“Never give up on an opportunity. It’s interesting because you’re either given this opportunity or you go the other way. I got the opportunity to come to Alabama to finish my undergrad and leave my comfortable life in Texas and all my friends and family. My uncle said, ‘Come here and live and work on your undergrad.’ I had two years left and I knew that I was in kind of a rut in Texas. I was in a place where I didn’t want to be. I didn’t see me excelling. I knew I was capable of more. I thought this was the best path and I really am excited and happy for where I am now.” – Sarah Die-McElfresh, of Fayette

Die-McElfresh and her husband rent a 500-head cattle ranch in Fayette. She said she loves the sense of community there, especially with the groups she is involved with.

Sarah Die-McElfresh loves the life she has created in Alabama. (Tamika Moore/People of Alabama)

“We’re a part of the Sweet Grown Alabama program. We sell our beef processed and by the cut, and we advertise it through the network. It’s basically you say, ‘I want beef or tomatoes’ and you go through Sweet Grown Alabama and find out where it is located in the state and contact that producer. It’s like shop local and supporting your local community,” she said.

Die-McElfresh loves what she does so much that she feels like she never has to work a day in her life.

These are the faces and stories of people from all walks of life who call Alabama home. People of Alabama is a Red Clay Media and Alabama NewsCenter partnership.