We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Kessler Medrano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to be effective by embracing the unique position I hold in the hydroponic microgreens and produce industry. As a female microgreens farmer, I’ve navigated through different phases of growth, from mastering the fundamentals to staying ahead by continuously educating myself on the latest trends and technologies.
Innovation is key in my work—I’m always experimenting with new ideas, finding ways to optimize production, and introducing fresh concepts that set my microgreens apart. Through the level of love and communication I have with my produce during seed sowing to the details of the finished product and the packaging, I take pride in knowing that no one else produces microgreens the way I do. When I say love and communication, I really do mean that I speak good morning salutations to my seeds and have pep talks with my growing produce every day.
When you visit my table, Root 1867 LLC, at the farmers market you are greeted with authentic enthusiasm and genuine love. I can’t wait to hear how your week turned out and cheer you on in your path to a healthier lifestyle. I love meeting people who are new to microgreens because it gives me the opportunity to educate and change lives through nutrient dense and antioxidant rich produce. I feel as though I am breaking stereotypes through my passion for hydroponic farming and growing healthy food while not looking like anyone else in the room. This uniqueness is my strength, allowing me to bring a fresh perspective to the table. It’s empowering to recognize that being different is not a disadvantage, but rather a powerful asset that drives my success.
By leveraging this uniqueness, I’ve been able to carve out a niche that’s truly one of a kind, ensuring that my voice and my work stand out in a crowded field.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a female hydroponics microgreens farmer, I’ve learned to be effective by embracing the unique position I hold in this industry. My work involves cultivating nutrient-dense microgreens and wheatgrass using hydroponic systems—a method that allows for sustainable, soil-less growing. My ancestors came to Texas in 1867, to till the fertile land. This special piece of history is what led me to revisit these roots, but in a new way of sustainability and future vision of regenerating a piece of Texas land.
It has been exciting watching this new business grow. Within a few months of trying out local farmers markets, it was necessary to expand my growing operation. As I approach the one-year milestone of farmers markets, I see the need to expand again. What I aim to accomplish beyond microgreens, and outside of farmers markets and retail/cafe space, is a full hydroponic farm offering various types of produce, herbs, flowers and plants, while small livestock and honeybees gently regenerate the land creating a sustainable ecosystem.
Reeling it back into the current position: I am excited to announce that I’m adding wheatgrass shots to my farmers market menu beginning on August 31st. You can find me at Farmers Market on Grand Parkway every Saturday from 8am until 12pm, located at 1225 W Grand Parkway S, Katy, Texas 77494.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, but also towards the future, these three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey as a hydroponics microgreens farmer: adaptability, continuous education, and innovation.
The ability to adapt has been crucial. Agriculture, especially in a niche like hydroponic microgreens, can be unpredictable. Whether it’s adjusting to changes in market demand, experimenting with new growing techniques, or responding to challenges like climate variability, adaptability has allowed me to stay resilient and keep moving forward. For those early in their journey, embrace change and be willing to pivot when needed. If everyone were to only follow one formula for their niche, no one would stand out in their industry. Don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside your comfort zone—this is where the most growth happens.
The second quality is a commitment to continuous education. The hydroponics field is ever-evolving, with new technologies, methods, and research emerging regularly. Staying informed and continually seeking out new knowledge has enabled me to streamline my own process. The demand for a variety of microgreens can change seasonally, or by popularity at the farmer’s market. Learning to grow new seed varieties is an ongoing necessary practice in order to stay forward in the industry. No matter your niche or industry, never stop learning. Whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study, invest time in expanding your knowledge. Stay curious and keep up with industry trends, as this will equip you to make informed decisions and stay competitive.
Finally, innovation has been a driving force in my success. From refining my hydroponic systems to diving into holistic nutrition, innovation has set my business apart. Many individuals don’t yet realize that this tiny produce is more than a fancy garnish. I am able to teach them why they need microgreens in their diet and the many ways to enjoy this produce with every meal. Living and thinking outside the box while authentically sharing my passion for, and knowledge of, microgreens and wheatgrass has allowed me to offer something unique in a competitive market. My advice here is to be willing to cultivate a mindset of creativity and innovation. Don’t just follow what others are doing—look for ways to set yourself apart in your industry. Experiment, take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to fail.
My advice for anyone just starting out is to focus on these qualities. If you’re beyond the beginning stages of your business, keep these qualities within reach. Adaptability will keep you resilient, continuous education will keep you informed, and innovation will set you apart. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remember that your unique perspective and passion are your greatest assets.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
My approach has consisted of a balance in amplifying my strengths while managing areas where I need improvement. Finding the perfect balance can be challenging but is worth every effort in creating a more well-rounded flow of business. However, I definitely always lean into my strengths.
When I first started out in hydroponic microgreens farming, I quickly realized that my strengths—such as adaptability, continuous learning, and innovation—were what set me apart in the industry. I leaned into these strengths, refining them even further because they allowed me to excel and offer something unique in a competitive market. For instance, my strength in continuous learning led to my passion for the health benefits of microgreens, which in turn, brings a unique educational experience to the farmer’s market.
However, I also recognized that there were areas where I wasn’t as strong, like web development and taxes. Rather than trying to become an expert in everything, I chose to learn just enough to make informed decisions and then sought out support in those areas. This allowed me to focus on what I do best—growing high-quality, nutrient dense microgreens and innovating within my niche.
The reason I lean towards focusing on strengths is that these are the areas where one can truly differentiate oneself. When you amplify your strengths, you create value that others can’t easily replicate. At the same time, I believe it’s important to have a basic competence in weaker areas so you can navigate challenges and make informed decisions. But instead of spreading myself thin by trying to be good at everything, I’ve found more success in doubling down on what I’m naturally good at and passionate about.
One instance that illustrates this is when I was experimenting with new microgreens varieties. I was confident in my ability to innovate and adapt, so I focused on refining the growing process and improving product quality. My efforts paid off because I’m able to bring something unique to the market that resonates with customers. If I had instead spent that time trying to become an expert in every area of my business, I might have missed the opportunity to create that standout product.
All in all, I believe it’s better to go all in on your strengths because that’s where you can create the most value and stand out. However, it’s also important to be aware of your weaknesses, manage them wisely, and collaborate or seek help when needed. This balance has allowed me to grow my business effectively while staying true to what makes me unique in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ROOT1867.com
- Instagram: @ROOT.1867
- Facebook: Elizabeth Kessler Medrano
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