Hick Chicks' Slick Picks

by Sheri Boggs


If you were to ask the Farm Chicks (aka Teri Edwards and Serena Thompson) what the sweet smell of success might smell like, they'd probably answer, in unison, "Peony." The two friends, who'd previously made a name for themselves with their semi-annual Farm Chicks Antique Shows - first in Mead, now in Fairfield - have launched themselves into an entirely new business endeavor.


There are now Farm Chicks products - Farm Chicks laundry detergent, Farm Chicks dish soap, Farm Chicks linen spray, and even Farm Chicks "Bling Bling Dime Store" rings. Their Web site (www.thefarmchicks.com) is -- for the organic-minded, thrift-oriented and fun-conscious female consumer -- as addictive as red wine, good chocolate and blowsy new roses straight from the garden.


"We were lucky to work with a local manufacturer, a woman, in coming up with all the home products," explains Edwards. "She had a perfumist that she works with, and that's how we came up with the peony fragrance."


Most everything in the line is made from natural ingredients, and although the items can seem pricey ($17 for a four-pound bag of lavender-scented laundry soap, for instance), our panel of testers (OK, one greedy editor) has found that this stuff lasts forever.


The Farm Chicks also offer flowery aprons, vintage wallpaper necklaces and even typewriter key bracelets. The spirit of it all is in keeping with their annual antique show - which is all about re-using, re-purposing and community. This year's show offers two stages of music, a variety of food vendors (including two, yes, two coffee stations, courtesy of the Shop). The big barn will house all the antiques, and families are welcome to come picnic in the park even if they don't want to pay $5 a head to view the antiques.


"We just want people to come," says Thompson. "We really want this to be a big community event."


If past years are any indication, the Farm Chicks will more than get their wish.





Publication date: 05/19/05