Although Dawn’s family raised Rambouillet sheep in Texas beginning in the late 1800s, her transition back to the land came in 2009 with just a few goats, and a big love of fiber. In 2015, she decided an encore career was in order, retiring from her OB/GYN practice to operate a wool mill and raise many more goats (and sheep!). Dawn and her husband, Paul, own and operate Independence Wool, a regional mill in South Central Texas. They create intensely local, landbased yarns starting from raw wool and mohair, all grown and spun under the Lone Star. Dawn’s mission with the mill reflects a strong commitment to work with the natural fibers produced in her home state and to support local sheep and goat ranchers. Along with the mill, Dawn and Paul live on the farm with their herd of 100 angora goats, a growing flock of natural colored Rambouillet sheep, a few barn cats and chickens, and some really wonderful dogs. Dawn is a self-proclaimed wool and mohair ambassador, and when not in the mill, her favorite way to spend time is taking her knitting along during sheep and goat walks through the fields. You can follow along @independencefibermill on Instagram, or find them at independencewool.com.