Florida Cracker Girls Boutique

In Florida, cows were not shepherded herds. They were "free range." Florida had no fences. But it did have cow hunters. A team ranging from one person to 25 would work through the trees and scrub, riding a lithe "marsh tackie,'' a diminutive horse bred in Spain to be lean and sure-footed. The most important tool besides the Florida cowboy's horse, was his whip. The whip rarely touched the cow; usually it just gave the animal a little encouragement. Legend says the crack of the whip is the source of the nickname "cracker". Among some Floridians, the term is used as a proud or jocular self-description. Since the huge influx of new residents into Florida in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, from the northern parts of the United States and from Latin America, the term Florida cracker is used informally by some Floridians to indicate that their families have lived in the state for many generations. It is considered a source of pride to be descended from "frontier people who did not just live but flourished in a time before air conditioning, mosquito repellent, and screens" according to Florida history writer Dana Ste. Claire.

Sally Ann Wilson, Native Floridian and Great-grandmother to the newest generation of our family. Devinn Martin, 5th Generation of this Florida Cracker Family and in-charge of product development. ANGEL INVESTOR: Jenny McLaughlin, a Native Floridian. STYLIST: Cherry Boyett Norris, from the Boyett family, another Florida Cracker Family. ALL AROUND HELP: Terri Keck, the other Great-grandmother, who pitches in to do whatever needs to be done.