Shannon McLinden knew from the start that she was after more than just growing a profitable business. Throughout every step of her entrepreneurial journey, she built in her life’s dream of running an animal sanctuary. In the process, she’s uplifted a local community in ways she never could have predicted.

But before her company, FarmHouse Fresh, became a wildly successful skincare business and global brand, it was just McLinden in her kitchen, mixing up honey sea salt scrub.

Her big break came in 2007 when she sent her homemade scrub to an editor at a major magazine. The editor loved the scrub and featured it as a “must-have.” Practically overnight, McLinden went from stirring small batches at home to scaling a full-blown, farm-to-table skincare business based in McKinney, Texas.

A long-time customer with JPMorganChase, McLinden decided to open a business banking account at her local branch. That relationship gave her access to a credit line that provided the financial flexibility FarmHouse Fresh needed to grow and gave her the opportunity to meet JPMorganChase banker Kristina Brown.

“Having access to a credit line that grew with us really helped us take on more opportunities and risks and ultimately set up the business for success,” she says

A Game-Changing Relationship

With Brown at her side, McLinden was able to scale FarmHouse Fresh from a small local business to a robust multinational operation. The support that McLinden received over the years gave her the $5 million credit line she needed to fuel growth and innovation and the ability to expand her team to more than 80 people.

From the beginning, Brown was more than a banker to McLinden. “I could never have grown the business to this level without the help of JPMorganChase and Kristina, who’s become a trusted advisor and, more importantly, a friend,” McLinden says.

Brown didn’t just handle finances from behind her desk; she literally rolled up her sleeves to volunteer at the farm. Learning about her clients’ businesses and their stories — and their purpose — helps Brown support them as they grow.

Watching FarmHouse Fresh blossom has been a joy for Brown. “It’s been such a rewarding experience seeing them thrive,” she says. “I love visiting the farm, building relationships, and helping them achieve their goals.”

Rescue for Two

A lifelong animal lover, McLinden always wanted FarmHouse Fresh to be more than just a business, which is why her business model has always included giving back. The company donates 10% to 15% of its profits to animal rescue organizations and runs an animal sanctuary for farm animals at its 10-acre farm outside Dallas.

McLinden says FarmHouse Fresh’s mission is “rescue for two” because the company helps your complexion and animals in need. From horses and donkeys to sheep and goats, the FarmHouse Fresh sanctuary cares for animals who often come from dire circumstances. The animals are given a permanent home on the farm, and it’s not uncommon for team members to take turns nursing animals back to health on their lunch breaks.

Customers can see their impact, thanks to a unique batch code on each product that allows them to track the specific rescue initiative their purchase supports. The company has been honored with the Inc. Best in Business Award two years in a row for its innovative approach to green beauty and animal welfare.

But it’s not just the animal sanctuary that sets FarmHouse Fresh apart; it’s also the company’s commitment to freshness and local sourcing. Potent botanicals and microgreen extracts are grown fresh daily in the farm’s greenhouse allowing ingredients to be harvested at their peak nutrient levels and be bottled within weeks.

McLinden’s journey is a testament to the incredible impact that comes from mixing passion and purpose. With support from Brown and JPMorganChase, McLinden has not only built a successful business, but also a haven for neglected animals and a source of pride for her community.

Looking ahead, McLinden is excited about she can expand her business with help from JPMorganChase. “We’re 20 years in and still growing our business and connecting with our customers,” she says. “They’re animal lovers like us and feel deeply connected to our mission. 

They often stop by to visit, so we’re building an event space to welcome even more of our community to the farm.”

To watch more about FarmHouse Fresh’s story, check out the videos on Facebook and Instagram.