The Team

Founder

Growing up in a musical family, Melissa Carper has spent her life forging a path in music - from performing in her family’s country band to studying double bass at the university level, to a life of ramblin’, busking, and joining numerous successful groups. Over the past five years, she has focused on songwriting, singing, and recording, releasing three critically acclaimed solo albums. With more exciting musical projects on the horizon for 2025, Carper is now turning her energy toward another passion: founding a nonprofit organization, Natural State of Being, dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health issues and addiction.

Carper’s inspiration for this mission is deeply personal, rooted in her firsthand experiences with friends and family affected by these challenges. She has witnessed the frustration of navigating a broken system that lacks adequate resources, housing, and support for those in need. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Carper has committed herself to creating a solution: providing not just homes but fostering a healing community atmosphere deeply connected to nature.

In her own life, Carper has found profound healing through reconnecting with Mother Earth. She believes that integrating nature-based practices - such as outdoor activities and organic farming - with a strong sense of community will be essential in helping individuals regain purpose, resilience, and a will to live.

After a busy 2024, Carper is finding time to bring this vision to life alongside her cousin, Chris Carper, who shares her calling. Together, they have connected with friends across Arkansas to assemble a passionate board of directors equally committed to this mission.

Their journey begins with establishing the first farm and tiny home community in the Little Rock area. The goal is to expand statewide, creating safe, supportive spaces for everyone in need across Arkansas. One community at a time, Melissa Carper and her team are working to build a brighter future - where housing, healing, and hope go hand in hand.