Monica
Farrier

I am a freelance writer based in my home state of Michigan, though I started my career in public relations, marketing, and sales in Los Angeles. My first published writing appeared in trade and niche publications and in Michigan newspapers including the Oakland Press “Destinations” and Traverse City Record-Eagle. I later founded, wrote, and edited a professional newsletter for healing arts practitioners and wrote and published three books.

 

I’m a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and obsessive researcher, drawing upon my broad life and work experience in many fields when developing a marketing and writing strategy for my clients. Through the years I have had many roles – therapist, teacher, student, publisher, nonprofit director, landlord, tenant, and business owner, to name a few. Following is a brief summary of my recent work and current focus.

 

As a licensed real estate salesperson and investor, I attend many real estate conferences and trainings and love talking and writing about real estate and all things related to housing. I recognize the importance of quality housing in providing shelter, quality of life, and investment opportunity. My first house was a fixer-upper here in Michigan that I originally used as an office and studio, then a long-term and short-term rental. When my husband and I returned to California for his work, he and I renovated a Spanish mission-style bungalow in San Jose.

 

Upon our return to Michigan, we purchased a 1950s vintage ski lodge and repurposed it as a retreat for corporate, university, and church groups, sports teams, family reunions, and special events. I have managed all aspects of sales and marketing for our rental properties, including branding and building an online presence encompassing multiple platforms and websites.

 

While in California, I developed an interest in senior housing, which blended my real estate interest with my work in health care. Recognizing the difficulty that many families experience when locating appropriate care and housing for their elderly loved ones, I founded Eldercare Scout, a service that assisted with the process by connecting them with the best housing and care options available. I continue to explore new models of housing and community that serve the unique needs of this population.

 

When our lodge property was sold during the COVID pandemic, I turned my attention to nature, in part due to the circumstances and uncertainty of that time. I had an unexpected opportunity to create something new and exciting on the property where I grew up, a vision that continues to evolve. Gardening has become a passion, particularly as it relates to the insects and wildlife that sustain life on our planet. I became an Extension Master Gardener with Michigan State University and now spend my free time learning and relating my experiences on the land with readers on my website and newsletter, and through social media.

 

I write from my home in Petoskey, where I live with my husband. We operate a small native plant nursery and cut flower business here, on a corner of the farm that has been in my family for over 120 years.