WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI
Photo by [Peasant Life]
A Blooming Dream: The Belle Lavande Story
When Windsor “Windy” Mack named her farm Belle Lavande, a French nod to the beauty of lavender, it was more than a branding decision. It was the start of a dream rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and heartfelt purpose.
“I was named after Windsor Castle,” Windy laughs. “My mom was a pregnant surfer in San Diego. She named our dogs Wizards and named me a castle.”
In 2020, Windy and her husband, Terry, then an engineer, left behind corporate careers in search of a more meaningful life. Their turning point? A spontaneous trip to Glen Arbor, where they stumbled upon a farmer’s market. Enchanted by the vendors’ passion and dedication, they thought, why not us?
“We fell in love with all the people at the farmer's markets. They work so hard, but they're so happy,” Windy recalls. “We thought about what we could make, and landed on lavender.”
Not just any lavender. Food-grade lavender, grown and harvested by hand with no sprays or pesticides. Belle Lavande was born not just as a farm, but as a way to reconnect people to the land and each other.
From Bud to Bottle
Today, Belle Lavande’s product line spans bath and body essentials, culinary goods, home care, and even a baby line named after their German Shepherd, Bella. Although, the soul of the brand is their all-natural culinary lavender, in turn making their lavender simple syrup their crown jewel.
“We have our lavender simple syrup at the Meijer Market Stores. It's all natural, and it tastes good. It beats out any simple syrup on the market,” Windy proudly shares.
From their whipped body butter to their upcoming lavender extract, every product is crafted either by Windy or her husband, who hand-makes nearly everything from scratch. Lavender used in their products is grown directly on their farm in Stockbridge, MI, ensuring freshness and quality.
“Everything has a purpose. By having the farm, I can control the flavor of my food, my essential oils, and my product. Because I use my lavender in all my products, I have complete control. That’s the difference.”
Among the newest additions are their room sprays, lotion sticks, and shower steamers packed with lavender essential oil. Even during long, sunny harvest days, their natural lavender deodorant does the job.
Lavender & Local Love
The spirit of Belle Lavande doesn’t end at the farm’s gate. Windy has made it her mission to share the beauty and benefits of lavender with her community.
“We wanted people to come out and enjoy it. Get back to life, bring a game, have a picnic, spend time with family without TV and phones.”
And come they do, from school groups and senior centers, to garden clubs and curious visitors just passing through. Belle Lavande is a local gem, creating job opportunities for college students, embracing inclusive employment practices, and partnering with organizations to enrich the land and community.
Even the land itself tells a story. With support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Belle Lavande restored their wetlands in a $10,000 project that created a thriving habitat for birds and other wildlife. Ducks Unlimited contributed an additional $4,000 to help preserve native plants and seeds. Thanks to these efforts, wild raspberries, blackberries, and elderberries grow freely, nurturing pollinators, supporting biodiversity, and deepening the farm’s commitment to sustainability.
“We love it because there are so many animals out here. We don’t do big events, that’s not the type of farm we are. We want people to just get away from the hustle and bustle and relax.”
The Future of Belle Lavande
Windy has her eyes on exciting new ventures. The farm recently introduced eight beehives to produce lavender honey, and they’re expanding their food line to include lavender lemonade, pancake and waffle mixes, shortbread, scones, and culinary buds for home cooks.
“We’re working on lavender extract and lavender vanilla extract too, with help from Valentine Distilling in Ferndale. And we want to try a vodka and bourbon version next.”
They’re also hoping to build a small indoor space atop the farm’s hill for bridal showers, birthday parties, and lavender classes. Until then, they continue harvesting and drying lavender by hand, creating new recipes, and dreaming bigger.
A Blooming Partnership
Belle Lavande’s presence at Meijer’s Woodward Corner Market is a perfect match. As a Michigan-grown, handmade business, their partnership with this thoughtfully curated local grocery store provides customers with something truly special.
“Meijer’s Market Stores feel like family. They support local, and that means everything to a business like mine. They’re amazing.”
Through store demos, taste tests, and personal connection, Belle Lavande builds loyalty one sip and scent at a time. So next time you’re at Woodward Corner Market, look for Belle Lavande in the Gifting Department, breathe in the calming aromas, and know you’re supporting a local dream that’s rooted in passion, purpose, and purple blooms.
