For Desiree, farming isn’t just about cultivating the land — it’s about cultivating community. Originally from a small community outside El Dorado, Arkansas, her childhood memories of her mother’s garden and a tiny homestead planted the first seeds of a lifelong connection to growing things.
“I’ve always felt connected to growing things,” she says. “It’s always brought me peace and joy. The deeper I got into it, the more I realized how much farming connects to my values — community, sustainability, and wellness.”
Her journey to the farm, though, wasn’t a straight line. Before enrolling in CAFF’s Farm School, Desiree wore many hats: bartender, teacher, artist, event producer, entrepreneur, and even Chief Marketing Officer of a film company. She also worked in nonprofit arts, consulting, and operations management for Northwest Arkansas startups. That eclectic background, she explains, ended up preparing her for the challenges of farming. “My varied background gave me skills in organization, promotion, and connecting with people — all of which translate surprisingly well into farming.”
While she had some childhood exposure to hobby farming and spent time on a turkey and cattle farm last year, Desiree’s true farming journey began at CAFF. She got her first taste of production-scale agriculture through her student plot and another small off-site plot she managed while in the program. “Before CAFF, I was more of a home gardener. This was the first time I could really work with production practices,” she says.
What she loves most about farm life is the rhythm of the work itself. “Being outdoors, working with the seasons, watching something I planted from seed grow into food that nourishes others — it’s grounding,” she explains. “It balances out the fast pace of my past jobs. It brings me joy and peace.”
But Desiree is also looking forward — and thinking creatively. Her vision goes beyond growing produce and flowers. She plans to launch Bloom Table Flower Bar, a mobile cut-flower business, and Bloom Beverage Bar, a mobile non-alcoholic wellness beverage bar. “I’m excited about blending farming with creativity and entrepreneurship,” she says. “Farming is the foundation for building community experiences and celebrations around food, wellness, and beauty.”
Her goals are ambitious but deeply rooted in sustainability and community. She envisions a small-scale farm business supporting itself financially, experimenting with value-added products, and expanding to supply her creative ventures. She hopes to play a role in strengthening the local food system through education and community food programs.
For anyone considering a similar path, Desiree encourages openness and courage. “Don’t be intimidated if you’re starting small or don’t come from a farming background,” she advises. “Programs like CAFF provide mentorship, structure, and a supportive community that really helps you learn as you grow. Your unique skills can add so much value to your farming journey.”
She pauses, then adds with gratitude: “The farming community is there, and more than willing to lend their support, knowledge, and a helping hand when you need it. It really has been an amazing experience at CAFF — I’m very grateful for the connections I’ve made and everything I’ve learned about farming and myself.”
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