Meet Melissa Farkouh | Co-Owner and Operator The Goatery at Kiawah River

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Farkouh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The business found me. I was volunteering and helping a friend. We were making cheese and learning the world of livestock management together. I found myself super excited to go to work every day! Finally, we had the chance to buy the farm (we were leasing) and move to Kiawah River. It was a PERFECT and unusual match. Combine opening a farm in the time of covid. We were open for 3 months before the covid shutdown. I was so concerned about the supply chain and access to things like veterinarian care. Quickly, we started studying farm management and the concept of biologica refugium. This grew our education program (unexpected) and agritourism. People came from everywhere to see our little biodome and learn about the work we do.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a dairy goat farm located on the beautiful Johns Island, SC. We are the type of farm that allows people access to the work we do. Allowing the general public access means we have to work a little harder and stand by our word to provide a humane space for all the animals that are part of our biodome. In addition, it is my resposibility to continue growing my knowledge through education to help promote a more stable environment for all animals that live at the farm. We also promise to make dairy products that come from “happy” animals. They are our number one priority. I always tell people that WE (humans) work for them.

Starting this business has been the hardest accomplishment of my life. It is very similar to giving birth and raising a child with little knowledge of the future. Covid really took a big chunk out of our time-line at the business. We have been waiting almost 3 years to be able to start making milk and cheese for our community. The growth in development in conjuction with a pandemic has delayed our dairy, hurt supply-chain and raised cost. Sometimes I want to give up! The only reason I have not walked away is that the animals are so innocent to the business. They deserve me to show up and fight to complete this business. Being responsible for the human side of the business is my job.

The one things the world needs to know about me and our story at the farm is we are in this because of our desire to make change in our community. I am a believer in the need for LOCAL access to food. Food is delicious and great but its real purpose is medicinal. From our immune system to mental health, great quality access to local food is important to reducing these chronic illnesses that impact and impair our community. I am the mother of a Type 1 diabetic and believe that food is one of the reasons for my daughters disease. As we have more access to short-term medicinal fixes, food is one of the keys to a long-term cure. Our environment lives in our food. From pollution to seasonal nutritional needs, these elements help build and prepare our immune system. Constantly eating from outside of our local communities alerts our bodies and minds to the pollutions and needs from other states and countries. Eating ONLY items from other locations causes our bodies to be on ALERT for those communities. I believe that life is built in a series of moderation. We have a lot of people to feed in this world. However, local food access is a great way to balance our global eating patterns.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Charleston is a mecca of fun. I love everything about Charleston. Our day would start with a wonderful stop to any local coffee shop. I have never been to a bad one in Charleston. I would pick Lodi, Brew, Vintage, Mezzo, Bitty and Beau, Kudu, Mercantile and Mash and MY FAVE Brown Fox. I love coffee. After we had a wonderful cup of brew, I would love to go for a long walk over the Ravenel Bridge. It’s a great way to see the city. I would ride us to Old Village and enjoy a nice little brunch treat at Gala on Pitt Street. After we eat, we need one more walk. A nice little stroll over Pitt Street Bridge. If the weather is perfect, we need to take a ride out to one of our amazing beaches: Sullivan, Folly Beach, Edisto, Kiawah or Isle of Palms. Our beaches are book and chair worthy! After a small siesta in the afternoon, it’s time to enjoy the nightlife of Charleston. The first day, you have to start in the warehouse section of Charleston. I would grab a beer at Edmond’s Oast and head to Butcher and Bee for a beautiful local farm based meal (I am bias) that consist of fresh breads and amazing food combos that are unimaginable. After a good night sleep at a beautiful historic VRBO in downtown Charleston, once again head to one of our favorite coffee places. Let’s head downtown for shopping. We need to start early! A cocktail on the rooftop at the Vendue, head for appetizer at Prohibition and grab a great meal at Felix’s. For dessert, let’s head to Honey! We will need to head to Johns Island and visit The Goatery at Kiawah River, have lunch at the amazing Kinfolk (best local Hot Chicken in town) and splurge with a little ice cream too. Head to our amazing farmer’s markets (Fields, Storey or Rosebank) and grab some fresh local products to take home as gifts, go visit the Angel Tree (400 year old beauty of nature oak tree) grab a beer at Lowtide and end our amazing meal at Wild Olive or Royal Tern. After a great night sleep, we need to go have a low key good time. Let’s head to Folly Beach and enjoy the amazing fun of the town. Known as a place that wants to stay weird. Go enjoy a place where we can sit on the beach, walk on the pier and go meet some local and the pub or great restaurants available. Next day is a visit to North Charleston. A little shopping around Park Circle and grab a bite at EVO. The pizza is fantastic! A little more shopping and enjoying a festival or two Firefly Distellery at , head to Codfather to have the best fish in chips in town!

TIME FOR A DIET AND GO HOME ; )

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate the success of the farm to my family, friends and the many volunteers that have showed up to make the farm what it is today. We also our Kiawah River “Farm”ily a big thank you for letting us have the most beautiful place in the world to farm. Finally, to our guests that come and visit us from all over the world. Without them, this place would be missing some magic!

Website: goatsaregood.com

Instagram: thegoateryatkiawahriver

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestongoatcheese