Kebbeh Autry: From Corporate Life to Community Roots

As we help kids build a real relationship with nature, sometimes all it takes is a guide to remind us how simple it can be. Kebbeh Autry created Magnolia Nature Club to give children and parents more opportunities to connect through outdoor play, herbalism, and holistic learning. In this conversation, she shares how her work began, why nature matters more than ever, and the small steps every family can take to bring more of it into daily life.

Kebbeh Autry on Magnolia Nature Club

Amity: What led you to create Magnolia Nature Club?

Kebbeh: I worked in corporate for a German television station and then at a mathematical science research institute. I gained so much and had some wonderful experiences in that work, but after becoming a mom, homeschooling parent, and herbalist, I started to feel like something was missing.

I wanted to create a space not only for my family, but also for the community. I had a vision of a place where people could learn the true values of living a holistic lifestyle. I wanted to help children and families step away from screens and find more balance. So I left my job and started Magnolia Nature Club.

The Importance of Flexible Time in Nature

Amity: How has homeschooling given you the freedom or flexibility to do this work?

Kebbeh: Homeschooling allows us to integrate nature into a flexible schedule. I think it would be wonderful if the school system created outdoor classrooms or more nature-based spaces, especially in elementary grades. 

Children spend so many hours sitting at desks, taking exams, and doing evaluations. They need places where they can breathe fresh air and reset. That piece is really missing in most schools.

Amity: You offer local workshops and events in your community in South Carolina, right?

Kebbeh: Yes. For now Magnolia is mobile. I meet families at community gardens, playgrounds, and parks. I offer workshops on herbalism, holistic nutrition, and natural arts and crafts. I also host private events like birthday parties at homes or venues, and I work with local plant nurseries and homeschool co-ops. It’s a community-based service that adapts to families’ needs.

Amity: Most of our readers make a priority to get their families outside, but why do you think it’s important for kids to spend more time in nature?

Kebbeh: There are so many aspects. Of course PE in a gym is good for activity, but being outside gives children oxygen, sunlight, and the benefits of being around plants and trees. Nature heals the mind, body, and soul.

There are countless studies showing how time in nature reduces stress, supports mental health, and boosts creativity. But beyond the studies, you can see with your own eyes the way kids calm down, breathe more deeply, and open up when they’re outside.

Helping Kids Feel At Home Outside

Amity: Do you have any advice for parents of kids who are more comfortable indoors?

Kebbeh: Nature-based learning doesn’t have to mean the whole day is spent outside. Families are busy, and sometimes there isn’t time after work to go to a park or trail. Even without a backyard, you can bring nature inside.

If you live in an apartment, a small balcony works. Or you can create a mindful play space in your home – collect natural materials for crafts, plant herbs in pots on a windowsill, or set up a sensory play area.

My workshops are mostly on weekends so more families can attend. But I also encourage people to start small at home. It’s not just about learning, it’s about building community and finding joy together through simple, natural activities.

Amity: What kinds of transformations have you seen through this work?

Kebbeh: So many! Recently I held an herbalism workshop where a group of teenagers joined. I wasn’t sure if they’d be interested, but they asked so many questions about herbal teas and natural remedies. I was thrilled to see their curiosity and excitement.

Another big reason I created Magnolia was because my middle child has ADHD and sensory processing disorder. In a traditional school setting, he really struggled with sitting still, following strict rules, not being able to move or express his creativity. Homeschooling and spending more time in nature have been transformational for him.

People sometimes imagine kids outdoors just running wild and getting muddy, but there’s so much learning happening. Nature sparks creativity, exploration, and discovery. For my son, it has been a gentler, more effective way to learn.

The Heart of Nature Education

Amity: Do you have offerings for families who aren’t local to you?

Kebbeh: I recently created the Wondercraft Box. It’s a one-time box filled with natural, organic, thoughtfully chosen activities. It’s for families who don’t have access to local workshops but still want to bring nature-based learning into their homes.

I also encourage sensory play boxes for kids who need that input, or mindfulness practices like meditation cards for calmer moments. Every family can find a way to weave nature into their rhythm.

Amity: What challenges have you faced starting Magnolia?

Kebbeh: Magnolia is still young – about a year and a half old. I do everything myself: social media, the website, leading workshops. Early on, I was approached about monetizing it in a bigger way, and I turned that down. The message matters more to me than profit. Kids need to be outside. That’s the heart of this work.

I also started things like a “Trash to Treasure Challenge,” where families repurpose recycled or natural materials to make something creative. Seeing parents and kids come together like that is beautiful.

My long-term goal is to have a physical location. I’d like to have a space where families can spend the afternoon, with gardens, a little creek, places to build and explore. Growing up in Germany, I spent time in a nature garden like that, and it made a huge impression on me. I’d love to recreate something similar here.

Encouraging Families to Get Outdoors

Amity: How do you address parent worries about safety or weather?

Kebbeh: Some people in the community raise concerns, but the families who come to my workshops are usually very comfortable with outdoor play. For those who are hesitant, I bring aprons and gloves to help them feel more at ease.

I think our culture has become more fearful compared to when I was a child. Back then, if it rained, you put on your boots and jacket and went outside to splash in puddles. Those were some of my happiest memories. I’d love for kids today to experience that same joy.

Find more from Kebbeh Autry and learn about her workshops at Magnolia Nature Club.

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Across Green Child’s website and throughout 15 years of our digital magazine, you’ll always find ways to help your child feel at home in the great outdoors. Here are a few other popular articles:

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