Candace, the founder of Toe Beans Farm and Gardens, has been an outdoors girl and animal lover her entire life. Even at a very young age, she was always bringing home every stray in her neighborhood!
She grew up volunteering at her hometown animal hospital starting in the 9th grade – and was even featured in the local newspaper and TV show. She graduated from Clemson University with an Animal Science degree and later a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Wildlife Biology.
Her experiences are vast and varied! She and her husband ran a Feed and Seed store in Varnville SC. They also started the very first animal shelter in Hampton County with town volunteers (which is still in operation today!) Happy Cat Rescue was a 501-C3 cat rescue that she ran with her daughter for 10 years. She even starred in her own TV show on FOX Carolina called “All Things Outdoors” in the early 2000s.
After raising her two children, she decided to chase the dream of owning her own farm and bought a place in Travelers Rest in 2016.
Ran by three generations of women (her mother, herself, and her daughter) along with friends and neighbors, Toe Beans Farm and Gardens was born. The curious name Toe Beans is from her background as an animal rescuer. In case you didn’t know, “toe beans” is an affectionate way to describe a cat’s footpads!
Toe Beans Farm and Gardens grow produce, herbs, and flowers. They also have an egg license and sell cage-free eggs. Along with raising registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, they have a small honeybee hive component which will be expanding in the near future.
“Our love for this community and its people is what makes the Slater Marietta Farmer’s Market a joy to participate in during the growing season,” says Candace. A customer favorite is the fresh dinner kits sold at the market featuring fresh food ingredients from their farm along with a recipe to cook a meal or side dish. They try to keep our prices as low as possible so everyone can benefit from fresh, local produce and eggs.
Don’t forget to stop by their table this season and find a new recipe to try, or pick up some delicious eggs!
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