Hi! I’m Sarah Berry, a mother of five and a small business owner here in Manlius. Our family was brought to the area while my husband was on active duty, and though we’ve lived here  for eight years now, we quickly fell in love with Manlius when we first arrived. Some  neighbors may know our family from Playschool Preschool, where all five of our children  have spent time over the years. That program is incredibly close to our hearts, and it has  been such a joy to watch each of our children be part of it; this year, I’ve also had the honor  of serving as head of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Others may know us through the  fresh eggs we distribute to Manlius Supply Co, our self-serve farm stand on Brickyard Falls  Road, or my handcrafted skincare and bath products, which are available at Moss & Mint and at local markets. 

Family is at the center of everything we do. My husband, Ed, and I actually met in what feels  like a true storybook way. I was born and raised in Boston, MA, and he was born and raised  in San Diego, CA, yet we happened to meet in Wichita, Kansas, thanks to both his travels in  the Air Force and my father’s, and it truly was love at first sight. 

Together, we’re raising our five children, who are full of energy and curiosity, and we spend  much of our time learning, exploring, and growing side by side. As a homeschooling family,  we’ve created a rhythm that allows us to be present with one another while also  encouraging creativity and independence. Our kids enjoy a mix of activities, from sports  such as FM youth soccer, music, and outdoor adventures. We love spending time together  as a family, whether that’s slow mornings at home, time spent outside with our animals, or  gathering for simple traditions that help us stay connected. Some of our most treasured moments are the quiet ones, when everyone is together, learning or creating side by side.  Our family feels most connected when we’re working toward something together, whether  that’s a shared project, preparing for a market, or simply enjoying time outdoors. 

Professionally, I am the owner and creator behind a homestead-based skincare business  focused on handcrafted, tallow-based products called Berry Farm & Gardens. My journey  into skincare began very personally, as I was searching for gentle, nourishing solutions to  support my daughters who struggle with eczema. What started as a need within our home quickly grew into a passion for creating products that are simple, effective, and rooted in  nature. 

Everything I make is crafted in small batches using locally sourced, grass-fed tallow  from farms in the Finger Lakes region. I offer a variety of products including soaps, lotions,  bath items, and thoughtfully curated gift sets. My products are available at our seasonal  farm stand, through local partnerships like Moss & Mint, and online, and in the warmer  months we also distribute our fresh eggs to Manlius Supply Co. What I love most about  what I do is being able to help others, creating products that people can trust and feel good  using for themselves and their families.

Beyond my business, I am deeply passionate about community and giving back.  Supporting local families is something that means a great deal to me. Each year, I donate  products to the FM Food Pantry, and this past Christmas I was honored to contribute 50  items. I also enjoy being involved in community events, local markets, and opportunities  that bring people together. In my free time, I love creating, whether that’s developing new  products, working with my hands, or simply finding ways to make our home feel warm and  welcoming. My perfect day would be a balance of quiet, productive work, time spent with  my children, and moments outdoors, followed by a simple evening together as a family. 

There are so many things we love about living in this area. Any time my husband and I get  the chance to sneak away for a date night, we almost always find ourselves at A.W. Wander,  enjoying pizza and their wonderful beer selection. We are also proud Buffalo Bills fans and  have had the absolute joy of attending a couple of games at Highmark Stadium over the  past few years. 

As a family, we love exploring local parks and playgrounds, heading out on little adventures  to nearby waterfalls and lakes, and soaking in all the natural beauty New York has to offer.  You truly can’t beat a warm summer night spent visiting the swans and stopping by Snow  Top for ice cream, it’s one of our favorite simple traditions. 

Above all, I am most grateful for my family, our health, and the opportunity to build a life  rooted in purpose and connection. It is such a gift to be able to raise our children in a  community like Manlius while also pursuing work that aligns so closely with my values. I  feel incredibly thankful for the people we’ve met along the way and for the chance to  contribute, in even a small way, to the place we now call home.