Acrely Farms
Address: 156 East 900 South, Suite 102
Telephone: 801-477-0828
Website: acrelyfarms.com
District: Liberty Wells
“We wanted to create a brand that felt approachable,” Britney recalls. Sarah Duke and Britney Beardmore first met in Utah in 2010, drawn together by a shared love for adventure. Sarah, originally from Illinois, and Britney, from Texas, connected over skiing, hiking, and rock climbing before forging a business partnership that would blend their expertise and passions into something extraordinary.
Britney's background in medical research took her to Utah, where she worked in early cancer research and medical imaging at the University of Utah. Sarah, on the other hand, grew up on a large-scale family farm in Illinois, studying agriculture and working with industry giants. However, she found herself disillusioned by conventional farming practices, particularly the environmental and human impact of large-scale agriculture. Seeking a change, she moved to Utah where she worked in organic farming and refugee resettlement, helping newly arrived families cultivate land and sell their produce through programs like New Roots.
In 2019, when Utah legalized hemp production, Sarah seized the opportunity to expand her agricultural knowledge. She obtained one of the first grower's licenses in the state and began cultivating hemp flowers for CBD, focusing on sustainable, organic practices. Farming by hand - planting, weeding, and harvesting - she learned the intricacies of growing hemp in Utah’s climate. In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, she invited Britney to the farm to help with the harvest. This hands-on experience ignited a conversation about wellness, stress relief, and the potential of high-quality CBD products.
Britney, who had struggled with sleep for years, was immediately intrigued. Her background in medical research led her to explore the benefits of CBD, and together, the two friends began formulating a tincture using only two ingredients: organically grown hemp extract and MCT coconut oil. Unlike many products on the market, theirs would be entirely natural, free from artificial flavorings, preservatives, and unnecessary additives. They envisioned a brand that felt approachable, even to those unfamiliar or hesitant about CBD.
Determined to stand apart from the stereotypical CBD market - often filled with gas station gimmicks - Sarah and Britney created a line of products that emphasized purity and transparency. Their commitment to quality was unwavering, from soil testing and organic farming to lab-tested extracts. Each product batch could be traced back to the specific hemp varietal, ensuring consumers knew exactly what they were using. “We lab test everything,” Sarah explains. “From the soil to the flowers, making sure there are no contaminants. It’s all about transparency.”
While brainstorming the best way to introduce their products to the public, the pair recognized that resort spas valued high-quality ingredients and wellness-focused products. They quickly secured partnerships with several luxury spas where massage therapists and spa professionals appreciated the purity and effectiveness of their formulations. Encouraged by early success in this niche market, they enrolled in the Master of Business Creation program at the University of Utah, where they received full scholarships. Here, Sarah and Britney were able to refine their business model and scale their operations. By 2022, they had completed the program, and their CBD line was selling in forty-five states.
As they expanded, Sarah and Britney diversified their offerings. Alongside their original CBD line, they introduced a botanical collection featuring lavender, rose, calendula, and arnica - plants grown alongside their hemp to create additional wellness products. This botanical line allowed them to serve customers who preferred non-CBD alternatives and opened doors for international sales, particularly in Canada and Mexico, where CBD regulations are stricter.
In 2023, as their company continued to grow, Sarah and Britney realized that they needed additional space. "We had been running our business out of our garages. After, a conversation with a longtime acquaintance Tess Arneson, co-founder of the Maven District in Salt Lake City, the two women opened a retail space. Ultimately, they realized that this was an invaluable opportunity to engage with their local community. The shop, Acrely, now serves as both a storefront and a hub for spa partners, offering a place where customers can learn about their products, attend educational events, and experience the welcoming, nature-inspired space.
Acrely’s product lineup includes their best-selling sleep gummies, made with real strawberry pulp sourced from a winery, and their CBG (a less prevalent, non-intoxicating, cannabinoid) mints, formulated for daytime anxiety relief. Acrely’s cooling balm, infused with arnica, peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor, provides natural relief for muscle pain and inflammation. Every product reflects their commitment to sustainability, wellness, and education.
Beyond sales, the store has become a space for collaboration, hosting pop-ups with other local businesses and serving as a meeting place for wellness professionals. They also offer training and educational events for spa therapists, reinforcing their mission to create a brand rooted in transparency and trust. “This shop has allowed us to connect with people in a way we never expected,” Britney says. “People come in all the time telling us they recognize our products from spas around the country. It’s amazing to see that connection come full circle.”
As they approach their five-year mark in 2025, the founders of Acrely remain dedicated to scaling their business while staying true to their values. They see their work as more than just selling products. It is about fostering awareness, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing natural alternatives to prescription medications. By prioritizing quality, authenticity, and education, Sarah and Britney have not only built a thriving company but have also created a movement, making wellness more accessible and sustainable, one plant at a time. “At the end of the day, we just want people to feel better,” the two reflect.
