Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Grubb. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
As we prepare to celebrate our 5th anniversary as an organization this October, I look back and can appreciate what a journey it’s been from idea to execution. More than 10 years ago my husband, Derick, and I talked about the need for more resources for adults who have disabilities and dreamed of the future when we might have the chance to make a difference. As time passed and I shared this dream with friends and family and my current employer, they encouraged me to chase it and make it a reality. Five years ago the concept of Mustard Seed Farm & Market was born. We wanted to build a program that would not only provide a safe place for adults who have disabilities to spend their days, but also engage them in meaningful work and community involvement. My love of horticulture and insects influenced our decision to make our work program all about learning the skills needed to work in a greenhouse, garden center, or other jobs involving plant care. We are going to put a big emphasis on organic methods and conservation biology by growing primarily milkweed plants to promote awareness and habitat restoration for monarch butterflies. To take our program a step further, we are going to provide job skill training to build resumes for our participants so that they can go out into the community and apply for other jobs outside of our program knowing that they have the skills to be successful. Had I known years ago the number of hats I would need to wear to make it through this growth process, I probably would have been much more nervous, but I still would have pursued this dream.
We are hosting fun, educational fundraising seminars all summer on various gardening topics and are truly hopeful that by the time we gather to celebrate our 5th anniversary we will have the final funds needed to begin construction on our work program building so that our program can begin.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Conservation Biologist and Entomologist by degree and currently work as a plant and soil/fertilizer buyer for Enchanted Gardens in Richmond where I have been employed for 11 years. Previously, my husband and I ran a group home for adults with disabilities and also met working at a community for adults with disabilities. We have a 4 year old daughter who already loves nature as much as we do. Gardening is my passion- I have no self control when it comes to plants and my yard is proof! I’m also involved in promoting the horticultural industry through certifications and serving on several boards within the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The pandemic happened at the height of our capital campaign. From the day the letter arrived in the mail that said we have been granted 501c3 status, I have been excited and ready to get this program up and running. It has been so hard to be patient and accept that I can’t control how quickly we raise the funds to pay for our work program building, other than trying my hardest and refusing to feel discouraged. We had planned to start construction in 2021, but due to quarantines and restrictions, we were unable to hold fundraisers in person for over a year, delaying all of our plans. Looking back now, I see that it was all a blessing in disguise, because if we had begun our program sooner, there is a very real chance we would have failed due to closures related to COVID restrictions. We have regrouped and rolled out all of our previously planned 2020 events and are having them all summer long this year instead and plan to start construction as soon as possible!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
The best piece of advice in relation to managing a team and maintaining high morale came from my Dad. He told me that you have to lead by example and never expect others to do anything you’re not willing to do yourself. As I interact with board members, volunteers, potential donors, and community members, I try to inspire them through my hard work and dedication to this organization. I also have heard several times over the years that you are only as strong as the weakest person in your organization. I try to recognize all successes and offer encouragement and help whenever needed. Building up the people who support you is one of the most important things you can do as a leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MustardSeedFarmers.org
- Instagram: MustardSeedFarmandMarket
- Facebook: MustardSeedFarmandMarket