At the beginning of this year, Trailblazher magazine put out an open call on their Instagram page for submissions for the spring edition of their international magazine. They were looking for resilient, gutsy, rural women from across the United States and Canada to share their stories and Candace Morrow from right here in Monroe County answered their call.
Morrow, also known as Cowgirl Candace, is a fourth-generation farmer and Deep South storyteller who has been writing for local to international publications for the past 20 years. When she read Trailblazher’s open call, she dug into their past issues to see what they were all about. When she researched their past issues and discovered there were no rural woman featured from the American South on the cover, it “lit a fire under her boots.” In our interview, Cowgirl Candace said “As a Southern-rooted storyteller who proudly represents rural life from a different lens — Black, bold, and boots-on-the-ground — I knew I had to toss my cowgirl hat into the ring.”
She reached out to pitch her story and her vision. The creators of Trailblazher saw the value in it. “From there, the collaboration was as natural as red clay and magnolias,” said Cowgirl Candace. “We worked closely to shape a cover story that not only honors my roots but opens doors for more multicultural representation in outdoor media. Landing the front cover? That was a moment of history. Not just for me — for every rural woman who’s been waiting to see her story told loud, proud, and center stage.”
When asked how it feels to be featured on the front page of this international publication, Cowgirl Candace said: “It feels surreal. I’m humbled and hyped. As a farm-raised storyteller who’s written from front porches and feed stores, being featured globally is proof that authentic storytelling travels. It also reaffirms the power of Deep South women in spaces we’ve always nurtured but rarely get spotlighted in.” For Candace, writing is about more than just communicating information, it’s about connecting with and empowering her community. “If just one reader feels moved to grow their own food, support a local agribusiness, learn how to horseback ride, or pick up a pen to write their country western story, that’s a win for Cowgirl Candace,” she said.
Candace is not the only Monroe County resident whose work is being featured in Trailblazher’s spring publication. Photographer Jill Burnsed has lived in Monroe County for the last five years and has been working with Cowgirl Candace for nearly a year now. “I’m super excited about the release of Canadian publication Trailblazher Magazine, which features my cover story photo and inside imagery of Cowgirl Candace. We made history together for Smalltown USA, and that’s a big deal,” Burnsed said during our interview.
The agriculture, outdoor, and sports photographer is all about capturing joy. Her passion for photography began when she was a child. She relished taking pictures with her mom and sister. “We loved to dress up and have fun in front of the camera,” Burnsed recalled, “Over time, I appreciated capturing the memories of other people. That’s why my slogan is ‘A little something extra,’ because I loved those extra moments of catching a smile or joyous moment.”
Burnsed’s work is primarily family and sports-focused but over the past year, she has expanded her portfolio to include farming culture and the outdoors. “I use my joy to capture people in their element. I’ve really enjoyed exploring people-centric stories in nature lately.” she said. “I’m not just snapping photos, either. I’m selective on the projects I capture and intentional about learning the stories behind the people and places before going into these environments. I really want my audiences to go on a journey with me where they’re a part of the story and are inspired to understand more about my subjects.”
I asked Burnsed if our local community plays a role in inspiring her work, and she answered with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” “Forsyth has so many points of inspiration from our local businesses to international influencers who allow me to capture their lives,” she said. “I’ve been so grateful to go behind the scenes of our town’s culinary, agriculture, medical, sports, and education industries. It’s truly the people of our community who continue to drive my creative art form.” When asked about what influence she hopes her work will have on her community she replied, “I want younger generations to see that there is a visual story in their hometowns. We often think we have to travel the world to capture powerful imagery. Sometimes the most beautiful photos I’ve taken have been right here at home. In our backyards. In our downtown districts. In our school systems. I love discovering these joy moments here in Forsyth.”
When I asked Cowgirl Candace what inspired her to begin her writing journey she told me that writing has always been her love language. “I grew up on a centennial livestock homestead – Edward Hill Farm – in Middle Georgia, where storytelling passed down like heirloom seeds,” she said. “That upbringing planted the foundation for my voice: equal parts Southern grace and gritty truth. Working the land taught me to listen closely to the rhythm of the seasons, the wisdom of the soil, and the stories buried beneath my family’s boots. That awareness deeply shapes how I write about culture, community, and country Western life.”
She added that today her writing is inspired by the resilience of rural life and the richness of Southern stories that she believes too often go untold. “I aim to uplift the American South in outdoor, agricultural, and heritage spaces by showing how deeply we impact the nation and the world. Whether I’m profiling a first-time farmer, writing about work boots for women, or capturing the vibe of a local rodeo, I want readers to feel seen, celebrated, and curious about their own connections to the land.” Expanding further into why these rural stories don’t get the attention they should, Cowgirl Candace shared one of her biggest challenges: “Mainstream narratives often overlook innovation in rural spaces, Western heritage, and agriculture’s deep ties to our survival. The challenge isn’t just in finding these stories — they exist all around us — but in getting them the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s pitching editors who don’t see the value in these narratives, fighting against stereotypes that box in what it means to be “country,” or making sure our history isn’t rewritten by those who weren’t there to live it, I’ve had to navigate an industry that often favors the familiar over the fundamental.”
I asked both women about how they met and started creatively collaborating together. “Cowgirl Candace called me and said she needed an outdoor and agriculture photographer to travel the Peach State with her to capture stories.” Jill Burnsed said, “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been one crazy fun ride with her.” Candace added: “We first saddled up together nearly a year ago for our first-ever storytelling activation — and what a meaningful ride it’s been since. When my brother, Edward Morrow, and I received international media awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America last year, Jill beautifully captured that once-in-a-lifetime moment for our farm family. Her eye for authenticity and emotion drew me in immediately. I’ve been a huge fan of her work ever since. Every collaboration feels like home.”
While discussing the work they’ve produced, I asked how their skills complement each other. “We’re like two sides of the same storytelling coin,” Burnsed answered. “My lens captures the raw beauty of the land and the people who work it, while Cowgirl Candace’s pen dives into the grit, history, and heritage behind our stories. We love to unearth the voices behind her food, fiber, and farm lifestyle.” The land steward added: “Yes! And Jill’s keen eye and outdoor expertise helps bring our narratives to life visually in a way that words alone never could. Together, we truly paint a fuller picture where every frame and every phrase honors the heart of rural South living. Our skill sets don’t just complement — we complete each other’s creative visions.”
Both women had some great words of advice for aspiring artists and young women interested in agribusiness careers. Cowgirl Candace suggests starting where you are, using what you have, and writing
what you know. “Your voice has value, and your background is your superpower,” she said. Find mentors, build community, and never stop learning. Agribusiness is wide open for innovators, especially those with fresh eyes and bold stories.” Burnsed’s advice was similar, “Go. For. It!” she said. “Do it and never hesitate to try. With Christ everything is possible. Continue to practice your craft. Not everything is going to turn out just perfect at first. Test and retry until you get into your rhythm. I’ve taken a million photos throughout my 16-year photography career to get to this point where I’m able to provide a service my community appreciates and wants. Practice. Practice. Practice. Find mentors and ask for constructive feedback along the way.”
I asked if they have more joint projects on the horizon. “Oh! Bet your boots there are,” said Cowgirl Candace with a twinkle in her hazel eyes. “Jill and I have more Justin Boot storytime sessions. We’re saddling up to share stories that celebrate strength, sisterhood, and Southern grit — capturing what it really means to live wild and lead with legacy in our Peach State. This next chapter is gonna become one heck of a ride.” On individual fronts, Cowgirl Candace said “I’m working on new, large-scale storytelling projects that will help pipeline younger generations into outdoor adventure and agrimarketing careers. I’m also collaborating on an international Cowboy Carter-related campaign that will celebrate my Southern home and heritage. Stay tuned — it’s powerful.”
Burned is working on some local projects as well. “It’s senior season, so I’m preparing for Mary Persons High School’s graduation activities to cover and capture memorable moments of students and their families,” she said. Cowgirl Candace and Jill Burnsed’s collaboration is a testament to the power of rural storytelling and the creative spirit that thrives in small towns like Forsyth. As a team, they’re bringing attention to the often-overlooked voices of rural women, amplifying their stories on the global stage. Their work challenges the stereotypes that can hold back rural communities and inspires us all to see the beauty, resilience, and strength of the American South. If you believe in the importance of supporting local creatives and rural storytelling, consider pre-ordering your copy of Trailblazher Magazine online at shop.trailblazherco.com today. By doing so, you’ll not only be celebrating the talent right here in Monroe County but also investing in the future of these powerful, often underrepresented stories. Purchase your copy and join the movement of storytellers who are bringing rural life into the global spotlight.
