04/05/2025
This is my 4th year in urban flower farming, and I have a little secret to tell you.
This year, I almost decided not to keep going!!!!🫣😖 Why?
Well, after three exciting and chaotic years of wearing the burdens of entrepreneurship, burnout hit me like a ton of bricks. This fall, every ounce of energy seemed to drain from me. I couldn’t even feel the slightest bit of interest in urban farming. I was EXHAUSTED physically and mentally. My body was telling me this last year but I didn’t listen. And nearing the end of 2024’s fall, I was experiencing symptoms that were hard to ignore.
My skin health, which has been a constant challenge for me for the last decade, started to decline dramatically. (For those who are not aware, a decade ago I went through a horrific skin loss illness called Topical Steroid Withdrawal/Burning Skin Syndrome, and ever since then my skin and nerves have been ultra sensitive and a constant source of pain and discomfort)
The toll that chronic illness can take on a person is very dynamic and deep reaching. When you pair that with owning and running a small farm, the depth of pressure and strain one can feel is immense.
And that’s where I was. I needed a break. For the first time in ten years, I was heard saying “Thank goodness for WINTER”. My much needed break came, and instead of spending the cold months obsessing over farm expansions and new varieties to grow, I completely pushed it all out of my head and focused on me for a change. Something I have not been able to do for three full years.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my tiny farm, and all of the magic it hasbrought into my life. But it was time to sit back and love myself for a change. I focused on yoga, eating right, reducing stress, and taking a much needed vacation with my amazing partner. And boy, was that ever what the body and soul needed.
Now, after a really good recharge and health reset, I gained back my energy and desire to keep going with this passion project. So… it’s full steam ahead towards a 4th year of floral fun here at West End Tiny Farm!
A tiny urban farm built on a big dream. Growing microgreens, cut flowers, edible blossoms, and more!
