When Naeema Finley started raising chickens in her backyard in 2020, she never imagined it would grow into a booming business.
The Las Vegas native, who now lives in Atlanta, didn’t fit the typical image of a backyard farmer—often sporting elaborate nails and stilettos—but today, she’s a go-to source for fresh eggs in her community.
What began with just four chickens in a custom-made coop has expanded to a flock of 17, producing more than 5,000 eggs annually.
As grocery store egg prices continue to rise, Finley has built a successful business selling farm-fresh eggs at competitive prices, ranging from $3 to $9 per dozen.
From Skepticism to Success
Finley admits that when she first shared her chicken-raising plans, people were surprised.
“It was always, like, ‘Oh, really?’” she told NBC. “I know I don’t look the part.”
Initially, her motivation was simple: she wanted to avoid mass-produced eggs and eat healthier. But as demand for fresh, locally sourced eggs surged, she realized she had something valuable.
“It just took off,” Finley said. “I didn’t expect it to grow like this, but now I have a waitlist.”
Her side business, The Royal Chicken Coop, serves a variety of customers, from local bakeries to salon clients and neighbors.
Word-of-mouth has kept her eggs in high demand, with many preferring her home-raised eggs over store-bought alternatives.
A Personal Touch to Farming
Unlike commercial farms, Finley ensures her chickens are well cared for—so much so that they’ve become part of her family.
She even names them after influential Black women like Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris, Maya Angelou, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett. One, of course, is named Beyoncé!
“They are spoiled,” she laughed. “I feed them fruits, berries, greens—everything fresh and natural.”
Beyond selling eggs, Finley has expanded into consulting, helping others start their own backyard coops.
“People are curious, but they don’t know where to start,” she said. “I guide them through it.”
Balancing Business and Biosecurity
Despite the benefits of raising chickens, experts warn of risks, particularly avian flu, which has led to the deaths of millions of commercial birds.
Veterinary specialist Kathy Whitman advises backyard farmers to be extra cautious, securing coops to prevent exposure to wild birds.
Finley takes those warnings seriously, ensuring her chickens remain in a protected enclosure.
“I put in the work to keep them safe and healthy,” she said. “It’s an involved process, but it’s worth it.”
A Thriving Future
As interest in backyard farming continues to grow, Finley sees even greater potential for The Royal Chicken Coop.
“What started as a small personal choice has turned into something way bigger,” she said. “And I love every minute of it.”
She hopes to expand her consulting services and encourage more people to take control of their food sources.
Story culled from a report by MSN
