Laura and Rick Vaughn founded their small goat dairy after discovering the benefits of goat’s milk
GREENFIELD, MO. – Nestled just south of Greenfield, Mo., on old Highway 39, Piccadilly Junktion is a tranquil oasis hidden out in the countryside.
Founded in 2011 by Laura Vaughn and her husband Rick, the rural business began in an unlikely way.
“I always had trouble with dry skin,” she explains, “and after trying different products, I found commercial ones loaded with chemicals that caused irritation.”
Determined to find a solution, Laura started making her own natural soaps, creams, and lotions. Her quest for the perfect formula led her to experiment with goat’s milk.
“I learned how the rich cream and natural proteins in goat’s milk add several moisturizing properties that other options like water simply can’t achieve. Goat’s milk is also a rich source of vitamins A, E, C, and various B vitamins, along with amino and citric acids, unsaturated fatty acids and zinc.”
To get the milk she needed to make her beauty products, Laura ventured into dairy goat production.
Starting with just two Nigerian Dwarf does, Laura bred them to Lamancha buck, retaining the doelings to build her herd.
“That would make their breed mini Lamanchas,” Laura said. “Our herd consists of nine does and a buck.”
Laura selected the Nigerian Dwarfs because the breed’s milk has a high content of butter fat, which is great for making soap and lotion.
“The Lamancha will produce a higher yield,” Laura said.
Laura milks once a day, averaging a half gallon of rich milk per goat.
“I milk up to four goats a day for a period of six to eight months per year,” Laura said. “We do selective breeding, letting some of the girls take a year off to rest. We do hold back some of the does and the billies are usually sold.”
The charm of Piccadilly Junktion extends to its physical space, which Laura and Rick built themselves from pallets, repurposed windows, and doors from other old buildings. There on-farm store is fashioned to appear like it was straight from the early 1900s from dismantled pallet wood.
Next to the store is Laura’s workshop, where she handcrafts her soaps, candles, lotions and butters.
Laura uses only certified pure essential oils and phthalate-free oils with her herd’s milk. She has eliminated harmful detergents, petroleum-derived products, and preservatives, opting instead for goat’s milk and a traditional lye base. After mixing, the soaps are carefully hand-poured into molds and left to cure for five to six weeks, allowing the lye and excess water to evaporate fully. The result is a range of soaps rich in moisture-retaining glycerin, natural oils and butters.
The effectiveness of Laura’s products extends beyond moisturizing dry, sensitive skin. Some customers have reported relief from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, attributing the soothing properties of her mixtures to their use of goat’s milk. Recently, she has added a selection of herbs and herbal teas to the store. The couple also supports local artisans by featuring their handmade jewelry, pottery and musical instruments created by a local pastor in the store.
Piccadilly Junktion’s reputation has spread through word-of-mouth, with customers from other states ordering products for themselves and as gifts.
Thanks to an online store, Laura now conducts business nationwide, besides participating in local craft fairs such as Apple Butter making days in Mount Vernon, The Fair Grove Heritage Reunion and Springfield’s Cider Making Days.
