An Inspired Chat with Kim Aman

We recently had the chance to connect with Kim Aman and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kim , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am zig zagging. There are so many things that come my way by being a School Garden Educator. I get the joy of jumping, hopping, running and strolling in school gardens with children and communities, where we are growing beautiful relationships with nature, the food we eat and each other.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a former public school teacher, who was lucky to be asked to join parents in starting a school garden on the campus of Moss Haven Elementary. Moss Haven Farm is one of the few public school, in our region that offers all students weekly lessons integrated into academics, nature and the food system. My business Grow Garden Grow, grew from this experience and today we are working in 4 different school districts with over 8,000 children a month. Since I am not sustainable, I started the NTx School Garden Network to work with other people who have school gardens, to share best practices, academic connections and simply introducing them to others doing this work, so that they aren’t the only crazy garden person in the room.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My Grandfather, Dale Peterson, welcomed me into his garden to engage with nature and food. He was originally a farmer who grew crops in the rich soil of central Ohio. He taught me about the earth, soil, plants, animals and the beauty of a bite from a vine ripe tomato. We worked together in the soil and in the kitchen, enjoying the fruits of our labor. It was there that I learned that it was important to find joy in the work that I did throughout my lifetime.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have been driven by fear of failure. I think that is why I always have worked hard and done the best that I can do in everything that I do. I am surely not a perfectionist, but I take pride in the work that I do and the commitments that I make. It hasn’t really held me back, it has just been a back beat internally.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes., I am who I am at home, work, and play. It is not worth it to pretend to be anyone else. I believe that honesty really is the best policy and being genuine is important in all relationships. There is less drama and more understanding when people are genuine and honest with each other.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
I would build a school garden in every school in the world. We have lost touch of nature and our food system. The average farmer in America is 58 years old and we lose them one by one each day. The planet is in danger and children understand this. You’ve heard this before, Children are our future. They are agents of change and by being exposed to school gardens, their food and nature, they may not become farmers, but they will become strong advocates to help support growing a healthier planet and healthier people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://growgardengrow.org
• Instagram: @grow_garden_grow
• Linkedin: @Kim Aman
• Facebook: @growgardengrow
• Youtube: @growgardengrow

Image Credits
Amani Sodiq My Headshot