We’re looking forward to introducing you to McKenna Rees. Check out our conversation below.
McKenna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up and get dressed in my workout clothing. I make breakfast for my children and call for them to come downstairs to eat and start our day at least 6 times. They finally show up and we discuss our plans for the day, they eat, and take vitamins. Then I have them get started on school (we currently do online/private school). I do a workout of weight training/walking. Then I respond to emails and do office work or ship orders. During my soap production weeks I spend most of my day making products to restock my store. Then I try and fit in farm and garden chores. I try to remember to feed my kids lunch (I am really good at getting them breakfast but lunch is hit or miss). My husband is a great cook so he usually does dinner and I clean up. Then we do chores, ride bikes, go hunting, or some other activity that we enjoy and crash into bed around 10!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I live on a farm in the country. It’s a small manageable farm though. We have a dairy cow that we share with 9 other families so the work is not too much for anyone. Plus who needs more than a few gallons of milk a week?! I have dairy goats we breed and milk for making cheese and my goat milk soaps. We have chickens for eggs and bunnies for their great garden fertilizing poop. Plus my daughter loves them. I have be making soaps and expanded into shampoo and conditioner bars and other skin loving goodies like lotion bars and tallow balms for about 9 years now and I still enjoy the whole process.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I thought I had to have a big successful career out in the world to be of value. I have learned that my small circle of friends and family and quiet moments making things with my hands and growing food for my family brings me all the joy and feelings of success that I need.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Last year I realized that it’s okay to not follow the traditional route of school. I pulled my kids out and starting online schooling. We added a three day a week private school this year as well for additional social experiences. We travel a lot and traditional school began to not fit in our lives. It was a hard change to accept but my kids are thriving and I wouldn’t trade our experiences we’ve been able to have for traditional learning.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes it is. Fake people is one of my pet peeves. I try to be as real as I can. I am not embarrassed by my mistakes or appearance when I look like a mess out milking goats or working on soaps.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I added to this world and that I was kind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Weberriversoaps.com
- Instagram: @weberriversoaps
