Meet Brandy Hall

We were lucky to catch up with Brandy Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brandy , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

I think my generosity comes from my relationship to Earth herself. Nature teaches me that life is always wanting to live, that the natural world gives generously to me, my family, my community. One permaculture principle that comes to mind is that of stacking functions – the notion that an element in a landscape gives back in more ways than one. Think about the oak tree which provides acorns to the squirrels, landings to build homes for the birds, shades for my daughter during the hotter summer days, and of course all the ways in which the oak’s roots bring structure and nutrients to the soil. When I take queues from nature I am reminded of my own capabilities to be a generous contributor. I strive to serve my community selflessly, the way the oak feeds in order to be fed.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started Shades of Green Permaculture in 2008 to help people reconnect with their land, help them live healthier lives, and provide a deeper understanding of how our landscapes can be beneficial. Today, our business is growing significantly and in really impactful ways. Last year, our designs converted 500 acres of land to organic management, harvested over 11 million gallons of rainwater, and planted 150,000 native and medicinal plants, 4,500 trees, and over 40,000 food-producing plants. We empower people to participate in the Earth’s return to health through our landscape services and courses. In 2020, I launched the Regenerative Backyard Blueprint, an online course and step-by-step guide to sustainable landscaping for any climate, any region, any budget, and any experience level. We’ve taught over 2500 people how to transform their outdoor spaces to eco-paradises! We’re helping people reframe how they think about the natural world and how they become stewards of their land in order to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three areas of knowledge would first be my permaculture background. The practices of permaculture inform everything I do – including beginning my company, but, more importantly, in how I run my business. It brings a way of life that allows trust, openness, and values-aligned choices. Permaculture isn’t just about plants and soil—it’s about people. Knowledge of community building, ecological psychology, and sustainable living practices is critical.
Next, the ability to lead with emotional intelligence—emphasizing empathy, communication, and adaptability—is vital. Female entrepreneurs often bring unique perspectives to leadership by fostering collaboration and inclusive decision-making. Understanding how to balance personal values with professional goals, while navigating challenges such as gender biases, is instrumental in creating a supportive and productive work environment.
Finally, developing resilience is crucial for navigating the inevitable challenges of opening and growing a company. This includes learning to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, adapting to changing circumstances, and staying committed to long-term goals despite obstacles. I’ve treated every step along my path as an opportunity to learn and grow, and being a continual student has helped foster a growth mindset which supports innovation, encourages learning, and builds the confidence to take calculated risks.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

When I think about the past 12 months, I’m really proud of our team, and the company culture we’ve fostered. It’s been years in the making, but when we faced a serious setback mid-year, the leadership team rallied together and came up with many creative solutions that righted the ship in record time. Not only did they each rise to the occasion, but they were able to enroll their teams in the pivot so the whole company was enthusiastically able to make the necessary changes. Hiring and firing by our values, and holding ourselves to a high standard of excellence has led to this noticeable shift in company culture–very different than in the start-up days! Time and again I see that the adage holds true–a company only stands to gain when they put people first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shadesofgreenpermaculture.com/
• Instagram: shades_of_green_permaculture

Image Credits

Jonathan Banks – Brandy Headshot
Ash Wilson – others