Nestled in the lush, biodiverse forests of Appalachia, Soulshine Acres is more than just a farm; it’s a sanctuary where business, nature, and community intertwine. Founded by Anna Grace Kelly and Andy Gedeon in 2021, this unique property has quickly blossomed from humble beginnings into a thriving venture that is now inspiring other forest landowners to explore how tourism can enhance their businesses while preserving the natural beauty of the land.
The Birth of SoulShine Acres: A Journey of Discovery
Soulshine Acres began as a modest idea sparked by a love for nature and a desire to create something sustainable. Andy, who is of this region, and Anna, who was inspired by her work with Morning Dew Hop Farm, initially focused on growing mushrooms. Andy studied abroad in Beijing while a student at Ohio University, learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They decided to grow mushrooms such as: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake, based on their use in TCM. Their vision took root when they discovered that the flat forested land on their property was ideal for cultivating mushrooms.
“We started small,” Andy recalls. “We knew we wanted to grow mushrooms but didn’t want to take on too much risk too soon.” Their approach was calculated yet inspired—they began by inoculating logs with Shiitake and Lion’s Mane spawn and slowly built their foundation at a manageable pace. As they cleared trees to make space for gardens, they realized that the land itself was full of untapped potential, as these trees proved useful for growing mushrooms. Wild Reishi mushrooms, a valuable TCM fungus, grew naturally on the property, leading them to explore the world of mushroom tinctures.
For Anna and Andy, tending to the land wasn’t about making a profit—it was about nurturing a deep connection to the earth. “Tending to the land made our souls shine,” Anna says, smiling. The work was deeply fulfilling, and as their business grew, so did their commitment to their community and the surrounding environment.
The Power of Place: Why SoulShine Acres Chose This Region
While the couple initially chose their land based on affordability and its potential for building a home, it was the rich biodiversity of the Appalachian region that ultimately aligned with their vision for Soulshine Acres. Andy’s family had long been rooted in the area, and his childhood experiences in the woods shaped his understanding of sustainable practices. Andy’s dad taught him what to eat and what to avoid in the forest, instilling a lifelong respect for the land. As Andy shared stories of his grandfather preparing and eating opossum, Anna reminded him how his parents used to lead tours of their home, driven by local interest in the sustainable building practices they had incorporated into its design. Both Anna and Andy agreed that Andy's deep connection to sustainability could be traced back to his childhood in Appalachia.
The natural beauty of the region and the vibrant sense of community that Anna and Andy found at local events like the Athens Farmers Market and the Fall Fungi Festival became defining elements of their business. These events were a clear reflection of their values: people coming together to learn about, grow with, appreciate, and care for the land.
“We’re blessed to be living here in Appalachia,” Anna says. “This area offers something unique—a deep connection to culture and the land that you don’t find everywhere. The people here value sustainability, and that’s at the heart of what we do.”
Rural Action: A Partner in Growth and Community Engagement
From the beginning, Soulshine Acres has been supported by organizations like Rural Action, which have provided both financial and strategic assistance. Thanks to a Seed Grant from Ohio’s Winding Road, they were able to establish its branding with a professional logo by Kevin Morgan. This was a crucial step in building their identity and reputation. The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant enabled them to purchase bulk mushroom spores and other essential supplies to expand their operations. Getting the Forest Grown Verification from United Plant Savers gave their business an important third party certification, so that customers would be confident that they were using sustainable forestry practices. But it wasn’t just funding that Rural Action provided. The connections, encouragement, and sense of community that came with being part of initiatives like the Fall Fungi Festival have been integral to the growth of SoulShine Acres. “Being a part of these events has helped us get our name out there,” Anna says. “It has shown that we are trustworthy and reputable. When people come and see our farm, it builds that trust.”
This sense of rootedness in the community is something that has become central to Soulshine Acres’ identity. Sharing their knowledge, food, and tinctures with others is a key part of their mission—one that tourism has helped amplify.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Growth
Anna and Andy quickly discovered that tourism could be a powerful force for their business. As they hosted tours and participated in community festivals, they began to see the tangible benefits of welcoming visitors to their farm. “People who come to the Fall Fungi Festival or to our tours often buy tinctures after seeing the process firsthand,” says Anna.
Tourism has also allowed Soulshine Acres to reach a wider audience. “The Athens Farmers Market is a major draw for visitors,” Anna explains. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about educating and sharing our story.” The visibility provided by these events has been instrumental in raising awareness about their work, and it has led to a steady stream of local and out-of-town visitors who are eager to learn more about the land, the mushrooms, and the benefits of sustainable farming practices.
As more people visit, Soulshine Acres’ reputation grows. This small, local business is growing with awareness of those interested in foraging, sustainability, and Appalachian ecology.
The Economic Impact of Tourism
The economic impact of tourism at Soulshine Acres has been noticeable. Beyond the immediate sales of tinctures and mushrooms, the business has seen an increase in overall revenue. Events like the Fall Fungi Festival and The Southern Ohio Forest Farming Conference not only help to sell products but also raise awareness about the broader mission of the farm. “These events help to bring in new customers,” Anna shares. “They get to see the work we do and learn about the benefits of forest-grown products.”
For Anna and Andy, the economic benefits are just the beginning. Tourism has also helped to raise awareness about important environmental issues such as climate resilience and biodiversity. “People are more conscious of where their food and medicine come from,” says Andy. “We’re helping to educate them about how sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and their health.”
Challenges and Rewards of Tourism
While tourism has certainly provided many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Anna and Andy admit that the added workload can be intense. “It’s a lot of work,” says Andy. Anna adds, “but it’s more rewarding than working for someone else. You’re building something from the ground up, and you’re doing it in a way that aligns with your values.”
Despite the hard work, the couple is committed to continuing to offer tours and experiences. “We’ve seen how much people value the chance to connect with nature, to learn about what we do, and to see the land firsthand,” Anna says. “It’s worth the effort.”
Inspiration for Other Forest Landowners
For other forest landowners looking to integrate tourism into their businesses, Anna and Andy’s story offers a valuable blueprint. By starting small, focusing on what makes the land special, and leveraging community connections, Soulshine Acres has grown into a thriving example of how tourism can enhance a forest-based business. Their success shows that with the right support, a passion for the land, and a clear vision, forest landowners can create sustainable businesses that benefit both their bottom line and the community.
As Anna says, “It all starts with just a thought. And then you nurture it, just like you would tend to the land.”
Through their journey, Soulshine Acres proves that when you align your business with your values and your environment, the rewards, both personal and economic, can be truly transformative.
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