Maddie Brush and Taeda Farms

Building Dreams from the Ground Up: How Maddie Brush and Her Family Are Creating Taeda Farms

Starting something from scratch always takes courage, patience, and a whole lot of heart—and that’s exactly what today’s guest, Maddie Brush, brings to the table. On this episode of Redefine Business, host Brittni Schroeder sits down with Maddie to talk about the story behind Taeda Farms, a new flower farm and brand she’s building in North Carolina alongside her husband, Caleb, and her mom, Janelle Brown—known from the TLC show Sister Wives.

It’s a story of growth (both literally and figuratively). From navigating unexpected red tape and delays to discovering creative ways to keep their dream alive, Maddie’s journey is a beautiful example of perseverance, learning, and staying true to your vision.

The Story Behind Taeda Farms

The dream of Taeda Farms began a few years ago when Maddie and her family decided to create a space where people could connect with nature, slow down, and enjoy simple beauty. The idea was simple: a flower farm where guests could visit, walk through the blooms, take photos, and experience a little piece of peace.

But, as Maddie quickly learned, building a farm is a long game. What she thought would be a straightforward process—clearing some trees, planting flowers, and welcoming guests—turned into a lesson in environmental regulations, soil management, and patience.

“You can’t just buy a piece of land and start planting,” Maddie explains. Because the property is in a coastal county, the family had to work through multiple layers of permits and environmental checks. Officials examined the land to ensure it wasn’t part of protected wetlands or waterways. At one point, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers even came out to inspect the property for what’s called a “blue line ditch,” a federally recognized natural waterway that can’t be disturbed.

While the process was long and complicated, Maddie took it in stride. Her curiosity and determination helped her navigate everything from zoning requirements to soil erosion rules. As Brittni points out, Maddie has a knack for learning about just about everything—whether it’s gardening, oils, or now, environmental engineering!

Why “Taeda”?

If you’ve ever wondered where the name Taeda Farms comes from, it’s rooted (pun intended) in nature. The word “Taeda” comes from Pinus taeda, the Latin name for a type of pine tree that grows tall with long, elegant needles. It’s also Latin for “torch” or “wedding torch,” which Maddie felt perfectly symbolized their mission to create light, warmth, and community through their farm.

Of course, the name has caused a little confusion. Some fans pronounce it “Tada,” which Maddie laughs about. “It’s Taeda, not Tada,” she says. “But honestly, we should probably use that in our marketing!”

Turning Delays into Opportunity

When the permitting process slowed down their plans, Maddie and her family didn’t just sit back and wait. Instead, they got creative.

To keep the brand alive and the community engaged, they launched a Taeda Farms merchandise line, starting with T-shirts, aprons, and small bundles that helped raise funds for the next phase of development. What started as a temporary solution quickly became a way to build brand awareness and connect with their incredibly supportive audience.

“We have such a loyal following,” Maddie says. “People kept asking how they could help, and we wanted to offer them something meaningful.”

This early pivot allowed them to generate income while continuing to clear land, handle environmental requirements, and fund the infrastructure needed for future visitors.

What’s Next for Taeda Farms

Fast forward to today, and progress is happening… finally! The team has begun clearing the land for flower beds and parking areas, and they’re taking careful steps to preserve the soil and prevent erosion. The first phase will feature a “You-Pick” flower experience, inviting visitors to stroll through the fields, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the property.

Eventually, Maddie and her family plan to expand Taeda Farms into something truly special:

• A flower subscription program, shipping seasonal blooms nationwide
• Cabins and a coffee shop, offering guests a peaceful rural escape
• A large lodge, perfect for retreats, weddings, and special events

If all goes according to plan, Taeda Farms is expected to open to the public in spring 2026 just in time for the first major blooms.

The Slow Living Philosophy

In addition to her work on Taeda Farms, Maddie is also building her own personal brand centered on slow living and homesteading.

She shares recipes, garden updates, and tips for embracing a more intentional pace of life, something that feels especially meaningful in today’s fast-moving world. “I like going slow,” she says. “Our world is so fast-paced, and I love helping people find ways to enjoy their homes, their families, and the everyday moments.”

Her Instagram is full of cozy glimpses of family life, cooking from scratch, and behind-the-scenes farm updates. It’s a refreshing reminder that success doesn’t have to come from rushing—it can come from nurturing, growing, and savoring the process.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

Maddie’s plate is full! She’s a mom of three young kids, a business owner, and now a farm founder. She laughs about the chaos of motherhood, especially since she and Brittni both have energetic kids. “I don’t think either of us got mellow children,” she jokes.

Still, even in the midst of diapers, dirt, and deadlines, Maddie finds joy in the small things. Her simple pleasure? “Hot coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up.” It’s those quiet moments of calm that fuel her creativity and determination to keep building something beautiful.

Follow and Support Taeda Farms

The best way to follow along with Maddie’s journey is through the Taeda Farms website and Instagram, where she shares progress updates, recipes, and sneak peeks of what’s blooming next.

🌿 Follow Maddie & Taeda Farms:

• Website: www.taedafarms.com
• Instagram: @taedafarms
• Maddie’s Instagram: @madison_rose11

Whether you’re a flower lover, a slow-living enthusiast, or just someone cheering on a family chasing their dream, Taeda Farms is a story worth following.