For Statesboro native Greg Kearney, a journey to personal and professional success has been about so much more than just making money. It has been about finding himself sober, in a better place spiritually, and working in a business he loves to get up for every day.
Greg was born and raised in Statesboro, attending both Statesboro High School and Georgia Southern. A longtime guitar player, he started performing shows when he was at Southern and then moved to Athens for seven years, where he continued his music career. He played southern rock and jam and soul. He even toured and went out west.
But despite being on the road living his musical dreams, something else was brewing in his life that was preventing him from being the best version of himself he could be. He was an alcoholic and addicted to opiates.
Kearney recalls his “rock bottom” moment just a block from the beach on St. Simons Island. He says he was miserable, unhealthy, and unmanageable. He took a hard look at his life and decided he needed to change. His use of drugs and alcohol were just quick fixes so that he didn’t have to deal with himself, but they were no longer working. And he could no longer live that way.
He took a break from music and returned home to Statesboro to go to Willingway. This was in 2016. Six days into his treatment, Kearney heard a question that would turn out to be life-changing for him.
He heard, “What is your spiritual life like?” He felt as if God was talking directly to him. He went back to his room, got on his knees, and asked if God would help him. He said he would do anything to get sober. And there, in his room at rehab, he found peace for the first time in his life.
“Talking to God infinitely changed my life forever,” Kearney shared. “God gave me a reason to exist. A higher power. I have a new relationship with God, like never before.”
And he hasn’t had a single drop of alcohol in the 7 years since.
With the benefits of his recovery becoming more apparent in his life every day, Kearney happened upon a product at a local farmer's market that would change his career path.
The market carried a goat’s milk soap, and Kearney bought some. He was so impressed with how good it made his skin feel that he wanted to try his hand at making his own. It was initially an idea for family Christmas gifts, but it turned into much more than that. Four years ago, he started making soap full time. In fact, you may already know Kearney’s brand: Homegrown Trading Post.
Now, he has 17 varieties of soap, candles, CBD creams, lip balms, insect repellant, pet shampoo, and beard oil. Locally, you can find Homegrown Trading Post at Anderson’s, Healthy Touch, The Herb Shop, Pow-dur Salon, and the Smokin’ Place. He has also shipped products to almost every state coast to coast. (Just waiting on those orders from Alaska and Hawaii to come in!)
And while this is a business for him, it’s also clear that it’s a passion project -- evidence of not only his success in his recovery but also his continued spiritual strength.
“I kept hearing in my head, ‘Just keep your head down and keep making that soap,’” Kearney shared. “I know it was God pushing me, and finally at 34 years old, I started listening to His voice.”
He also has a “pawsitively” excellent business partner: his 10-year-old dog, Marley. She has her own perch where she watches him work, and they have an incredible bond. She’s even the cover girl for the Marley’s Magic Pet Shampoo.
“She’s the real boss,” he said.
Greg and Marley take pride in making handcrafted products that use the absolute best ingredients they can find. They also believe in making products that are affordable without sacrificing an ounce of quality.
Kearney has recently been asked to share about his success with high school students in Claxton and Statesboro. He gave a talk and Q&A session about entrepreneurship at Claxton High School, and he spoke to Statesboro High School juniors about overcoming adversity, perseverance, and determination.
When his aunt, Angie Kearney, asked if he would come speak at SHS, he says he was a little hesitant. He wasn’t sure if he was the right person for the job, because to him, success looks a little different than it might to others.
“[The idea of speaking] made me uncomfortable – which I’m learning is exactly where the magic happens,” Kearney said. “It got me thinking a lot about myself and what I considered to be ‘successful.’ My idea of success is different than most and has nothing to do with money or material things; it’s much deeper than that.”
For him, success is taking a look at his life and making sure that what he is doing aligns with who he wants to be as a person. We all have our weaknesses, but we can all work to be the best versions of ourselves we can be.
“One of the things I told those young men and women was always be willing to learn and grow. I’m such an imperfect person, and I have plenty of areas that need improvement. But at the end of the day, I genuinely am trying my best to be a decent person and to do right by others,” Kearney said. “Some folks are receptive to it, and some aren’t. And that’s okay.”
And don’t forget, he adds, to help others when you can, with no expectation of anything in return.
“Even if you’re going through a rough patch yourself, still make a point to show compassion, empathy, and support to those who may also be struggling. It can mean more than you’ll ever know,” Kearney said. “Even when times seem rough, there’s still so much good out there to experience and be a part of.”
In closing, he reminded the students – and reminds you all – that gratitude should be at the core of everything you’re doing. He is thankful for “The Man Upstairs,” all the people in his life, Marley, his customers, and many more things big and small.
You can visit Homegrown Trading Post at https://www.homegrowntradingpost.com/. Greg and Marley will personally deliver your Statesboro order to your doorstep, free of charge.
