We were lucky to catch up with Donnell Glenn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Donnell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Being great at sports and looking forward to “making it” as a future NFL or NBA player seems to be the dream dangling in front of many brown boys such as myself growing up in the under served areas of Philadelphia. As the oldest son out of 6 kids, 4 which are male, I sought interest in pursuing my love for animals, Don’t get it twisted, I was one of the fastest and best football players around that time, with high hopes of making it to the NFL but as most started to tease, they would say “Donnie you gave up sports for those d**m horses” not knowing my love for them is what saved my life! Where I’m from having the courage to try something different and pursue a passion uncommon to most is pretty unheard of. Instead of the “norm” I was able to introduce to my family and the hood the stable life. The streets were calling and I went running the other way. My mission has been to provide opportunities that were presented to me, with the lack of programming in the city now, having that safe space and welcoming environment is essential. I’m trying to keep folks out of the streets and provide that community feel and support these kids need to excel in life. Bring back the old ways of doing things and looking out for my community. Though it’s not about the money, it’s an opportunity to show our youth how to make legal money and to become future entrepreneurs.

Donnell, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I own a Non profit organization called Hand 2 Hand Farm that provide up close and personal experiences that teach our community not only how to ride horses, but how to farm, grow food and care for various animals. We don’t only deal with animals, we provide spaces for people in the community to branch out and see more opportunities life has to offer, Like camping trips out of the city, skating trips, bowling, and any other organized outing I come across. Free annual event throughout the city where people can come out to just have fun, and also community give backs for back to school. Holidays, and summer kick offs.

Any advice for managing a team?

Each one teach one, there’s never room to dim your light or anyone elses. We are meant to grow and support one another through all advancements. So pushing my team to excel and never play small, the goal is to be better than what I can teach you and also I may provide the space but I don’t know everything, so I can learn from you too!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I was working a full time job and saved up for a horse, after which I did “jobs” on the weekends which consisted of taking my horse to parties and events to be rode and pet for a few dollars, from there I saved up that money and bought another horse, and some bouncy houses, generating a generous amount of income to start buying more animals and it was on from there. I was able to fund the start of my pride and joy Hand 2 Hand Farm.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hand2handfarm ig
• Facebook: Hand2hand farm fb