As Strong As The Mother Next To Me: Natalie Neal

Meet Natalie Neal, Mom + Executive Director, Olivenhain Farms

We are so grateful that Natalie shared her story with us…

Hi, I’m Natalie Neal, I am a mom to four humans and 25 animal babies! I run non-profit educational farm programs in Encinitas (called Olivenhain Farms) at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum. It was an unexpected addition to my life that has made it feel complete and has been a wonderful experience for my whole family.

How did you get started with your current role?

I’m a teacher and I was running the garden program for a private k-8 Montessori school in Encinitas when Covid hit and I couldn’t go to work. At that time I lived on a 2 ½ acre property in Olivenhain and I had chickens and a large garden so it made sense to start inviting some of my students and local kids to enjoy it. It just snowballed! The next thing I knew we were bringing home goats in the back of our truck and adopting a pig.

What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?

I resonate deeply with this statement. Motherhood has been my greatest joy, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do—I’ve been a mom for 21 years! My oldest (of four) is twenty-one, and my youngest is nine. But I’ve learned that to be truly strong, a mother needs to feel complete. It’s crucial that mothers don’t lose sight of who they are beyond their roles as parents. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, joining a group, or simply finding time to walk alone, creating something separate from our children and family is essential. For me, this realization came when I found peace and joy in simple moments, like snuggling with chickens and bunnies. It shifted my entire outlook on life. A mother who feels complete and happy in who she is can be strong and, in turn, has the ability to lift up the mother next to her.

What strategies do you use to stay connected?

I’ve learned that too often, moms try to shoulder everything on their own without asking for help. But we can’t do it all alone! To stay connected with my support network, I make it a point to be open, honest, and communicate regularly with my friends, they can’t support me if they don’t know what I’m going through. By being transparent and reaching out, I ensure that my support network is there for me, especially during challenging times.

How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?

This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. For the past four and a half years, my entire family has been involved in the nonprofit. My children have taken on roles as camp counselors, helped clean animal pens, distributed flyers, set up for parties, and even worked at events. Growing up, my dad involved me in his work, having me help out in his office and at corporate events, and I believe it played a big role in shaping who I am today. I’m overjoyed that my kids are gaining similar experiences, learning valuable skills, and contributing to our “family business”.

Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?

While it wasn’t just one mom, but twelve, the first year we decided to homeschool was when we joined a newly forming group of families creating a ‘pod.’ This experience was transformative, not only for our kids but for us as parents. That year changed the way I view education and forged lasting friendships with a bond so strong that when we reunite, it feels like no time has passed. It was a perfect year that set us on a different and incredibly positive course.

How do you define strength in motherhood?

I believe strength in motherhood comes from the ability to keep trying, even when things get tough. None of us are perfect, and we certainly don’t have all the answers, but strength is found in the relentless pursuit of solutions. Whether it’s dealing with a child’s eczema, navigating food allergies, or managing ADHD, it’s about doing the research, seeking out other moms who understand, and never giving up. I’ve faced all these challenges during my journey, and they’ve taught me that every parent has battles to fight. Strength is about getting up each morning, tackling what needs to be done, and not letting the tough days defeat you. It’s also about finding the positive in every situation, no matter how hard it seems. To me, that’s what strength looks like in motherhood—and it’s all worth it.

How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?

Does buying a new chicken count? In all honesty, I probably don’t celebrate enough—I’m usually just on to the next thing. Our life is so busy that sometimes it’s about simply getting through the day. But when I do pause to celebrate, it’s by taking a moment to reflect, like looking through old photos of my kids growing up. Those quiet moments of reflection and gratitude are my way of celebrating the small victories, both in motherhood and business.

How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?

I am very lucky to have a husband that helps me keep balance, sometimes forces me to, because I am the type of person that never stops. As odd as it sounds, cleaning the animal stalls, alone and quiet, is a form of meditation for me. I find peace everyday when I do that and it helps me to be physically active and to stay mentally grounded. Cleaning horse manure is a sure way to put things in perspective! In the evenings, I also enjoy reading and writing, which allows me to unwind and reflect. These practices are essential to my self-care and help me recharge for my family and business.

How did you build your community of moms around you? 

Luckily, with what I do, it feels like everyone just showed up—I haven’t had to search for a community; they found me. The moms I’ve connected with were naturally drawn to the values and goals of our programs, and our shared passions brought us together. This community has had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally, by offering support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging that I never had to actively seek out. It’s especially meaningful because I’m often so focused on our family unit that I don’t always put myself out there socially. As our town grows, finding community can be challenging, which is why I love creating events that bring people together.

How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?

So important! Connecting with other moms provides a sense of community and shared understanding that’s invaluable. Professionally, collaborating with moms who share values and goals allows us to support and uplift each other, making our work more impactful. Personally, having a network of moms to turn to for advice, encouragement, or simply to share the joys and challenges of motherhood helps me stay grounded and balanced.

What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing motherhood and business?

Today is an amazing time for moms in business. My advice would be to start by asking yourself: What are you good at? Do you have a hobby you could teach or turn into a small business? If you’re unhappy in your current job or if you’re a stay-at-home mom, consider creating a ‘side hustle.’ You never know—one day, it could turn into your new career. That’s exactly how Olivenhain Farms began. When I couldn’t go to work because of Covid, I started inviting kids over for farm tours as a side gig until schools reopened. It ended up becoming my main gig and the best job I’ve ever had.

Do you have a non-profit or cause that you are passionate about and want to share with us? What drives your dedication to this cause?

Olivenhain Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children and families with opportunities to unplug and connect with animals and nature, which we believe are essential for health. We’ve been active in the community for four years, and our mission is rooted in the therapeutic benefits of caring for animals, such as lowering blood pressure and increasing oxytocin levels, as well as the positive effects of soil bacteria on mental wellness and the immune system. Our programs educate on self-care, healthy eating, and where our food comes from, while also teaching mindful living, empathy, and positive coping mechanisms—skills that are often not taught to children. I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen firsthand how children grow and thrive in this environment. Plus, rescuing animals along the way is an added bonus—it’s a win-win.

What challenges do you face as a mother and businesswoman?

There are never enough hours in the day and my children are just growing up too quickly!

Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?

In business, I faced a significant challenge when my ideas outgrew the capacity of our location, so we decided to sell our house to make room for whatever was meant to be. I believe that if something isn’t working, you either adapt or move on. In motherhood, challenges are constant—whether it’s health issues or other unexpected events. I handle these by going with the flow and remaining flexible. If something doesn’t work, I adjust and don’t let stress take over. For example, when the farm needed a new location, I adapted and found a solution, but if it didn’t happen I was going to accept that I was meant for something else. Life requires flexibility and acceptance, and that mindset has helped me navigate both business and motherhood challenges.

What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?

Canva is amazing and I love a good laminator! I am grateful to Jimbo’s for donating food scraps to our animals every week and for all the supportive families who have donated to our farm programs or attended our events.

MOMination

Kate Wells, Realtor

Kate is an amazing mom and a powerhouse businesswoman who manages everything as a single parent. She has elevated the art of home sales through innovative approaches, from remodeling and staging to creating unique, one-of-a-kind videos. Her ability to balance it all while maintaining such high standards in her work truly inspires me.

We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!