51ĀŅĀ×

University Community

OHIO Chillicothe alumni Jessie and Kazy Richmond build business and community

When the COVID-19 pandemic sent workers home, Jessie Richmond turned her kitchen into a small-batch bath bomb and shower steamer production facility. What began as a hobby quickly transformed into a thriving business.

A former probation officer with a sociology degree from 51ĀŅĀ×, Jessie left her career in social services to transform her passion for handcrafting bath and body products into a business that now employs 12 people.

With the support of family and friends, Jessie launched in 2020, starting with an Etsy shop. Jessie’s husband Kazy suggested moving the business into a friend’s renovated space in the historic Union Block building on 2nd Street in downtown Chillicothe.

Named after the Bob Dylan song, Maggie’s Farm is home to Maggie, the cat who found a home at the shop after being found in Yoctangee Park. Last month, the shop moved to a larger location to 72 Paint Street. The new site provides more space for classes, workshops and other events. Additionally, the new storefront houses Jessie’s newest venture, The FurFolk BakeHouse, a pet treat bakery offering organic, natural products including pupcakes and freeze-dried treats.

Both Jessie and Kazy grew up in Waverly, Ohio. Jessie graduated from Waverly High School in 2002 and attended college briefly in Kentucky before transferring to 51ĀŅĀ× Chillicothe. She later relocated to 51ĀŅĀ×’s Athens campus, where she graduated with a degree in sociology in 2006.

Kazy also attended OHIO Chillicothe in the early 2000s, taking courses in psychology, theater, playwriting and literature. The professors who made the most impact on him included Ken Breidenbaugh, Ron Salamone, and Alan Pollchik.

ā€œIt was a great time to be at 51ĀŅĀ× Chillicothe,ā€ Kazy said. ā€œI'm still very connected with people who came into life in that window of time and I'm wildly grateful for the experiences. (OHIO Chillicothe) offered resources that allowed me to follow my curiosity and that has served me very well!ā€  

That curiosity led Kazy to roles with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, then in behavioral health and real estate development. At Integrated Services, he pioneered a therapeutic garden program that donated thousands of pounds of produce to local food banks while providing meaningful work for youth. Today he serves as the manager of real estate acquisition and development at Integrated Services and sits on Chillicothe’s Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Jessie’s career path included roles as a drug and alcohol counselor and behavioral health specialist before becoming a probation officer with Ross County Juvenile Court. After opening Maggie’s Farm downtown, she left her job to focus on the business full-time.

ā€œI had no knowledge about how to start a business," Jessie said. ā€œI had never taken business courses.ā€ She relied on help and advice from friends and learned as she went. ā€œRunning a business is hard. It's 24/7,ā€ she explained. ā€œBut I would rather have tried something and not been successful than wonder 'what if'."

A certified aromatherapist, Jessie says her background in social services still shapes her approach to her business. ā€œI still have that servant’s heart. I want to help people, just in a more creative way,ā€ she said. ā€œI like making all the different products.ā€

For Jessie, entrepreneurship is about taking risks and embracing opportunities. ā€œI'm not going to be 80 and look back with regrets," she added. "You've got to shoot your shot.ā€

Published
October 10, 2025
Author
Staff reports