Today we’d like to introduce you to Reeba Daniel.
Hi Reeba, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In the heart of every seed lies a story, a journey of growth, resilience, and connection. My story with “Keep Growing Seeds” began not in the soil but in the kitchen – with an old, crusted cast iron pot. This pot, blackened from years over a fiery stove, was the crucible where Caribbean meals, rich in flavors and authenticity, were born. It was here, amidst the spoon-scraped silver interior, that my journey started.
As a child, I often pondered the origins of the unique ingredients in these meals. Who grew these seeds? How far had they traveled to reach our pot? These questions planted a seed in my own mind, a curiosity about the journey from seed to table.
This curiosity blossomed as I grew. In every space I called home, from small apartment patios to sunlit windowsills, I nurtured my connection to the earth by growing herbs and flowers. Becoming a mother transformed this interest into a necessity, a deep-seated need to tend the land.
The pandemic unveiled the fragile nature of our food systems. I witnessed firsthand the growing chasms in food resilience and the ease with which one could slip into insecurity. Society’s detachment from local farming was stark – people were hungry while nearby crops withered unharvested. This dissonance struck a chord in me, and I knew I had to act.
Keep Growing Seeds was born from this realization. It started with educating students at schools and local farmers’ markets. My efforts soon received funding, allowing for a significant expansion – a culinary arts food trailer, a greenhouse, and school gardens. Our mission was clear: to bridge the gap between communities and their local food sources.
Today, Keep Growing Seeds is more than a project; it’s a movement. We create value-added food and skincare products, emphasizing the importance of local, sustainable agriculture. We support food procurement and nourish the community with knowledge and resources.
From a simple cast iron pot to a community-centered initiative, Keep Growing Seeds represents growth, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between us and the earth. It’s a story of returning to our roots to ensure a nourished, secure future for all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path of Keep Growing Seeds has been as intricate and unpredictable as the growth patterns of the very seeds we plant. The journey has not been without its struggles, chief among them being access to land and capital. These barriers are significant, especially in an industry where reliance on grants is a norm. As a farmer and for-profit company, navigating the grant landscape has been akin to walking through a maze – complex and often uncertain.
Moreover, learning and mastering new skills to create a sustainable, uncommon career path has been a formidable challenge. It’s one thing to dream and conceptualize, but actualizing these ideas into a viable business, especially one that aims to hire and expand, requires a blend of expertise, resilience, and sheer determination.
Despite these hurdles, the mission of Keep Growing Seeds remains steadfast. Each challenge faced is a stepping stone towards a more resilient and connected food community. These struggles, though formidable, are integral to the story of “Keep Growing Seeds” – a tale of perseverance, learning, and growth against the odds.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Keep Growing Seeds?
Keep Growing Seeds is not just a business; it’s a commitment to rekindling our community’s bond with the earth. At its core, it’s about growing – not just plants, but knowledge, resilience, and a sustainable future. We specialize in connecting people with their food sources through education, hands-on gardening, and local agriculture.
What sets us apart is our life autonomy approach to food resilience. We’re known for our innovative educational programs in schools, with cultural humility we instill a love for gardening and an understanding of sustainable food practices in young minds. Our initiatives expand beyond education; we operate a culinary arts food trailer, manage a greenhouse, and cultivate school gardens, bringing the farm-to-table concept to life.
Our offerings are diverse yet interconnected. We create value-added food and skincare products and provide food procurement support, ensuring that local produce reaches those who need it most.
Brand-wise, what fills me with the most pride is our ability to make a tangible difference. Every seed planted, every student who discovers a love for gardening, every meal sourced from local produce – these are the moments that define “Keep Growing Seeds.”
To the readers of VoyageLA, I want to convey that “Keep Growing Seeds” is more than a brand – it’s a movement towards a more connected, sustainable, and resilient community. Our doors are always open to those who wish to learn, grow, and contribute to a future where everyone understands and values the journey from seed to table.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Join Networking Events and Groups: Actively participating in events and groups that align with your interests is vital. It not only provides exposure to like-minded individuals but also opens up avenues for potential mentorship and collaboration.
Identify and Reach Out: Make a list of individuals whose work or career path you admire and who you want to learn from. Don’t hesitate to reach out – the worst they can say is no, but often, people are willing and even flattered to be asked for advice or mentorship.
Adopt a ‘Give First’ Approach: In networking, it’s beneficial to think about how you can help others before considering what you can gain. This approach not only fosters a positive reputation but can also lead to more fruitful relationships.
Embrace Collaboration: Viewing others in your field not just as competition but as potential collaborators can open doors to unique opportunities and shared growth.
Leverage Small Business Hubs: These hubs are invaluable resources for connections, advice, and even mentorship. They often host events and workshops that can be great for networking.
Attend Local and State Procurement Events: These events are not only for securing contracts but also for meeting experienced individuals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
Pricing:
- Farm to School Consulting starts at $87 hourly
- Garden Design starts at $183 hourly, includes 2 small
- Farm to School Curriculum Integration $168 hourly
- Herbal Tea Loose Leaf- 4oz $14.99+shipping
- Luxury skincare-infused body balms 2oz start at $60
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.keepgrowingseeds.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/keepgrowingseeds
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/keepgrowingseeds
