We recently connected with Maurice Person and have shared our conversation below.

Maurice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my professional career was when I decided to move Kansas City Aquaponics LLC from Kansas City, MO, to Atlanta in 2022. It wasn’t just a geographical shift; it was a decision that changed the trajectory of my work and deepened my sense of purpose. I wanted to expand beyond just teaching people how to grow food—I wanted to reconnect communities to the land and increase access to holistic and culinary herbs, especially in a city with a rich cultural and agricultural history like Atlanta.

The experience taught me some invaluable lessons. First, embracing change is necessary for growth. Leaving the city where I had built my business was a leap of faith, but it opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. Second, staying rooted in my purpose kept me grounded. This move wasn’t just about growing my business; it was about serving a community and creating a legacy. Lastly, I learned the importance of adapting to my environment. Atlanta brought new opportunities and challenges, and meeting the needs of this community required me to listen, learn, and adjust my approach.

Looking back, I see how taking that bold step helped me align my work with my vision and impact others in meaningful ways.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who haven’t heard about me yet, I’m deeply passionate about the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability. My journey into aquaponics and urban agriculture began as a personal quest to reconnect to the land and reclaim the knowledge and traditions of our ancestors. I founded Kansas City Aquaponics LLC in 2017 to share this knowledge and empower others to grow their own food, whether in urban or rural settings. In 2022, I relocated the business to Atlanta, GA, where the work took on an even deeper purpose—serving a city with a rich history of Black agrarian stewardship and community resilience.

Through my work, I provide products and services that help people grow food and herbs, including raised bed installations, aquaponics systems, and workshops tailored to meet the needs of each client or community. I specialize in holistic and culinary herbs, focusing on prenatal and postnatal care, and I also help people create beautiful, functional growing spaces in their homes or businesses—whether that’s a raised garden bed on a balcony or a living wall in a museum. What sets my work apart is the focus on reconnecting people to the land, not just as a means of sustenance but as a way to heal, build community, and celebrate culture.

The problems I solve go beyond growing food. I address food insecurity, reconnect people to ancestral practices, and empower them with sustainable solutions for their spaces. Whether it’s helping someone learn how to grow fresh herbs for their family or building a system that supports an entire community, I see this work as transformative.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work creates ripple effects. For example, I once built a living wall for a museum that was not only visually stunning but also served as an educational tool to inspire others about sustainable design. I also hosted workshops that integrated Afro-Indigenous agricultural practices, sparking conversations about our shared history and the future of food.

The main thing I want people to know about me and my brand is that this is about more than business—this is my life’s work. I’m here to help people reconnect to their roots, to the earth, and to each other through sustainable, intentional practices. Whether you’re a client, follower, or collaborator, my goal is to leave you feeling empowered and inspired to grow—both literally and figuratively.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One pivotal moment in my journey was when I made the decision to move Kansas City Aquaponics LLC from Kansas City, MO, to Atlanta, GA, in 2022. At the time, I had already established a strong foundation in Kansas City, teaching people how to grow their own food and promoting sustainable practices. But I felt a pull toward something bigger—a need to expand my reach and connect with a community that resonated more deeply with the cultural and historical significance of my work.

The move wasn’t easy. It required leaving behind the familiarity of a city where my business was rooted and starting fresh in a place where I needed to reintroduce myself and my work. But Atlanta offered a unique opportunity to serve a city with a rich legacy of Black agrarian stewardship and a community that could benefit from my mission to reconnect people to the land. I had to adapt quickly—building new relationships, navigating a new market, and tailoring my services to meet the needs of Atlanta residents.

This pivot taught me several important lessons. I learned the value of flexibility and the importance of trusting my instincts when it came to aligning my work with my purpose. It also reinforced the power of community—how meaningful connections can help you overcome challenges and create something even more impactful. Looking back, I see this decision as one of the best I’ve made, not only for my business but for my own growth and fulfillment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, to grow, you have to embrace change and take bold steps toward the unknown.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building authentic relationships and leading with purpose. My work in aquaponics and sustainable agriculture is deeply rooted in educating and empowering people, and I’ve found that when you approach your work with genuine passion and a clear mission, people naturally gravitate toward it.

One key element has been word-of-mouth referrals. When clients see the care, expertise, and intentionality I bring to their gardens, workshops, or installations, they share their experiences with others. Whether it’s a beautifully installed raised bed or a transformative workshop on Afro-Indigenous agricultural practices, happy clients become my best ambassadors.

Another strategy that’s been instrumental is community engagement. Hosting workshops, collaborating with local organizations, and participating in events like the Black Urban Growers Conference have all helped me connect with people who value sustainability, cultural connection, and food sovereignty. These platforms allow me to showcase not only my skills but also the values that set my work apart.

Lastly, social media has been a powerful tool. Through my Instagram account, @ultrablackfarmer, I share my work, insights, and expertise in a way that’s relatable and visually engaging. By focusing on education and storytelling, I’ve attracted followers who align with my mission and have turned many of them into clients. This combination of personal connection, community presence, and online visibility has been the key to growing my clientele while staying true to my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kansascityaquaponics

Image Credits

UltraBlack Farmer