Grounded Communications

Went to a event at the today. These events sometimes offer all new ideas and sometimes just a refresher. Sometimes just a chance to relax in a room where ideas can strike.

Almost always able to walk out with a few tips that make a difference for the work we have going on. Today it was a few ideas on things I may want to create in the maker space!

Do you need the change of environment now and then?

As a Black woman who’s passionate about urban homesteading, agriculture, travel, and education, everything Natasha Nicholes does is an act of defying expectations. She is a certified master gardener & urban farmer who started We Sow We Grow a non-profit urban farm & educational center on Chicago’s South Side — the West Pullman neighborhood to be precise.

Natasha and her husband Shomari have dedicated themselves to adding a much-needed voice, to conversations about issues in each of those industries. They know empowering their community to know more about food production pays off. They also have been raising incredible humans who see community involvement as a core element and each of them are looking for their paths and the ways they want to contribute.

Natasha not only farms but is highly visible as a leader, speaker, and writer. She is probably happiest when she’s learning new things or helping others learn new things that make a difference in the world.

When we started designing Grounded in Ag years ago, we asked Natasha to join our board of advisors. She has served as a constant source of support and you see it in our courses too. She provides the urban farming perspective in several lessons. Urban farmers are frequently the points that drive people’s entry into being curious about farming overall. Having her perspective in Grounded in Ag shows the similarities and some differences between these typically smaller acreage operations and the larger ones that carry the lion’s share of food production in the U.S.

Meanwhile, in many places, it is women working small acreages that provides critical food for for families and communities. These women often pour themselves into others by sharing skills and more with others in need. We celebrate Natasha and the many Black women makinig a difference as we observe International Black Women’s History Month.

Things are rarely black and white… lord knows work never has been for me! I used to love going to the office until I totally didn’t. And working from home can be great but I also find myself distracted at times and missing some of the casual interactions offices provide.

Enter coworking.

I tried a couple of places in the area but it wasn’t til I started working at a few hours here and there that I found the right part of the grayscale. Have enjoyed running into past colleagues, some clients, etc. and have been getting things done, having good conversations, etc.

Changing things up seems to be beneficial for my mindset and creativity. Hope that results in new benefits for the business too!