Meet Your Neighbor is a weekly feature by Spartan Weekly News staff writer Grace Anne Johnson. If you’d like to be featured or know someone that would be a great candidate to be featured, please email us at sprtnwkly@aol.com or call 864.574.1360.
***
Mandy McQueen is cultivating a space for beauty, creativity, and celebration right here in Spartanburg County.
In 2011, she gained ownership of land that she named Promiseland Farm — a tribute to her daughter, Promise. Initially, she planned to use the land as an event venue. And while she did host several weddings on the property, she came to realize that it was meant for something a little different — something that truly blended all of her passions.
A lifelong resident of Cowpens, McQueen is quick to say that she loves people and animals.
She also is a talented decorator and designer, and is skilled at crafting aesthetically-pleasing spaces. When COVID hit, she had an idea for something that could combine all three — something that could bring the public joy in a time when the world felt stressful and overwhelming.
“Nobody had anything to do or anywhere to go,” she remembered, “so I decided to open up to the public for photography shoots.”
Promiseland Farm is a 13-acre farm, with an additional 46-acre lake. It’s a peaceful, rustic oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life, and McQueen thought that it could be the perfect place for people to escape and capture special memories. She was right.
Now, Promiseland Farm is one of the area’s most beloved locations for photoshoots of all kinds.
Over 100 photographers use the venue regularly to capture everything from family portraits to engagement photos.
But the land isn’t just for professional photographers — if you want to come capture pictures of your kids with the farm’s adorable animals, you’re welcome to book a slot to come armed with nothing but your cell phone camera. Promiseland Farm is far from exclusive — it’s a spot that anyone can have a beautiful backdrop to make memories.
“I don’t even know where I came up with the idea,” McQueen shared. “I just thought one day, you know, I bet a lot of people would like to come out and get to have their pictures made with a highland cow.”
Fraser, the farm’s highland cow, is “an icon” on the farm. Hot Shot, a white paint horse, is another visitor favorite. McQueen said she loves hosting themed sessions where the community can come visit these beloved animals. “We do unicorn sessions with hot shot and kissing booths with Fraser,” she said.
After spending 16 years running a mobile petting zoo, these events are a natural fit for McQueen, who thrives when she’s creating things that bring joy. And while caring for over 70 animals is a mighty task, it’s one she shares with her husband, Brian — and one that’s made all the more worthwhile when she gets to see visitors fall in love with the animals she loves so dearly.
The farm itself has been a passion project that just keeps growing as McQueen continues to dream up new and exciting photo opportunities for the people of Spartanburg. Currently, the property has two outdoor studios: The Glass House, which is a greenhouse, and The Carriage House, which is a taller glass house. There’s copious outdoor space, in addition to three indoor studios, and McQueen loves to decorate for holidays and special celebrations.
Most of all, she loves seeing clients come back time and time again to mark new milestones. “I like to see a lot of families come out and have a beautiful place to captures those memories, and have a little bit of a farm experience while they’re there. There are a lot of locals, a lot of families that become return customers, and it’s really special.”
Know someone who should be featured? Nominate them via email at sprtnwkly@aol.com.
