Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Darciea Houston, President of Dallas Ag Women, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dallas Ag Woman is an agricultural association of a community of farmers and gardeners. Our goal is to help women start growing produce either traditionally (in ground organic growing practices) or with aquaculture. We specialize in the implementation of rainwater catchment, composting and regrowing produce, and saving seeds for the purpose of improving personal health and wellness while saving money and monetizing the produce or products produced from growing their own growing space.
Tell us about yourself
I'm also known as Major Melanin in my community, specializing in permaculture. As an Indigenous American Indian farmer, motivational speaker, and business-to-business entrepreneur, it's my goal to simplify sustainable growing practices for underserved neighborhoods that lack access to fresh produce. I am the founder and chief executive officer for a for-profit enterprise called Filthy Rich Nutrients LLC, a nonprofit called Hip Hop Crop Curriculum Corp, and President of NWIAA Dallas (National Women in Agriculture Dallas Chapter), also known as Dallas Ag Women.
I'm a problem solver that uses my experiences, resources, and platform to empower my communities to "Garden for Health." As a result of my affiliations with Dr. Llaila Afrika and Rev Dele of Soil & Souls, my skill sets are unique, and I bring a fiery perspective that you don't want to miss. I inspire residents by providing a much-needed mind shift and access to the resources needed for new gardeners and farmers to be successful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Dallas Ag Woman's biggest success in agriculture is improving the health and wellness of the communities that we serve. We go above and beyond to engage in community outreach and to provide networking events to enhance learning opportunities. New clients need support as they grow, and when support is provided, our clients thrive and begin to make healthier positive life changes for their whole family moving forward.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing as an agriculturist is maintaining momentum during the winter months. And as a result, beneficial composting materials needed for the garden are disregarded, and clients, in turn, end up purchasing raw materials that they already had access to for free.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My advice to any entrepreneur/ag-preneur is to know your target market. Build relationships, and don't just make contacts. Lastly, you must love the work that you are doing. You will need the love for your industry to pull you threw the tough times.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dallasagwomen.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasAgWomen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwiaadallas/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darciea-houston-41a08b160/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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