We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Machado- Newman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk by turning my hobby into a full-time career. I had grown up farming alongside my dad. I loved learning from the farm experiences as a child. Growing flowers was always a passion of mine. I kept gardening as a hobby in my adult life but worked in the medical field.

During covid balancing family life and a career got very difficult. I was laid off during this time and instead of getting back into the medical field my husband and I decided that I should focus my time and energy into farming and floristry. The first couple years were challenging. I did not make any profit at first but I did make a lot of connections with some wonderful people.

I’m thankful for all the help and support from my family. I could not have succeeded without them.
My husband helps with the tractor work and things that I can’t do. My three daughters also work, helping with everything from propagating seeds to harvesting and farm chores.
Coming from generations of farmers it felt so good doing what I loved for a living. It’s been so rewarding, and I am so glad we took that risk.

Jennifer , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jenny Machado-Newman, I own Awesome Blossoms flower farm! We grow flowers sustainably on a small farm here in Lodi California. We offer wholesale and retail flowers. We offer a build your own bouquet bar and a flower truck. We also do weddings and events. This year we will begin opening our farm up for events and you pick flower experience. I try my best to focus on organic regenerative farming. We also welcome photographers to come out.
It has been so special and rewarding seeing the flowers bloom and the photos that come from the long hours of hard work.
Meeting so many wonderful new friends and amazing people has been one of my favorite parts of this journey. Being able to have a flexible schedule to be here for my children is priceless. Also being a part of someone’s special day, brightening someone’s day, or being involved in markets has really fueled my soul. I also have really enjoy holding workshops, which I plan on doing more. I would like to thank Mai at Miss Mai photography. She has really pushed me on a business and personal level to be fearless and open up the farm more. I also would love to thank Pop the Bubbly for being an outlet for me to sell my flowers and do some workshops. My friend Barbra at West 12 Ranch for being and inspiration and my sister, Kayleigh for thinking all my crazy ideas are great and naming our business. Another dear friend that inspired me to grow on a larger scale was Eileen at Noble Flower farm.

We moved out to the country to get back to our roots and get out from the city. It takes a lot of long hours and discipline to farm and live in the country. It’s hard but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s definitely another way of life and has its draw backs, it takes a lot of effort and time.

The things that I have struggled with was having no income at first and all the profit earned was going back into the business. I had to learn how to manage pests and disease naturally. I also struggled learning the business side of things like taxes, insurance, licensing, permits and legalities.

I think it’s so important that sustainability in farming is making a come-back and catching people’s attention. I feel a great connection to the soil and its health. I take pride in doing things the right way for the environment. I think it’s important to know where our food comes from and how it’s farmed. Having my children learning and connecting with animals and agriculture is very important to me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It brings me so much joy seeing a bride with her flowers or the photographs taken on the farm. Just knowing the difference, we are making by farming the way we do. For me it’s so rewarding seeing an empty field with unhealthy land turn into a field of flowers. The soil is now alive and healthy, all done sustainably and naturally with cover crops and other natural methods. Without pesticides or chemicals!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can do better by supporting small businesses and farms. We should be trading or helping each other with what we need by buying locally and sustainably. Using the ecosystem to work together in farming so that it balances itself instead of using chemicals and pesticides. Practicing more solarizing and no till methods and using animals to regenerate soil. Creating more authentic human connections and connecting our children to nature and animals. Coming together as a community and being kind.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awesome___blossoms___/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567465187815&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Mai at Miss Mai photography and Kyla Machado.