A little over a year ago, Ashley Brooks, founder of the aptly renamed Ruby’s Happy Farm in Cross Plains, found herself navigating DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) — a journey she says was unexpectedly supported by the very farm she had worked so hard to revitalize.

Her farm began as a mission to reconnect people to the land. Ultimately, it became a place of healing, support, and community during one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

Ashley initially had little interest in her great-grandparents' legacy beyond their inspiring journey from sharecroppers working the land to eventually owning it.

Then, in 2019, she surprised both herself and her mother by announcing she wanted to start a business there.

Her vision was to honor her family’s agricultural history while celebrating their transition into land ownership — preserving both the story and the legacy for future generations.

Realizing her Master’s in Public Health uniquely suited her to return home and build a vision centered around agriculture, wellness, and education, Ashley quickly became a passionate fourth-generation farmer.

She soon earned recognition for both her work and her role as a Black female founder, receiving praise from local farming organizations for “setting new standards in agritourism by emphasizing education, sustainability, and community engagement” and creating “an agritourism center where flowers, food, and cultural education abound.”

Confessing she never expected to use her degree this way, Ashley said her original vision was simple:

“It is important to know the source of how things that we put in and on our bodies are produced and grown.”

As she learned more about her family farm, Ashley enrolled in the New Farmer’s Academy at Tennessee State University in 2019, while also good-humoredly corralling her large extended family into helping clear the land.

“The community is so nurturing. I have a host of family members, cousins, and uncles who mentor me, which has helped me become a successful farmer.”

She quickly noticed most farmers around her were male, inspiring the creation of She Grows — the farm’s annual fall event celebrating the “vital role women play in growing our food and nurturing our communities.”

While initially focused on growing crops and flowers, Ruby’s Happy Farm eventually found its sweet spot in agritourism and education.

Events now range from yoga classes and nutrition workshops to sunset dinners and family-friendly camping experiences.

Their upcoming Feel Good Weekend, “A Soul-Filled Experience,” taking place June 19–21, will feature outdoor dining, live music, and opportunities for fellowship and connection.

“Our goal is to spread joy, and we want our visitors to be ‘happy’ while at Ruby’s Happy Farm.”

Ashley’s passion for education and empowerment is also the driving force behind the farm’s newest initiative: the Groundwork Fellowship.

Launching this summer, the program will provide 10 selected fellows — chosen from applicants stretching as far as Kentucky — with hands-on agricultural experience alongside industry experts.

“It’s a hands-on experience that will allow and support new growers. A lineup of agricultural experts will mentor the fellows as they complete the program. The program is also unique because participants will learn how to take the crops they produce to market for sale.”

As the anniversary of Ashley’s diagnosis quietly passed, she admitted she had initially struggled with whether to publicly share her diagnosis and surgeries.

“I did not share my diagnosis and surgeries with many because I did not want to distract from the work and plans we had for the community in 2025. The C-word is scary.”

Eventually, a joyful TikTok cookie-and-cake exchange, paired with support from a sponsor, helped inspire a new idea.

“Why not be surrounded by sweets and learn at the same time?”

That idea blossomed into their now-annual Cookie and Cake Tea Party Honoring Breast Awareness — an event focused on women’s health, encouragement, and the importance of early detection.

Sharing her experience alongside fellow survivors gave Ashley an opportunity to help spread awareness and encourage women to prioritize screenings and early detection.

Reflecting on the experience, Ashley said:

“Revitalizing the farm actually prepared me to move through my recovery.”

As she stepped back physically to heal, she also found herself stepping more fully into leadership.

“I moved into a full leadership role by directing the team. The team and I followed through on the farm’s 2025 plans successfully. I moved out of the more physical role I had served in during previous years.”

Watching the farm continue thriving during her recovery became a powerful realization.

“Not one scheduled event had to be changed,” she smiled.

The experience also shifted her outlook personally.

“I’ve have this clarity I didn’t have before. So now I’m in bed by a certain time. Setting boundaries is amazing!” Ashley laughed. “It’s interesting how you go through things that shape and lead you. And I don’t worry anymore. I have a sense that things are going to work out.”