Building a Life with Our Hands: The Homestead Side of Lucky B

Returning to our roots and choosing work that matters

Every year we try a new variety of tomato, if we like them we save the seeds and replant them the next year!

You might think Lucky B is following the homesteading trend—but the truth is, this is something we’ve been finding our way back to since the day we left home.

Both Kenze and I grew up in households where sourcing our own meat and growing fresh produce wasn’t a novelty—it was just how life worked. Freezers were stocked with beef from local ranchers and wild game from the field. Gardens were part of the yearly rhythm. Animals, responsibility, and putting food on the table were woven into everyday life.

Like a lot of people, we stepped away from that after high school. College, independence, and building careers introduced us to convenience and mass production in a whole new way. And over time, we started to see how heavily processed food, chemicals, and disconnect from where things come from impact not just your body—but your life as a whole.

Now, we’re not here to say that homesteading is for everyone. But it is important to us.

The best part is seeing the transformation of the garden as it grows all summer long!

Why Self-Sufficiency Matters to Us

Homesteading, at its core, isn’t about doing everything yourself or living off-grid. It’s about responsibility. It’s about understanding what it takes to provide for yourself and valuing the work behind it.

Growing up with animals and gardens taught us that effort matters. Feeding yourself doesn’t just come from a paycheck—it comes from showing up, caring for living things, and learning from failure. Those lessons were passed down from our families, and now it’s our turn to practice them, adapt them, and figure out what works for us.

That pride in self-sufficiency—the quiet kind—has become a cornerstone of how we live and how we build Lucky B.

Work That Matters

Just like leatherwork, homesteading slows you down. It forces you to be present. There are no shortcuts that don’t eventually show themselves.

When you raise animals, grow food, or preserve what you’ve produced, you gain a deep appreciation for the work behind it. You stop consuming without thought and start producing with intention.

That mindset flows directly into our brand. We don’t rush our work. We don’t mass produce. And we don’t create just to keep up. Everything we do—on the homestead and in the studio—is about building something that matters.

Nothing is better than pork from a 4-H raised pig!

Producing Instead of Consuming

Our journey back to homesteading didn’t happen all at once. It started small.

For us, it began with sourcing homegrown meat. We bought beef with our families from local ranchers, supporting our community while knowing exactly where our food came from. That alone changed how we thought about meals, waste, and gratitude.

Then came chickens—and with them, eggs at our disposal. If you’ve ever had fresh eggs on hand, you know how quickly they become a staple. From breakfast bites to fresh pasta, their uses feel endless (unless you’re allergic, of course).

Learning Through the Garden

Growing our own produce has taught us the most.

What sounds fun to grow and what you actually use are two very different things. Each year, we’ve adjusted—adding vegetables we love to cook with and use daily, not just what looks good on paper.

Last year, we added onions and potatoes to our garden. Now, deep into winter, we still haven’t bought a single onion from the grocery store. It’s a small win, but it’s one that reminds us why we do this.

Homesteading is a constant lesson in patience, planning, and humility. Some things thrive. Others don’t. And each season teaches you something new.

This was our first year growing onions & we are so happy we did!

How the Homestead Fuels Creativity

There’s something about working with your hands—whether it’s in the garden, caring for animals, or cutting leather—that clears your mind. The homestead fuels our creativity because it grounds us. It reminds us why we value craftsmanship, longevity, and doing things the right way.

Lucky B isn’t separate from this lifestyle—it’s built because of it.

Sharing the Journey

This blog, and our social spaces, are where we’ll continue sharing our journey back to this way of life. Not because we have it all figured out—but because we believe learning is better when it’s shared.

If you’re curious about homesteading, transitioning slowly, or just want to see what works (and what doesn’t), we invite you to follow along behind the scenes (@luckybbrand).

We’re building a life with our hands—and we’re glad to have you here for it.

—Lucky B Brand