Back on the Farm
Farmaesthetics revisits its roots with an adorable pop-up at Sweet Berry Farm . By Jackie Ignall
PHOTOGRAPHY : MAAIKE BERNSTROM .
Brenda Brock , founder of natural skincare brand Farmaesthetics , has been fine-tuning her luxurious formulations since she began selling them at an organic Middletown farm stand twenty-two years ago , just down the road from Michelle and Jan Eckhart ’ s Sweet Berry Farm .
This summer she came full circle , opening a sweet and chic pop-up at Sweet Berry Farm inside a renovated tool shed , thanks to help from her daughter , Lela Barclay de Tolly , Farmaesthetics ’ art director .
Like many other businesses during the pandemic , Farmaesthetics closed its flagship location ( on Bellevue Avenue in Newport ). The move gave Brock time to think about her next steps and look for new environments .
“ We started to think about unique locations that aligned with Farmaesthetics ’ sensibilities and aesthetics ,” Brock says . “ I have always admired Michelle from Sweet Berry Farm and her aesthetic , and we have always supported each other as women in business and entrepreneurs .”
The adorable shed is outfitted with a black-and-white checkered floor , open shelving , wood beams , bundles of dried lavender from an employee ’ s garden , handmade tables by Brock ’ s husband , ceramic mixing bowls from Marley Made , vintage chairs and family heirloom paintings on the wall .
“ I wanted to keep the pop-up sustainable and local , supporting local creators and artists ,” says Barclay de Tolly . “ It was heartwarming being able to reimagine my mother ’ s original farm stand , creating a modern-day iteration of what her business has grown to be .”
Visitors can enjoy fall festivities on the farm , then head inside the shop to try the brand ’ s signature offerings like rejuvenating bath and body oils , herbal facial cleansers , sweet milk exfoliators and lavender-milk scented candles hand-poured in Paris . Open Thursday – Saturday , 11 a . m .– 6 p . m ., through Oct . 31 . farmaesthetics . com �
20 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l OCTOBER 2022