Influential Woman · Agriculture & Agritourism
Marsha Waybright
Owner / Property Manager, Laurel Fork Farm LLC
Bowden, WV 26254
Her Story
About Marsha
Marsha Waybright is a third-generation farmer, entrepreneur, educator, and property manager dedicated to preserving Appalachian traditions while creating innovative opportunities for her family and community. She serves as the owner of Laurel Fork Farm LLC, founder and president of the West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, owner of Mama Bear Protection, and property manager of Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience operating a 400-acre family farm, Marsha has developed an educational agritourism destination where visitors can experience agriculture, hospitality, conservation, and traditional Appalachian skills firsthand.
Through her work, Marsha provides hands-on educational experiences in farming, forest farming, food preservation, hunting, fishing, tracking, herbalism, falconry, planting, harvesting, and other traditional skills. She also teaches hunter safety and outdoor education in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, where she was recognized as Instructor of the Year. As a homeschool mother and lifelong learner, Marsha is passionate about sharing practical knowledge and helping younger generations understand the value of self-sufficiency, responsible stewardship, and rural traditions.
Marsha's entrepreneurial leadership and adaptability have earned recognition at both the state and national levels. Her accomplishments include being named Business Person of the Year for Tucker County, being inducted into Women of Agriculture for the State of West Virginia, and participating as an alumna of the first West Virginia cohort of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Most recently, Laurel Fork Farm was selected for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2026 CO—100, recognizing it among America's top small businesses and as a Champion of Adaptability. Through her diverse ventures, Marsha continues to demonstrate how agriculture, education, hospitality, conservation, and rural entrepreneurship can work together to strengthen communities while preserving the heritage of Appalachia.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marsha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than 20 years of experience, perseverance, and a passion for creating meaningful experiences through my businesses and nonprofit work. As a property manager of a bed and breakfast and educational farm, I have welcomed guests from more than 70 countries and every U.S. state over the past six years while providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, tracking, and hunter safety education in partnership with the West Virginia DNR. I am proud to continue expanding the property and developing an educational facility that will further support learning and community engagement.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay curious, be willing to learn, and never hesitate to ask for help. Much of my knowledge has been self-taught, and I have learned that seeking guidance and building relationships with others can open doors, especially when local resources are limited. My involvement with the Tygarts Valley Conservation District and organizations such as the NRA and USCCA has reinforced the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and sharing knowledge with others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to pursue work you are genuinely passionate about, because when you love what you do, it can feel less like work and more like a fulfilling way of life. Farming and agritourism have given me both personal satisfaction and practical benefits, and I encourage women to embrace opportunities that connect their careers with their interests and values. It is also important to make time to recharge, whether that means stepping away to enjoy nature, spending time at an off-grid cabin, or simply appreciating the outdoors.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is finding ways to accommodate more people at our farm and bed and breakfast. Expanding our capacity would allow us to welcome more guests while providing greater opportunities for education, agritourism, and meaningful experiences connected to the land.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are authenticity, education, and sharing our story with others. As a third-generation farmer, agritourism naturally grew from our family’s desire to welcome visitors and share what we have learned through farming and teaching. My experience as a homeschool mom further strengthened that passion for education, allowing us to share our knowledge with guests in meaningful ways. I am proud of what we have built at Laurel Fork Farm and grateful for the recognition it has received, including being named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in the United States by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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