Natural Beauty

Rooted deeply in Vermont’s lush landscape, Wendy Mackenzie crafts award-winning natural skincare products and deodorants that honor both people and pollinators. 

STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EVERLASTING HERB FARM 

In the heart of Vermont, Wendy Mackenzie, founder and owner of Everlasting Herb Farm and the award-winning Meadow Bee line of natural skincare products, embodies the essence of the Green Mountain State’s unifying ethos—a profound connection to nature, dedication to community, and a commitment to sustainable living. Born in Burlington and raised in Milton, Mackenzie’s Vermont roots run deep and continue to guide her in every aspect of her life and work. 

A Proud Vermonter 

Reflecting on her early years, Mackenzie shares, “I like to think I’m an overly proud Vermonter. I love being a Vermonter, and to me, that means taking care of the environment, thinking about where you live, and trying to make things good now and for future generations.” This intrinsic, Vermont-rooted value system underpins her entire business model, as well as her lifestyle choices. 

Before founding Everlasting Herb Farm and Meadow Bee, Mackenzie’s adventurous spirit led her to join the Peace Corps, where she served for over two years in the Dominican Republic, gaining invaluable international experiences. It was there that she met her husband, Matthew, who hails from England. When they decided to return to the U.S., Mackenzie was determined to settle in Southern Vermont, a region she often praised enthusiastically to her Peace Corps colleagues.

Back in Vermont, Mackenzie resumed her career in education as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Wilmington High School. It was during this pivotal period that her path took an unexpected turn toward herbalism and natural skincare. Inspired by an encounter with local herbalist Isabelle Hadley, Mackenzie vividly recalls the transformative moment: “She brought dried herbs and tiny vials of essential oils into the classroom, and I was instantly hooked. It was an epiphany—I knew right then I needed to learn more.” Mackenzie’s passion swiftly transitioned from education to dedicated exploration of herbal wellness.

A Blossoming Passion

Fueled by newfound curiosity, Mackenzie enrolled in Isabelle Hadley’s herbalism classes, immersing herself in a rigorous study program. Further inspired by the lush, perennial gardens at her own family farmhouse in Peacham, Vermont, she deepened her connection with plants and their medicinal properties. Mackenzie recalls, “We moved into a house with gardens running the entire length of the farmhouse, and suddenly I had to learn. It was trial by fire and passion.”

That lead to Meadow Bee’s origins in 2003, when Mackenzie began crafting handmade salves and lip balms using herbs harvested from her own flourishing Vermont gardens. Initially, the product line was modest, reflecting Mackenzie’s commitment to quality and personal touch. Mackenzie shares: “I loved making salves—it was such a natural starting point for me. It was simple, effective, and deeply connected to the plants I was learning about.”

Wendy Mackenzie, founder and owner of Everlasting Herb Farm stands with her award-winning products.

As Mackenzie’s passion grew, an internship at Zack Woods Herb Farm in Morrisville, Vermont provided practical experience, further solidifiying her approach to wellness through plant-based remedies. Subsequently, Mackenzie’s deepening interest led her to Rosemary Gladstar at Sage Mountain, a renowned figure often referred to as “the Fairy Godmother of the herbal world.” Her learning intensified as she studied directly with Gladstar, greatly shaping her philosophy on herbalism and sustainability. Mackenzie adds: “Working outside in unpredictable Vermont weather taught me quickly that my true passion was in formulating herbal products indoors rather than battling the elements in the fields.”

These formative experiences became the cornerstone of Meadow Bee, guiding Mackenzie’s development of salves, lip balms, and eventually a comprehensive range of natural skincare products. Her path illustrates a powerful blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary sustainability, deeply influenced by Vermont’s progressive environmental culture.

A significant turning point for Meadow Bee came unexpectedly in 2012. Encouraged by a friend, Mackenzie submitted a selection of her handmade products to the Vermont Country Store. Despite her initial hesitation due to her busy life as a teacher and mother of three, Mackenzie found herself with an unplanned day off due to icy Vermont weather. “I took every product I made, put them in a box, and sent it off without knowing who exactly would receive it,” says Mackenzie. “Four days later, I received a call saying, ‘The stars have lined up for you.’” This pivotal moment established an ongoing partnership with the Vermont Country Store, significantly expanding Meadow Bee’s reach and visibility.

As the business flourished, the Mackenzies quickly realized the need for expanded space. By 2017, their home was overflowing with products and packaging materials, prompting Mackenzie’s husband, Matthew, to build a dedicated barn workshop in their backyard. “For two years, Matthew single-handedly built the barn,” says Mackenzie. “It symbolizes our growth and my deep gratitude for his support and dedication. It also allows us to remain committed to small-batch, sustainable manufacturing practices.”

Building the Buzz

Today, Meadow Bee offers a diverse and thoughtfully curated range of natural skincare products, each formulated with meticulous care and attention to sustainability. Their best-selling line includes natural deodorants, notably free from aluminum, baking soda, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. “Natural deodorant has always carried a stigma that it doesn’t work effectively,” explains Mackenzie. “But I spent two years perfecting our formula, testing it rigorously in extreme conditions, from Vermont summers to high-heat environments, ensuring it performs exceptionally.” 

The deodorants, available in balm and solid forms, each feature distinctive scents named after solitary bee species native to Vermont, such as Northern Amber, Blue Orchard, and Sunflower Sharp Tail. Mackenzie adds, “Naming them after bees was intentional—it honors our pollinators and underscores our deep commitment to environmental stewardship.” 

Meadow Bee’s facial care line reflects Mackenzie’s expertise in herbal ingredients, utilizing compounds such as bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol. “Bakuchiol is gentle, yet powerful,” explains Mackenzie. “Unlike synthetic retinol, it can be safely applied day and night without irritation.” Products in this range include Facial Cleanser with heirloom rose petals harvested from her garden, an Ultra Rich Face Cream ideal for mature skin, and a Facial Serum designed to soothe the skin naturally. 

Other notable offerings include the Skin Defense Salve, formulated with four organic herbs infused into extra virgin olive oil; the Hand & Cuticle Support Salve, enriched with Mackenzie’s own heirloom rose and peony petals; and a lip balm collection crafted with nutrient-rich mango butter and protective plant oils. “Every ingredient has a purpose, carefully selected for its unique skincare benefits,” says Mackenzie. 

Mackenzie’s commitment to ecological sustainability extends beyond ingredients to packaging, as Meadow Bee prioritizes recyclable and reusable materials. She elaborates: “Our containers are chosen with intention. We favor aluminum tins that are infinitely recyclable and encourage reuse. Every decision reflects our Vermont ethos of respecting the environment and living sustainably.” 

To that end, a profound respect and passionate advocacy for pollinators, particularly bees, lies at the very heart of Meadow Bee’s mission and identity. The company’s name itself serves as a tribute to Vermont’s solitary bees, emphasizing Mackenzie’s dedication to raising awareness about these crucial yet often overlooked pollinators. Mackenzie shares, “Naming our company ‘Meadow Bee’ was more than symbolic—it reflects our genuine admiration and gratitude for these amazing creatures that sustain the ecosystem and, by extension, our lives.” This naming isn’t merely aesthetic—it reflects her commitment to education and conservation. “The bee names make my heart sing,” Mackenzie explains. “I wanted people to feel connected to these bees, to recognize their importance and become inspired to protect them.”

Mackenzie actively cultivates her property as a pollinator-friendly sanctuary, deliberately designed to provide a supportive habitat for bees, butterflies, and other vital insects. Her expansive backyard features carefully chosen native plants and flowers known for attracting and nourishing pollinators. “We plant special mixes of pollinator plants in rows all over our back meadow,” shares Mackenzie. “We mow paths around the treasured milkweed, asters and goldenrod that grow abundantly around us. The goal is to create an ecological haven where pollinators thrive.”

The farm’s mowing practices are intentionally minimal, prioritizing biodiversity over manicured landscapes. Mackenzie adds: “Mowing less isn’t just good for pollinators; it also means more hammock time for us—a win-win scenario.” Additionally, pesticides have no place at Meadow Bee. “I would never even consider using pesticides,” Mackenzie emphasizes. “The integrity of our environment and the health of our pollinators are far too important.”

Beyond plant life, Mackenzie provides practical resources for pollinators, including fresh water sources. “We place shallow dishes filled with water and include small branches or pebbles so bees and butterflies can safely drink without drowning,” she details. “It’s a simple gesture, but essential for their survival, especially during dry spells.”

Meadow Bee’s advocacy extends beyond its physical location through educational initiatives. Mackenzie frequently shares pollinator-friendly gardening tips with her customers and newsletter subscribers, encouraging community involvement in protecting these invaluable insects. “Everyone can contribute,” says Mackenzie. “Simple acts like reducing pesticide use, planting native species, or leaving sections of your yard unmowed can profoundly impact local pollinator populations.”

Through these deliberate practices and educational efforts, Meadow Bee embodies an unwavering commitment to pollinator conservation, cultivating a thriving habitat that harmonizes business practices with ecological responsibility. Mackenzie summarizes this ethos perfectly: “Our pollinators need us, and we owe them our care. They give so much—it’s our turn to support them in return.”

Local Roots, Global Recognition

This commitment to excellence and innovation has not gone unnoticed. Meadow Bee recently received prestigious recognition from the global Beauty Shortlist Well-being Awards, an accolade placing Mackenzie’s small-batch, Vermont-crafted products alongside renowned international brands. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Mackenzie shares, “Winning these awards was incredibly validating. To be recognized on a global platform alongside major industry players like Weleda and Burt’s Bees—companies with extensive teams and resources—was both humbling and exhilarating.”

Specifically, Meadow Bee’s Northern Amber deodorant balm received notable acclaim, highlighting Mackenzie’s skillful balance of botanical expertise and practical efficacy. “Seeing Northern Amber celebrated among such prestigious brands confirmed that our dedication to natural ingredients and sustainability resonates deeply with customers and industry experts alike,” says Mackenzie.

For Mackenzie, receiving these international accolades transcends personal achievement—it reinforces her passion for developing products that genuinely improve people’s lives and deepen their connection to nature. “Each award reminds me why I began this journey—to provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible skincare. It inspires me to continue innovating and advocating for healthier choices in personal care.”

Reflecting Vermont values in every product, Meadow Bee embodies authenticity, resilience, and ecological mindfulness. Mackenzie envisions continued growth, aspiring to expand her products nationally while remaining deeply rooted in Vermont’s rich herbal tradition. Her ultimate hope for each new customer is simple yet profound—that they feel a sense of homecoming and trust in products crafted with care, integrity, and a heartfelt connection to Vermont’s natural heritage. 

To learn more and explore Meadow Bee’s phenomenal range of Vermont-made products, visit:

everlastingherbfarm.com