Because beauty is a right and a necessity, not a luxury.

Our Philosophy

At Rooted In Joy, we ask that people with more wealth and income pay more for their CSA share subscription to subsidize shares for those with less wealth and income. We empower people to decide for themselves what contribution level makes sense and offer coaching to support that determination. For example, people are encouraged to pay less if they support children, have high medical expenses or immigration costs, or receive public assistance. People are encouraged to pay more if they own their own home, have inheritance, work less by choice, or have high earning power based on their demographic position. We reserve at least 1/3 of shares for individuals with low income. The idea is that all members pay approximately the same percentage of their income toward entertainment/extracurricular activities and leisure, practicing economic solidarity. Adapted from Soul Fire Farm’s “Sowing the Seeds of Food Justice, SARE Manual.

Our Founder

In my mind, I see a line. And over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no-how. I can't seem to get over that line. That was Harriet Tubman in the 1800s. Viola Davis, 2015 Emmy Speech

Two years ago, when the pandemic started, I thought to myself, “I’m going to make it over that line.” and from that, a determination emerged to bring my siblings with me!”

So, the idea for this farm, this community didn’t just come from nowhere. It emerged organically from Joy’s own personal pursuit, as she approached forty when she not only realized that she was living in fear but that she wasn’t familiar with the state or feeling of joy—her namesake. From there she began her journey of shedding fear and seeking more of what would bring her joy.

Most often she found joy in the small things, things she came to call “Daily Delights.” From singing in the car with her beloved daughter, Tandi, to enjoying nature, in particular flowers, Joy has sought to embody her name, and to do that she tries to focus on the joy and beauty all around her.

When the pandemic arrived in early 2020, she decided to pursue her passion for flowers. She began with a few dahlias, gladioli, black & blue salvia, and a Miss Huff lantana. In 2021, the number of flowers, especially dahlias grew and she decided to center her love for community with her love for flowers.

Joy is a Black certified professional coach and youth worker who loves working in and with the community who wants to embody joy and she wanted to share that with others. And now, she is a farmer, and she welcomes you.

Joy farms on unceded Kecoughtan land, in a historically African American (redlined) community.

Our Practice

Afro-Indigenous Farming Practices

We produce organic flowers and foliage with sustainable practices. We employ no-till farming and we rely heavily on the agricultural knowledge of our afro-indigenous ancestors by using crop rotation, recycled biomass (e.g., compost), and polyculture (as opposed to monoculture).

Embodiment

We practice embodiment. We feel into things to see what is in alignment with our values, our bodies, and our community. We resist the pace of white body supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy and as adrienne maree brown says, “[we] move at the speed of trust.” This means when we tire, we rest and replenish. When we experience pain, physical or emotional, we take the time we need to heal. We honor our ancestors and seek healing and liberation for ourselves and our communities. Therefore, all that we cultivate and share is done so not only willingly but joyfully for and with the community in the spirit of joy, healing, justice, love, and liberation.

Community

We practice the vibrant aspects of Afro-Indigenous communal support by designing our community not just around the beauty of flowers but around the beauty of community and what’s possible when we increase access to interdependence, exercise of economic justice and mutuality.