137. The Journey to Becoming: Jill Rowe
interview by Nada Jones
Jill Rowe’s creative journey is anything but conventional—and that’s what makes it powerful. She began her career in fashion, modeling for iconic photographers such as Herb Ritts and David Bailey, before transitioning into New York’s downtown art world, where she worked with visionaries like Keith Haring and Ed Ruscha. Her curiosity led her to film production, then to the kitchen, where she discovered a love of feeding others, hosting intimate farmhouse dinners, and eventually opening her southern-inspired restaurant.
She spent eight years running Danny Meyer’s Union Square Cafe, honing her skills in service, leadership, and connection. Ready for a return to entrepreneurship, Jill moved to the Hudson Valley and met photographer and author Matthew Benson, who had already transformed Stonegate Farm into a biodiverse, organic estate. Together, they launched Cultivate Apothecary, crafting potent skincare and wellness products from the botanicals already thriving on the land, while adding new plantings known for their potent efficacy.
In today’s episode, Nada and Jill discuss her various careers as a model, restaurateur, and farmer, and how each path eventually led to co-founding a beauty brand. Jill describes developing an early interest in skincare while living abroad, and later developing a knack for food during her time in Manhattan. Once she moved to small-scale farming, she began creating with nature’s bounty. Jill shares what it’s like being partnered in both life and business with her co-founder, as well as the joy of fully discovering herself in the middle third of her life.
Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube | Or right here!
Check out Cultivate Apothecary for more information on Jill’s beauty products. Follow on Instagram @thejillrowe, @stonegatefarmny, and @cultivateapothecary.
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