Meet Felicia Conley of Indigo Door Farm & Sanctuary in Whitney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Conley.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Felicia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always felt like my home was in the country where I could feel free, work with animals, and be creative! I began a journey of self-discovery and educating myself. I had found a new sense of spirituality, discovered the incredible benefits of veganism for the planet and self-health, and began living life on a whole new level! My husband and I decided to find some land and live more sustainably not long after. We did research to find the best area to grow food, that was affordable, and would suit our needs as far as accessibility.

We found the perfect place… I like to say we began a dream found the nearest cliff and dove right off!! By extremely hard manifestation and work, we were able to obtain it! Prior to closing my husband and children had decided to go vegan with me and we were certain our property would become an animal sanctuary! We have succeeded in that aspect and we are able to save many animals that live here with us that we love and care for. Many of the animals have been saved from slaughter, shelters, or have been surrendered by owners who want the best life for them. We have made many sacrifices to build our home and sanctuary with no regrets! Its been and will continue to be an incredible adventure! Our first year we lived on property we had no conventional electricity! We ran a generator and utilized friends and family that would let us come stay on the weekends. Homeschooling was fun that year and we definitely got creative! *Educating our children at home is so important to us.

We believe that equality, acceptance for others and yourself, teaching real-life skills, and allowing real creative freedom is so extremely important for the future of this planet!* That year was the hottest summer and coldest winter ever! We’ve had amazing visitors like Earthling Ed Winters, Joshua Entis, and awesome events where we saw such an amazing community come together, have fun with each other and animals; that might not have ever crossed paths in their lifetime anywhere else. We have plans of dedicating much more of our land to grow food, adding a few tiny houses for overnight guests to experience and learn about a more sustainable life, and possibly a store with vegan treats and trinkets to add to the growing Texas vegan scene!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have definitely struggled financially through this journey. We have made the decision as a family to always put the animals first so that often means our vehicle is broken down without repairs for a while or we go without things that are needed or wanted until we are sure we have extra money but that’s nothing compared to what we know many people and animals suffer every day. Also, my husband and I were raised in the city… We knew nothing about farm animals. We learned so much so fast! I thought there were like 5 different kinds of chickens growing up…. Boy was I wrong!!!

Please tell us about Indigo Door Farm & Sanctuary.
We are an animal sanctuary that specializes in Rooster rescue. Roosters are extremely misunderstood. We have learned so much about these amazing creatures. They are sweet, loving, protective, family men who are the definition of husband and father. We have around 40 roosters among other animals like pigs, goats, turkey, guineas, cats, & dogs. We are a private sanctuary and although we do have ways to donate through PayPal, Patreon, and Amazon; most of our financial responsibilities are taken care of personally. We have had some amazing financial donators that have helped get many things accomplished and have helped us care for animals in need.

Our family is dedicated and live every day to improve the future of these animals, the community, and ourselves. We do all the hard work on property ourselves and we have our ups and downs of course. We have started two other businesses (These Two Hippies, Winchester Handyman & Plumbing Services) to help bring art, beauty, and home improvement to people who aren’t able to afford it. We want to see things get better for all beings, animals, and humans, that don’t see hope.

What were you like growing up?
I had a very troubled childhood riddled with tragedy and heartache but I was very strong and always had my eyes on a brighter future. A huge house and a new car have never been my goals. Peace and happiness was always my dream. #lifegoalsaccomplished

I was and always will be free-spirited, open-minded, and lead by my heart and my mind together! As a child, we think we want to be a successful adult. What is success? This question is so simple for me but I promise it differs for others. I’ve seen success in a four-year-old child. Success isn’t a checklist you receive at 30 years old. Authentic happiness. That’s my marker. You can learn how to ride a bike at 6 or 60. My daughter is 13 and is a successful artist. She’s happy, she’s doing what she loves and being paid for it, she has goals and doesn’t believe she is done growing. Success! I am happy, I live every day to do my best, I try to give hope to the hopeless, & I express my creativity as much as I possibly can. That’s my success. Somewhere there’s a baby that is taking its first breaths…. Success!

Contact Info:

• Email: indigodoorfarm@gmail.com
• Instagram: @indigodoorfarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigodoorfarmsanctuary/
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/indigodoorfarm

Image Credit:
Nolan Winchester
Brianna Winchester

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