07/05/2026
š LUCKY SPOTLIGHT- Juliana with Desert Solstice Farmsteadš
Some people come into your life because they buy a rabbit. Others become people youāre genuinely grateful to know.
Juliana is one of those people.
She first came into my life through Lucky Girl Rabbitry, but what Iāve come to admire most has nothing to do with rabbits.
Itās her heart.
Her kindness.
Her work ethic.
And the genuine care she pours into everything she does.
Sheās the kind of person who quietly works hard, encourages others, and isnāt afraid to dream big. Those are the people Iāll always cheer for.
When Juliana purchased breeding stock from Lucky Girl Rabbitry, neither of us could have imagined where that journey would lead.
The rabbits she originally purchased from Lucky Girl Rabbitry became more than breeding stockāthey became the beginning of a dream she never saw coming.
What began as a simple homesteading hobby slowly blossomed into Desert Solstice Farmsteadāa business built on intention, sustainability, and a deep respect for the animals she raises.
What Iāve always admired most about Juliana isnāt just what sheās createdā¦ itās the way she sees possibility where most people see limitations.
She looked at raising rabbits and asked herself,
āWhat else can I do with this?ā
That simple question sparked an incredible journey.
Today, Juliana handcrafts small-batch natural dog treats using recipes sheās developed herself. Her signature biscuits are made with rabbit and wholesome, organic ingredientsāwithout artificial preservatives or additives. She also welcomes visitors for hands-on farm experiences and offers ethical rabbit processing classes for those wanting to learn traditional homesteading skills.
Fair warningā¦ if you sign up for one of her processing classes, donāt expect to see her husband leading it. š
As Juliana puts it,
āMy husband supports meā¦ but wonāt actually do the processing!ā
š¤£ Iād say every successful farm needs a Chief Moral Support Officer!
Nothing goes to waste.
Everything has a purpose.
Thatās the heart of Desert Solstice Farmstead.
Juliana truly uses nearly everything her rabbits provide. The meat feeds her family, the fat is rendered into nourishing tallow, bones and remaining cuts become wholesome dog treats, and even the manure finds new life enriching local gardens. Itās a philosophy rooted in gratitude, stewardship, and respect for the animals she raises.
One of her signature products is her fur-on treats. While they may seem unusual at first glance, theyāre actually a species-appropriate chew that many dogs thrive on. Rabbit is an excellent option for many dogs with sensitive stomachs, while the fur provides natural fiber that helps support healthy digestion and healthy a**l gland functionāsomething Juliana affectionately calls ānatureās toothbrush and scrub brush.ā
But hereās what I love mostā¦
None of this was part of some perfectly mapped-out business plan.
As Juliana shared,
āHonestlyā¦ this just kind of happened. I didnāt get into this thinking Iād make it a business.ā
It simply started with a passion for animals, a willingness to learn, and the courage to try something new.
One idea led to another, and before she knew it, she had built something truly special.
And the dream doesnāt stop there.
Julianaās long-term vision is to create a wellness retreat where people can reconnect with nature through animals, holistic living, and experiences like goat yoga. Itās a dream sheās been quietly working toward for years, and if anyone can make it happen, I truly believe she can.
Watching one of my Luckies take a simple beginning and build something so meaningful reminds me exactly why I started Lucky Girl Rabbitry.
It has never been just about rabbits.
Itās about the people.
The friendships.
The dreams that begin in a rabbit barn and somehow grow into something much bigger than either of us imagined.
Itās about watching good people discover what theyāre capable ofāand cheering them on every step of the way.
If youāre in the Tucson area, I encourage you to check out Desert Solstice Farmstead. Whether youāre looking for wholesome, naturally made treats for your dog, interested in a hands-on farm experience, curious about learning traditional rabbit processing, or simply want to support an incredible local business, Juliana would love to connect with you.
You can follow her journey and message her directly through her page:
Desert Solstice Farmstead
Julianaā¦
Iām so proud to call you one of my Luckies.
Thank you for reminding all of us that sometimes the smallest beginnings can grow into something extraordinary.
With love,
Mandi š
Lucky Girl Rabbitry
