We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Mahan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Mission Statement:

At Know and Grow Microgreens, our primary mission is to revolutionize the way we approach food production. Committed to delivering quality and nutrient-packed microgreens, we prioritize organic and natural cultivation methods, completely eschewing the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Situated in the challenging climatic conditions of Texas, where heat and drought pose significant obstacles to traditional green cultivation, we have embraced the power of microgreens.

Understanding the critical need for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change and water scarcity, we aim to make microgreens not only a powerhouse of nutrition but also an accessible and affordable food source. Our journey began with a personal struggle to sustain a garden in the arid Texan landscape, and it led us to the innovative solution of cultivating microgreens indoors. This not only conserves water but also eliminates the need for composted soil, making our microgreens a sustainable and safe alternative.

As stewards of the land, we recognize the urgent need to address the challenges of water shortages and climate change. Know and Grow Microgreens is dedicated to providing a solution that not only nourishes the body but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future. By embracing the potential of microgreens, we aspire to inspire a shift in the way we grow and consume food, ensuring a bountiful harvest for generations to come.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Stephanie Mahan, a full-time Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, mother of four, grandmother to three boys, and a widow after 37 years of marriage. My path towards founding a sustainable, nutrition-focused company began with concerns about climate change and the challenges of food cultivation in extreme weather and drought conditions. With my sons Justin and Trey, and my daughter-in-law Shannon, we’ve embarked on a mission to cultivate and provide nutritious food through our venture, Know and Grow Microgreens. This endeavor isn’t just a business; it’s a proactive response to the agricultural challenges posed by climate change and drought, emphasizing the importance of sustainable food production.

My lifelong gardening passion led to the discovery of microgreens, a nutrient-rich food that’s central to our mission. We’ve made these microgreens accessible through local farmer and artisan markets, and collaborations with businesses like Bee Grateful and La Batt Farms’ produce delivery service.

Our vision extends beyond mere business success. I am keen to partner with food banks and pantries to ensure that nutritious microgreens are available to those who struggle to afford quality food. We believe in the power of microgreens to offer a simple, tasty way to boost nutrition in any diet, addressing the critical need for balanced diets.

Know and Grow Microgreens stands as a symbol of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. We are committed to promoting indoor microgreen cultivation, tackling the pressing issues of climate change and food accessibility. Our goal is to foster a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

A dining experience at a restaurant in San Antonio’s Pearl district was the catalyst for my journey into the world of microgreens. Intrigued by their distinctive flavor and texture, I delved into research and was astonished at their nutritional richness and diverse antioxidant content. Their ease of cultivation indoors, coupled with a short growth cycle and natural resilience to pests and diseases, made them an attractive option for organic growing.

As a long-time gardening enthusiast residing in Floresville, just south of San Antonio, I faced challenges with our sandy soil. While excellent for drainage, it was poor in retaining moisture and organic matter. My attempts to improve it often proved futile, especially with the infrequent rains washing away any added compost. This struggle with outdoor gardening steered my interest towards indoor cultivation, where I could have more control over the environment.

The initial phase of growing microgreens was riddled with failures, from cultivation to figuring out optimal harvesting and packaging techniques to maximize shelf life. Yet, the allure of their fresh scent during cutting and packaging was undeniable. My experiments with various microgreens varieties not only expanded my culinary palate but also ignited a passion for sharing their benefits. I became an advocate for incorporating microgreens into diets, emphasizing their significant health benefits.

Now, fully immersed in the world of microgreens, I find myself continually fascinated by their potential as a dietary supplement. They represent not just a hobby, but a testament to the power of small-scale, sustainable agriculture. My experience, though filled with trials, has been a journey of discovery and growth, reinforcing my belief in the profound impact these tiny greens can have on our overall health and well-being.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partners are all family members: my sons Justin and Gordon, and my daughter-in-law, Shannon. In the early days of experimenting with microgreens, Gordon and I were primarily responsible for growing them. We often discussed the possibility of establishing a business, but initially, our microgreens were consumed by our family or fed to our pets and farm animals, and we lacked a proactive approach.

During this period, my elder son Justin was serving in the Air Force, stationed in Mississippi with Shannon and their two sons. Upon Justin’s retirement and return to Texas, he and Shannon became the driving force behind our venture. Justin took charge of the administrative aspects, setting up an LLC, crafting a mission statement, and strategizing on customer outreach. He was instrumental in figuring out packaging and compliance with relevant laws and regulations for selling microgreens. He also got us involved in farmers’ markets.

Shannon contributed creatively, designing our logo, enhancing our market presence, and organizing our setup. Their involvement sparked more innovation, including the creation of a microgreen seasoning by Justin and Trey, which gained popularity. We also introduced grow kits for customers interested in home cultivation.

Justin and Shannon’s energy and direction were pivotal. Without them, we might still be casually growing microgreens for our animals and birds while only dreaming about starting a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://knowandgrowmicrogreens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Know_And_Grow_Microgreens
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089084073395