Hearth & Homestead: A Local Haven for Simple, Natural Living in Kahoka

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Nestled on the west side of the square in Kahoka, Hearth & Homestead is more than a store — it’s a mission. Owners Corby and Britni Hawkins, their five children and skillful vendors, have created a welcoming space where faith, sustainability, and community come together.

At Hearth & Homestead, visitors will find refill stations for natural cleaning, body products, and organic dry goods, handcrafted local items, clean supplements, fresh greens year-round, sourdough breads, cupcakes, and gluten-free and dairy-free options — all centered around low-tox, eco-friendly living.

“Our goal is to make clean, simple living easy and affordable for families right here in our community,” Britni said. “We believe your home should be a haven — not full of toxins — and we want to help encourage you along your way.”

The couple opened the store after recognizing a growing need for more intentional and healthy living in the community.

“Recognizing a need in changing a style of living is what inspired us to open Hearth & Homestead,” Britni explained. “We bought the building at the end of November 2024 and jumped in to improve our health and lifestyle.”

Inside the store, shoppers can explore the 18 unique vendors who make up Hearth & Homestead’s marketplace — each bringing their own craft, skill, and creativity. From soaps and jewelry to homemade baked goods and freshly milled flour, there’s something for everyone.

“Our business is more unique compared to others in the area because we’re promoting an experience every day you walk in,” Britni said. “From refilling your soap containers to refilling your chocolate chip containers, you’re choosing healthier options.”

Hearth & Homestead’s refill system encourages sustainability while saving customers money. Shoppers can bring their own containers to fill with soaps, cleaners, and dry goods.

“All of our refill soaps are gluten-free and fragrance-free, and our dry goods are organic,” Britni shared. “We also offer vinegars, olive oils, and truffle oil.”

The store also features a “Homesteader of the Month,” a vendor spotlight that highlights local makers for an entire month, giving them the opportunity to showcase and sell their own products.

The store’s commitment to learning and transparency is another hallmark.

“We research and are eager to learn about every single product we offer because we truly care and want what’s best for our customers,” Britni said.

Beyond the products, the heart of Hearth & Homestead lies in community.

“Our heart is to help families in Kahoka and the surrounding area live simply and naturally — without the overwhelm or the toxins,” Britni said. “We want our store to be a place where people feel encouraged, cared for, and connected.”

Britni believes small businesses like theirs play a vital role in keeping local communities thriving.

“When you support local, you’re not only investing in your neighbors, you are strengthening the heart of your community,” she said. “Our store provides an option for cleaner living without having to drive miles away or order online.”

Their motivation comes from the small, meaningful moments.

“It’s seeing a mom who finds a safer product for her kids, someone discovering a new local maker, or a customer who says, ‘I just love the peaceful feeling in here,’” Britni shared.

“That, knowing this is where God has called us to serve, and our kids learning life skills, keeps us going on the hard days.”

Many of Hearth & Homestead’s refill products come from Rustic Strength, a small, family-run company in the Midwest, and their dry goods are sourced from Azure Standard, a Christian-based organic supplier that now offers local drops in Kahoka.

“We hand-select every local vendor and product with care,” Britni said. “Everything we carry aligns with our faith-based, eco-conscious, quality mission.”

For the family, the best part of running the business is the people.

“Every day brings conversations, friendships, and shared values that remind us why we started,” Britni said.

“Our vendors and employees have become like family to us, and our kids love it when they come into the store. It’s more than a store — it’s become a gathering place, and that’s exactly what we hoped it would be.”

The hearth symbolizes home, warmth, family, and community — a central space for gathering. The homestead represents self-sufficiency and purpose. Together, they embody the spirit of Hearth & Homestead: a place to find comfort, connection, and a cleaner way of living.

Visit Hearth & Homestead on the west side of the Kahoka square. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new products, local events, and giveaways, and visit their newly launched website.