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​​What attracted me to this field was a combination of personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility. I was born into communist Poland, where food scarcity taught my family the importance of growing our own food and making the most of what we had. When I moved to the U.S. and worked in the food industry for 17 years, I saw firsthand how

disconnected people were from their food — how convenience often came at the cost of nutrition, sustainability and fairness. City Girl Farming was born from the belief that we can do better. I wanted to help create a food system that’s more transparent, local and humane — where people not only eat better, but also understand the story behind their food.

This work keeps me grounded. Literally. I still farm because it connects me to the land and to the small farmers I partner with. It’s how I walk the walk, not just talk the talk. At the end of the day, what draws me in — and keeps me going — is the possibility of transforming everyday meals into acts of care: Care for the agricultural wellbeing, for our own wellbeing and for each other.

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How has your field changed in the time you’ve worked in it? How have you adapted?

Now, more people are waking up to the importance of knowing where their food comes from. There’s a growing desire to eat healthier, support small farms and be more environmentally conscious. That shift has been powerful to witness — but it’s also come with new challenges.

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One major change is the increasing cost of doing business sustainably. Labor, ingredients, packaging, renting the commercial space we operate from — it’s all gone up, and significantly. At the same time, consumers are more cost-conscious than ever.

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So, I’ve had to get creative: I developed an internal subsidy model, where sales from higher-income customers help keep prices accessible for others. We also transitioned from conventional to locally sourced meat and or-

ganic ingredients, despite the higher cost, because it aligned with our values and long-term vision. Technology has also reshaped the field. I’ve adapted by implementing meal prep software, automating parts of our operations and building stronger online systems to support ordering, marketing and customer communication.

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Is there a person or people who have had a tremendous impact on you?

Yes — starting with my grandmother. Growing up in Poland during a time of scarcity, she showed me what resilience, resourcefulness and love looked like in action. She grew much of our food, preserved what we had and never let anything go to waste. That early exposure to self-sufficiency and the value of food shaped the core of who I am and why I do this work.

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There are several other people who’ve had a tremendous impact on me, but one I must mention is Sheila Sabers. She’s been a friend when I was at my lowest and a true champion. Sheila saw my potential before I fully did, and she held space for me to step into my power — while also challenging me to grow. She provided safety and guidance for me to remain rooted in my integrity, navigate complexity with grace and stay true to my vision even when the path felt uncertain.

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I also carry deep gratitude for my partner, David. His steady presence and emotional strength have been a constant source of grounding. He’s someone who leads by example — quietly, humbly, with so much heart — and he reminds me of what really matters.

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Do you have any advice for young people and/or new graduates?

Yes — don’t be afraid to take the unconventional path. So much pressure is put on young people to have it all figured out. But the truth is, your path will likely twist, shift and evolve in ways you can’t predict — and that’s not failure, that’s life unfolding.

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What matters most is staying aligned with your values and showing up with integrity. Focus on doing the next right thing, even if it feels small. Consistent, meaningful action adds up over time. You don’t need to save the world all at once — you just need to be willing to grow, to learn and to stay curious.

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Also, don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and remind you of who you are. And when possible, be that person for someone else.

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Math vs. creativity. People person vs. introvert. Slow and steady vs. quick and nimble. Where do you fall on those divides? Do you believe there even is a divide?

I don’t really believe in rigid divides — I think we’re more layered than that, and context matters. That said, I’d say I lean creative over mathematics, though running a business has definitely sharpened my practical, numbers-focused side. I might not love spreadsheets, but I’ve learned to respect them because they help ground big ideas in reality. As for people versus introverts — I’m both. I deeply value connection, collaboration and meaningful conversation. But I also need solitude to recharge and think clearly.

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When you think of the future, what kind of changes would you like to see in your field? In the broader world?

When I think about the future, I’d love to see a food system that’s more local, transparent and equitable. I want to live in a world where small farms are valued and supported, where healthy food is a right — not a luxury — and where the people growing, preparing and serving that food are paid fairly and treated with dignity.

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In my field, I want to see less reliance on industrial, extractive models and more investment in regenerative, community-based solutions. That means land access for new farmers, infrastructure that supports local food distribution and policies that uplift small producers instead of pushing them out. I want to see a shift in consumer behavior — not through guilt or fear, but through reconnection and joy. Food has the power to heal so much — and I want to build a place here in our community that encompasses all these elements.

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How has your professional life helped you grow as a person?

My professional life has shaped me in profound ways. Building City Girl Farming from the ground up has been one of the most humbling, challenging and transformative experiences of my life. It’s taught me how to lead — not just others, but myself. It’s forced me to get clear on my values, to stand by them even when it’s hard, and to trust my instincts when the path isn’t clear. It’s also taught me resilience.

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Farming, entrepreneurship and food service are all full of uncertainty. I’ve had to learn how to stay grounded in the midst of constant change — how to pivot without losing my center. I’ve become more patient, more resourceful and more attuned to what truly matters.

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But maybe most importantly, it’s helped me to set better boundaries while simultaneously allowing myself to rely on others. I used to think I had to push through everything alone. Now I understand the power of asking for help, of building community and of receiving support as much as giving it. I’ve grown more compassionate — with myself.

 

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How do you strike a work/life balance?​

Work/life balance is something I’ve had to redefine for myself, it’s a work in process. Trust me, I am no expert — especially as a founder, farmer and chef. The lines between work and life are often blurred, especially when your work is deeply personal and mission-driven.

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For a long time, I thought balance meant doing everything perfectly or keeping everything in equal proportion — but I’ve learned it’s more about rhythm than rigidity. These days, I strike balance by staying grounded in my why and listening to my body and energy. I schedule rest with the same intention I schedule work. I protect my alone time, make space for travel and prioritize relationships that fill me up.

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I’ve also learned to delegate more, trust my team, and let go of the need to control everything. That’s been huge. Balance doesn’t always mean less work — it often means more alignment.