Homesteading 

Melissa Garcia has already welcomed one million members, with another ten thousand waiting to get in the door – of her Facebook group that is. Inside this digital hot spot, Melissa teaches members how to homestead from their sprawling acreages, cramped apartments, and everywhere in between. 

Melissa’s journey as an online entrepreneur began over a decade ago, when she found herself laid off from her family’s primary source of income and responsible for the care of four chronically ill family members. 

Rather than seeing her sudden change in employment as a setback, Melissa and her husband saw it as an opportunity. “Daniel knew I’d always wanted to take my blogging hobby to the next level,” Melissa said, “so it was kind of time to sink or swim.” Thankfully, she swam. 

Melissa started sharing the holistic approaches her family used to supplement their healthcare when modern medicine fell short. “I began looking into the products we purchased, the deodorant we used, the detergent we washed our clothes with, and people wanted to know about it too.” 

With a focus on “getting back to the basics and living a more self-sufficient lifestyle,” Melissa’s skills grew to include gardening, canning, and freeze-drying food that sustained them during cross-country RV travel. 

Melissa shares how to start your homestead, cook from scratch and grow and preserve your own food. Though her audience has grown beyond what she ever thought possible, Melissa’s mission remains the same: “Our goal is to inspire and educate others that no matter where they live, they can homestead and embrace a simpler way of life.” 

Whether her followers are drawn by health or sustainability, they stay for her passion, personality, and practical approach to homesteading. “It doesn’t matter what kind of yard you have, or income you earn, or abilities you bring to the table, you can start your homesteading journey. And it can make a difference for your home and health.” 

Though she can’t predict where her platform might lead, Melissa says she’ll follow the path with full faith. “God had a plan for my family. Now I’m able to provide for them, while also helping people – it’s my dream job.” 

Learn more about Melissa’s journey and explore extensive resources at theoklahomahomesteader.com.