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Preppin Mama embodies the essence of a family eager to share the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by the divine, nurturing our bodies and fortifying our spirits. Like countless mothers, we are reconnecting with our roots, rediscovering treasures lost in mere generations, and embracing the wisdom of our forebears. Each time I cultivate and prepare food, my heart brims with joy. There’s an undeniable magic to real food—the vibrant hues, the rich flavors, brimming with nature’s healing properties and nourishment for our bodies. Every slice of vegetable for juicing or preservation fills me with profound gratitude and reverence.

For years, I’ve delved deep into the realms of nutrition, absorbing knowledge with an almost insatiable thirst. I’ve scrutinized labels and methodically purged toxins from our home, one step at a time. Along the journey, I’ve come to a realization that should have never felt so elusive: that God has provided abundantly for us, offering everything we need within arm’s reach. We can cultivate, nurture, and sustain ourselves far more simply than we’ve been led to believe.

Meet Preppin Mama

Hello, dear friends! I go by Dani, also known affectionately as Preppin Mama. The name isn’t accompanied by a grand saga; it simply reflects a mama who finds joy in crafting and preparing meals for her family and loved ones. Throughout most of my adult years, it’s been just me and my four girls, and they mean the world to me. Our home has always been the lively hub on the block, teeming with children, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Returning home to find a kid lounging on the couch, munching on our snacks, and inquiring about dinner never fails to bring a smile to my face. I thrive on nurturing and hosting, firmly believing in the importance of celebrating life’s moments, especially amidst a bustling household filled with music and good food.

The majority of my career has revolved around community events and outreach, with my most cherished role being that of a Chamber Director. Nothing ignites my spirit quite like engaging with people, delving into their passions, and nurturing their aspirations. I’ve witnessed firsthand the enchantment of small-town life and the transformative power of supporting local businesses. Through Preppin Mama, I aspire to foster connections with numerous small enterprises, uniting in support of each other, our families, and our communities.

When I’m not playing in the dirt or whipping up culinary delights, I find joy in traveling, exploring parks and museums (I’m a history enthusiast at heart), wine tasting, and scouring antique shops. I have a penchant for collecting art pieces from my travels, acquiring obscure antiques, and harboring a peculiar fascination with vintage toasters. In 2022, I eloped in the serene setting of Red Rock Park with my husband, Jacob, and our amazing photographer and friend as the sole witness. Upon returning home, we celebrated with a good ol’ barn-style bash, with alpacas, embarking on a journey to manifest our dreams.

I fervently believe in the concept of food by design; the profound notion that nature has already bestowed upon us the nourishment and remedies essential for our daily lives. It’s my fervent passion to delve into this wisdom, package it with care, and make it readily accessible for our families.

Meet Little Mama

Tatum, fondly known as Little Mama, radiates joy and sunshine wherever she goes. She delights in baking alongside me and caring for our cheerful hens, who eagerly welcome her presence. Tatum takes charge of prepping many of our recipes and effortlessly navigates a bustling kitchen. With tunes playing and a song in her heart, she exudes excitement for the journey ahead.

A master at molding chocolates and expert taste tester, Tatum’s petite frame belies her strength—she effortlessly handles bags of feed, flour, and equipment at events, a testament to her Iowa farm roots.

Her connection with our customers is unparalleled; she remembers them by name, effortlessly discovers their favorites, and is adored by the little ones. Indeed, Tatum’s affection knows no bounds, especially for our youngest patrons.

How it Started

In 2023, we returned to SE Iowa and founded Preppin Mama, LLC, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey. Since then, we’ve been charging ahead with unwavering determination. Our vision includes establishing a thriving homestead complete with animals and greenhouses—a pursuit not for the faint-hearted, but as they say, choose your hard, right?

The year 2020 served as a pivotal moment for many, and within our household, it served as the catalyst to transition our hobbies and curiosities into action. Baking, gardening, and food preservation swiftly rose to the top of our priority list. I dove into discovering methods to procure and store high-quality, clean, and locally sourced foods for our family.

In 2020, my youngest daughter and I embarked on a baking journey from the comfort of our home, driven by a desire to craft delicious cookies using only real, wholesome ingredients. With unbleached flour, organic sugars, farm-fresh eggs, and genuine vanilla, we concocted what would become our signature s’more cookie. Sourcing most of our baking supplies from the local Amish community and eggs from our own backyard’s free-range hens, we embraced a commitment to quality from the start.

As Tatum and I delved into bake-offs, the joy of creating delectable treats with top-notch ingredients became infectious. Soon, requests and inquiries for our offerings started pouring in.

That very same year, my husband made a significant investment in our kitchen by acquiring our first freeze-drier. Eager to harness its transformative powers, I discovered its potential as a game changer in food preservation. This machine could preserve food with a staggering 98% of its nutrients intact for over 25 years—no additives, no preservatives. I eagerly began freeze-drying produce, meats, and expanding our kitchen’s repertoire to accommodate a variety of culinary creations. It was eye-opening to realize just how many essentials were missing from the modern kitchen.

Before long, I uncovered the versatility of the freeze-drier, venturing into the realm of candies and discovering a burgeoning demand for these novel delights. Thus, our business was born, offering an array of freeze-dried candies, fruits, veggies, and indulgent stuffed gourmet cookies.

Working on and bringing this venture to life with Tatum has been an absolute dream. My husband’s unwavering support and incredible skills have turned my visions into reality – I dream it, he builds it, and together, we make it happen. Whenever my older girls are home, they seamlessly join in, contributing their efforts to our shared endeavor. Our entire family has enveloped us with support in numerous ways, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

In reflecting on this journey, I extend my gratitude to the Lord for His abundant provisions and the privilege to live purposefully, guided by the design of His nourishing and intentional foods.

Our Mission

At our core, we believe that natural is better. Our philosophy, rooted in the concept of “food by design,” guides us in our mission to provide nourishing sustenance, sourced from nature’s bounty. We prioritize quality, seeking out clean, locally sourced foods that honor both our bodies and the environment. Moreover, we champion self-sufficiency, recognizing that each step towards growing, preparing, and storing our own food is a victory. Together, we are committed to learning and teaching, fostering a community dedicated to wholesome living and sustainable practices.

Accomplishments & Acclaim

We remain deeply thankful to all those who have offered love and support as we pursue our dream.

Women of Business 2023

Mother-daughter duo dare to dream

Southeast Iowa Union

HILLSBORO — From a disconnected place away from home Dani Murphy and her daughter Tatum Kane began baking and freeze-drying their way into a business where they see God provides everything… CLICK TO READ MORE