Hidden Gems: Meet Stef Parker of The Goth Gardener LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stef Parker.

Hi Stef , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has never followed a straight path, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I was born and raised in Clayton County Georgia, I served as a combat medic with the U.S. Army during the initial invasion of Iraq, an experience that profoundly shaped the way I see people, resilience, and service. After returning home, I eventually found myself channeling that same determination into an entirely different mission: building community through art, literacy, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

Today, I wear quite a few hats. I’m the owner of The Goth Gardener LLC and The Winery at MoonLight Manor, where I became the first woman of color to establish a winery and alcohol manufacturing facility in the great state of Georgia, as well as the first in Lamar County. I create vegan wines under the Wikkid Eden label, blending creativity, storytelling, and a bit of gothic flair into every bottle.

My passion for the arts led me to become an Art Director for the Lamar Arts Depot & Gallery in Barnesville, where I’ve worked to expand opportunities for artists while creating exhibitions that welcome people from every background. I serve as the Gallery’s Correspondence Secretary, Webmaster and an Exhibition Curator.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, chairing the County Events Committee, and serving as Historian for the National Association of Black Military Women’s Atlanta Metro Chapter. Every role has been rooted in the same belief: communities become stronger when people are willing to build something bigger than themselves.

Outside of my professional work, I’m a mother to 3 wonderful children, Xavier, Cidnie, and Raegan, who keep me inspired. I’m also a children’s author. I’ve have penned 4 children’s books: Why Do Flies Come to Barbecues, There are Monsters in My Room, If I Could Be, and I Have a Cat and She Wants the World to Know. I am currently working on a horror novel, which I am hoping to launch soon. Writing has become another way to explore the human experience,. Whether I’m writing a novel, curating an art exhibition, developing a new wine, or organizing a community initiative, I’m ultimately driven by the same goal—to create experiences that make people feel something meaningful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.

I’ve chosen a path that doesn’t always fit neatly into expectations, especially living in a small Southern community. I’m a veteran, an entrepreneur, an artist, an author, and someone whose interests often lean into the unconventional. From opening a gothic-themed winery to promoting inclusive arts programming, I’ve learned that doing something different often comes with criticism before it earns acceptance.

Building spaces where everyone feels welcome hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments when my ideas, my creative direction, or even my perspective have been questioned simply because they challenged what people expected. I’ve learned that when you choose innovation over conformity, not everyone will immediately understand your vision.

Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage me, they’ve strengthened my commitment to building communities where people are free to express themselves, create, and belong without feeling like they have to fit into a particular mold. I believe our differences are what make communities vibrant, and I’ve tried to reflect that philosophy in every organization and project I’m fortunate enough to lead.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles. It’s about continuing to show up with kindness, professionalism, and purpose—even when the road gets difficult. Every challenge has reinforced my belief that meaningful change rarely begins with doing what’s comfortable. It begins with someone willing to do something different.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Goth Gardener LLC ?
The Goth Gardener is more than a business- it’s a creative brand built around the idea that art, nature, storytelling, and community can all exist in the same space.

At The Winery at MoonLight Manor, I produce handcrafted vegan wines under the Wikkid Eden label, each one inspired by mythology, folklore, gothic aesthetics, and imagination. My wines are crafted from locally grown fruits, including muscadines, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and carefully blended mixed berries. Every bottle is made without chemical additives, allowing the natural character of the fruit to shine through while offering a clean, fruit-forward experience. Visitors can schedule private wine tastings by reservation through TheGothGardener.com, creating a personalized experience that is unlike a traditional tasting room. Alongside my wines, I also produce artisan preserves, write and publish books, create artwork, and develop community-centered events that celebrate creativity in all its forms.

What sets my brand apart is that it refuses to fit into a single category. One day I may be hosting an art exhibition, the next I may be pouring wine at a festival, signing books, or helping organize a community event. Everything I create is connected by one goal—to inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and give people permission to embrace what makes them unique.

One of the projects I’m most excited about is the 3rd Annual WitchyCraft: A Holistic, Health and Arts Experience, taking place on October 10, 2026, here at The Winery at MoonLight Manor in Griffin, Georgia. WitchyCraft was created to bring together local artisans, holistic practitioners, authors, musicians, wellness vendors, and creatives in an inclusive environment where visitors can explore art, handmade goods, natural wellness, food, live entertainment, and, of course, my handcrafted vegan wines. It’s a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and community, and it reflects everything The Goth Gardener brand stands for-embracing individuality while creating memorable experiences that people won’t find anywhere else.

My wines generally range from $30 to $40 per bottle, my handcrafted preserves are $10, and my books range from approximately $12 to $15. While my winery operates by reservation to provide a more personal experience, readers can also find me at festivals, markets, and community events throughout metro Atlanta and across Georgia.

One thing I’m especially proud of is that my brand has remained authentically mine from the very beginning. I never wanted to create something that looked like everyone else’s. I wanted people to experience something they would remember. Whether someone discovers me through a bottle of wine, a novel, an art exhibition, or a conversation at a local festival, I hope they leave feeling inspired to celebrate their own individuality.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the City of Morrow for their continued support of my business. Their encouragement and willingness to support local entrepreneurs have provided wonderful opportunities to introduce my wines, books, and creative work to new audiences, and I am truly grateful for their partnership.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
No one builds something meaningful alone. While my name may be associated with many of the projects I lead, there are incredible people behind the scenes who have encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me along the way. I am deeply grateful for each of them.

I would first like to thank Mary Clements, National Historian of the National Association of Black Military Women. Her mentorship, guidance, and dedication to preserving the stories of women veterans have inspired my own work as Historian for the Atlanta Metro Chapter. She has generously shared her knowledge and continually encouraged me to grow in the role.

I am equally grateful to Kathleen Harris, Past National President of the National Association of Black Military Women, whose leadership and mentorship have been a constant source of encouragement. Her example has shown me what servant leadership looks like and has inspired me to continue giving back to both my community and my fellow veterans.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Jessica Traylor, who also serves as an Art Director at Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery. She has been far more than a colleague-she has been a trusted and unwavering source of encouragement, and someone who has consistently reminded me that even the biggest dreams become possible when people work together.

I would also like to thank Bianca Romero, President of the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, for placing her confidence in me through my service on the Board of Directors. Her leadership and trust have provided me with opportunities to grow, serve my community, and help create initiatives that make a lasting impact.

I would also like to thank Bee Mayo of Petrichor Art & Oddities for serving as my co-host for WitchyCraft 2026. Her professionalism, creativity, and collaborative spirit have made her an incredible business partner, and I truly appreciate her dedication, thoughtful ideas, and commitment to helping bring our shared vision to life.

To my best friend, Anastasia Holmes, thank you for always being in my corner. Through every challenge and every success, you’ve kept me grounded, kept me laughing, and reminded me not to take life quite so seriously. Your friendship has been one of life’s greatest gifts.

And finally, to my fiancé, Dr. Steven Plonk, the love of my life—thank you for standing beside me through every adventure, every ambitious idea, and every impossible dream that somehow became a new project. Your unwavering support, patience, encouragement, and belief in me have made this journey infinitely more meaningful. I truly couldn’t ask for a better partner to share this life with.

To each of these remarkable people, thank you. Whatever success I have achieved has been made richer because of your encouragement, your wisdom, and your belief in me. I will always be grateful.

Pricing:

• Fruit Wines $30
• Grape Wines $40
• Wine Tasting $20
• Preserves $10
• Books $12-$15

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TheGothGardener.Com
• Instagram: The_GothGardener
• Facebook: The Goth Gardener