When Jason and Jason Woodlief first started researching alternative crops in 2015, they had no idea it would eventually lead them to build one of Kentucky's most unique small businesses.

Today, the married couple owns Little Mount Lavender, a business dedicated to handcrafted skincare, locally made products, and creating an experience that helps people slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Neither Jason grew up in Kentucky. Jason Woodlief grew up in South Carolina, while Jason Walker-Woodlief was born in California and spent much of his childhood traveling with a military family before eventually settling in South Carolina. That is where the two met more than 25 years ago. They moved to Kentucky in 2017 and started Little Mount Lavender in 2018, beginning a journey that continues to grow today.

Their backgrounds complement each other perfectly. Jason Woodlief spent years working in retail training and management and earned a business degree, something he jokes makes him "overanalyze everything." Jason Walker-Woodlief served in the military before owning an events business and later earning a music degree. As Jason puts it, "He's the creative one."

The idea for Little Mount Lavender first took shape while the couple was still living in South Carolina. As they explored alternative farming opportunities, lavender consistently rose to the top of their list. Around the same time, Jason Woodlief accepted a job assignment in California, where they toured both a successful lavender farm and a specialty lavender shop. Seeing firsthand how those businesses combined agriculture, retail, and hospitality inspired them to pursue the idea themselves.

After moving to Kentucky, they purchased 5,000 lavender plant starts and got to work.

Little Mount Lavender began with a modest 300-square-foot store in 2018. A year later, Jason Woodlief left his full-time career so the two could focus entirely on the business together. Then COVID arrived.

Instead of giving up, they adapted.

Over the next several years, they expanded multiple times within their original location, eventually taking over the former restaurant space and much of the downstairs. As customer demand continued to grow, parking became a challenge, leading them to relocate to Simpsonville in 2021. There, they added a café and planted lavender on-site, creating an even more immersive destination. In 2026, they expanded again by opening a second location in Middletown.

Today, Little Mount Lavender is known for much more than its beautiful fields. The business creates handcrafted skincare products, including its signature Goat Milk Soap and Goat Milk Lotion, made with carefully selected natural ingredients and infused with calming lavender essential oil. Every product is designed to nourish the skin while encouraging relaxation and self-care.

For Jason and Jason, lavender has always represented more than a plant.

"We want every time someone uses our products to feel the warmth of our dedication and the serenity of lavender fields," they say. "Our mission is to inspire people to embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of self-care."

What truly sets Little Mount Lavender apart is how personally involved the owners are in nearly everything they offer. They make, or have a hand in creating, almost every product they sell, allowing them to listen closely to customer feedback and continually develop new products people genuinely want.

"We've grown one product at a time," Jason says. "Sometimes more than one at a time." 

That same philosophy extends to their team. Jason and Jason believe that taking care of employees is the foundation of taking care of customers. They invest in product knowledge, encourage creativity, and trust each team member to help shape the business.

"Lizzy loves helping with our website. Shane is incredibly organized and has an eye for label design and attention to detail," Jason shares. "We know we can't do it all, and we trust our associates to be our partners."

Their commitment reaches beyond the walls of the business as well. Whether supporting local causes, investing back into the community, or ensuring employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance, they strive to build a business centered on people first.

"If you're truly looking for a small business that's authentic, Little Mount Lavender is one of those businesses," Jason says. Then, with a laugh, he admits something that probably explains why customers appreciate them so much. "We struggle with talking about ourselves. We work for a cause every day: people."

To learn more or visit one of Little Mount Lavender's locations, email littlemountlavender@gmail.com or call (502) 600-2590.