is more nutrient dense and naturally contains fatty acids and various vitamins to help support our skin. With the natural makeup of tallow, it is actually more compatible with our skin’s own natural oils. This makes it a well-tolerated product for most skin types.”
How do you source your tallow, and what sets your process apart from others?
“I purchase my beef suet from locally sourced farms. The majority of my suet comes from a family-owned farm in Cullman County. I’ve seen where a lot of people purchase their tallow already rendered from different companies online, but I wanted to stay local, so I knew exactly where it was coming from. I’ve seen the property, know how they were raised, and what their diets consist of. They do rotational grazing, so their cattle are 100% grass fed and finished, and they do not use any antibiotics or hormones.”
What are the core values behind your brand? “To make an all-natural product of high quality that is locally sourced, but also affordable for everyone.”
What has customer feedback been like, especially from people who were initially hesitant to try tallow-based skincare? “The feedback that I have received has been absolutely amazing. Most people thought that it was going to be extremely greasy on their skin. In fact, a small amount of product goes a very long way and doesn’t feel heavy.”
Have you noticed any skin conditions or concerns that seem to respond, especially well to your products? “Unfortunately, I’m not able to make any medical claims. But I’ve had several of my customers say that it has helped them with various dry patches and certain skin conditions they have been dealing with.”
How do you balance running the business with your personal life? “Honestly, it has been a challenge at times, but I try to make it work to the best of my ability and still make time for my personal life. I’ve been in business for about nine months now and for me to be a newer small business, it’s been an absolute blessing to have a consistent supply and demand that is keeping me busy.”
What are some of your best-selling or most beloved products, and why do you think they resonate with your customers? ‘That would definitely be the whipped tallow face cream and lip balms. They have been a customer favorite since the very beginning. The creamy and smooth consistency of the face cream leaves your face feeling so moisturized. I’ve had customers say the lip balms go on so smoothly, just like butter, and I agree 100%. Plus, everything is all natural. It is safe for everyone to use. No preservatives, emulsifiers, or anything like that. And if someone doesn’t want essential oils, I also have Fragrance Free and Plain tallow products available, too.”
What advice would you give to someone curious about switching to natural or ancestral skincare? “Please do your research. Look at everything you can in regard to the many uses, natural benefits, and the history behind tallow. I’m a firm believer that people should look at all the information to determine if a product will be beneficial for them. Please follow that and not just the trend.”
What’s next for your business—any new products, goals, or dreams you’re working on? “I am hoping to expand into a few more local retail spaces. My products are currently available at Off The Beaten Path, Curren Pharmacy, and on my website. I’m hoping to expand to two additional locations soon. One location would be in Concord, and the other would be right here in Centreville at Cahaba Create.”
Do you plan to expand your product line or stay focused on what’s working best?
“Yes, I’m all for growth and expansion. Right now, I have a new product in mind, but I’m still in my vendor event season until mid-May. Once that ends, I will be able to focus on doing my research for ingredients, working on different formulas, and doing some batch tests for it before launching it this fall. I would love to make tallow soap at some point and add it to my product line.”
What’s one product you never leave home without? “My Lip Balm! I always have one in my pocket, and I typically have a few backups in my purse. I love all of the scents, but Vanilla will always be my favorite!”
What’s next for your business—any new products, goals, or dreams you’re working on? “I am hoping to expand into a few more local retail spaces. My products are currently available at Off the Beaten Path, Curren Pharmacy, and on my website. I’m hoping to expand to two additional locations soon. One location would be in Concord, and the other would be right here in Centreville.”
As consumers seek purity and purpose in their routines, Green Harvest Homestead offers a refreshingly honest approach to skincare—one jar at a time.
Thank you Mika Green and Green Harvest Homestead, LLC.
