Trina Hope is owner of a fun, educational and sustainable farm in Jacksonville, Shady Rest Alpacas.
Tell us about Shady Rest Alpacas.
Shady Rest Alpacas is a small, family-run alpaca farm created to be a place where people can slow down, connect with nature and experience the joy these amazing animals bring.
What started as a love for alpacas has grown into a welcoming space for families, couples, homeschool groups and visitors of all ages to learn, laugh and make memories. We offer educational tours and hands-on animal encounters where guests can meet the alpacas up close, learn about their care and fiber and enjoy a peaceful, laid-back farm atmosphere.
Shady Rest Alpacas isn’t just about the animals — it’s about creating meaningful experiences, sharing knowledge and offering a little slice of calm and happiness in today’s busy world.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
For 16 years, I served as the vice president of a roofing company, where I helped lead operations, manage teams and build a business I poured my heart into. It was a career that shaped me, challenged me and taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience and responsibility.
While Shady Rest Alpacas has been operating since 2021, it was something I balanced part time for several years alongside my career. In January, I made the decision to step away from that chapter and begin running the farm full time. Choosing to take that leap of faith was both scary and exciting, but it felt like the right moment to fully invest in something that aligned with my values — creating meaningful experiences through education, connection and joy.
What do you like best about what you do?
What I love most is the opportunity to educate people while meeting so many wonderful individuals and families along the way. Seeing guests light up as they learn about alpacas, ask questions and interact with the animals never gets old. I especially enjoy helping people slow down, reconnect with nature and leave the farm feeling happier and more relaxed than when they arrived. Creating those moments of learning, connection and joy is what makes this work so fulfilling.
What is a typical day like for you?
No two days on the farm are exactly the same, which is part of what makes this life so special. Most mornings begin early with feeding the alpacas and cleaning the barns before the day’s activities begin.
From there, my time is spent hosting tours, welcoming field trips, teaching guests about the animals and tending to whatever the farm needs that day. In between the work, I’m often sharing the farm with my family; some days my grandkids are right alongside me, learning, helping and enjoying the animals. It’s a busy balance of hard work and meaningful family moments and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Are you from this area originally?
Yes, I am from this area and have lived here my entire life. What makes this community especially meaningful is that my family is quite literally all around me — next door, across the street and throughout the surrounding area. We have multiple generations living here, including my 94-year-old grandmother. Being rooted in a place where family is close by has shaped who I am and why this farm feels so personal.
What do you like best about living here?
What I love most about living here is the sense of community and connection. Being surrounded by family, neighbors and familiar faces creates a feeling of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I also appreciate the slower pace, the outdoor lifestyle and the ability to enjoy nature year-round, which makes farm life possible and enjoyable. Living here allows me to stay close to the people I love while doing work that feels meaningful and grounded.
How do you like to spend your free time?
When I do have free time, I love spending it with my kids and grandkids. Family time means everything to me, and we enjoy being together whenever we can. We also love to travel, and whenever possible, we make it a point to visit and support other alpaca farms along the way.
It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow farm owners, learn and continue growing both personally and professionally.
What’s next for you and Shady Rest Alpacas?
The next chapter for Shady Rest Alpacas is focused on thoughtful growth and deeper community involvement. I plan to continue expanding our educational offerings, including more homeschool days, field trips and special events that bring people together in meaningful ways.
My goal is to keep improving the farm while staying true to what makes it special: a welcoming, hands-on experience where guests feel connected, relaxed and inspired.
I’m excited to see Shady Rest Alpacas continue to grow as a place for learning, family and joy.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
