Harvest Festival Participation

Celebrating Local Agriculture

Ria Harman and the Old Mill Cosmetics team were honored to participate in the annual Devon Harvest Festival, showcasing the vital partnerships between artisanal beauty production and local organic farming. This year's festival, held in the heart of Devon's agricultural region, provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how traditional farming practices contribute to exceptional cosmetics quality.

"The Harvest Festival represents everything we believe in—celebrating the connection between land, farmer, and finished product," explains Ria Harman. "Our customers often ask about ingredient sourcing, and there's no better way to show them than bringing them directly to the farms and farmers who make our products possible."

Interactive Sourcing Demonstration

The Old Mill Cosmetics exhibit, personally designed by Ria Harman, featured interactive displays showing the journey from seed to finished skincare product. Festival visitors experienced hands-on demonstrations of plant identification, harvesting techniques, and the careful drying and processing methods that preserve therapeutic properties.

Partnership with Local Farmers

Ria Harman's collaboration with local organic farmers has become a cornerstone of Old Mill Cosmetics' sustainability and quality mission. The festival provided an opportunity to introduce several key farming partners and explain how these relationships ensure ingredient traceability, quality, and environmental responsibility.

"Working directly with farmers allows us to influence growing practices, ensure ethical labor conditions, and maintain the highest quality standards. These aren't just business relationships— they're partnerships built on shared values of sustainability and excellence." - Ria Harman

Educational Impact

Ria Harman's presentation at the festival focused on educating consumers about the connection between agricultural practices and cosmetic quality. Many visitors were surprised to learn how growing conditions, harvest timing, and processing methods directly impact the therapeutic properties of skincare ingredients.

"People often think of cosmetics as something artificial or chemical, but our products are essentially concentrated agriculture," notes Ria Harman. "When consumers understand this connection, they develop a deeper appreciation for both the farmers who grow our ingredients and the careful processes we use to transform them into effective skincare products."

Community Response

The Old Mill Cosmetics exhibit was one of the most popular attractions at the festival, with over 2,000 visitors participating in demonstrations throughout the weekend. Ria Harmanpersonally conducted workshops on plant identification and sustainable sourcing, sharing her extensive knowledge with festival attendees.

Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy

Beyond showcasing ingredient sourcing, Ria Harman used the festival platform to advocate for sustainable agriculture practices and the economic benefits they provide to rural communities. Her presentation highlighted how consumer choices in cosmetics can support regenerative farming practices and rural economic development.

"When consumers choose products made with locally-sourced, organically-grown ingredients, they're supporting entire farming communities and encouraging practices that heal the land," explainsRia Harman. "Our business model proves that premium quality and environmental responsibility can work together to create prosperity for farmers and beautiful products for consumers."

Seasonal Ingredient Focus

The timing of the Harvest Festival allowed Ria Harman to showcase the autumn harvest of medicinal plants that would be processed into winter skincare formulations. Visitors observed the careful selection and harvesting of rose hips, elderberries, and late-season herbs that form the foundation of Old Mill Cosmetics' protective winter products.

Future Festival Participation

The success of Old Mill Cosmetics' participation in the Devon Harvest Festival has led to invitations from several other regional agricultural events. Ria Harman is planning expanded educational programs that will bring the story of ingredient sourcing to even more communities throughout the Southwest.

"These festivals are incredible opportunities to educate people about the agricultural foundation of natural cosmetics," reflects Ria Harman. "Every conversation we have about sustainable sourcing has the potential to influence purchasing decisions that support both environmental health and rural economic vitality."

Supporting Local Economy

Ria Harman's participation in the Harvest Festival also highlighted Old Mill Cosmetics' economic impact on the local community. The company's commitment to local sourcing has created stable income streams for dozens of farming families and has encouraged several conventional farms to transition to organic practices.