Farmer Spotlight: Carmen Munoz
“Try new things. Try all the things. Find what makes you feel most alive. When you do, ride the wave. I love being on the farm and being a part of the process. It truly is a labor of love.”
At the start of spring 2019, Carmen, with her passion for all things that bring abundance into her life, joined the Spade & Plow crew. It is amazing to see our employees flourish in so many ways at the farm. Carmen wears many hats at the farm. From greenhouse maintenance, transplanting, harvesting flowers and produce from the fields, packing CSA boxes, and working weekend markets, she shows how devoted she is to farming and the benefits it brings to local communities.
When asked what her work life was like before she started at the farm, the response was surprising with contrast. She worked for two banks and a tech start-up. She explains her struggle from job to job: “I just wasn’t happy no matter where I worked. I knew deep down it wasn’t the right fit, but I didn’t know what to do about it.” With an immeasurable amount of courage, she quit her job and went to Indonesia where she learned to let go of material things and fully submerged herself in small communities and farming practices. When she returned she started farming at Veggielution. Through that experience, she found the value that farming offered to her mind, body, and soul
“There is a therapeutic aspect of farming. The natural rhythms of the seasons, caring for the plants, and playing in the dirt bring especially important life experiences.”
When asked what she loved most about working for a farm and the farming environment, Carmen’s answer could not have been more thoughtful. With an undeniable smile and tone of enthusiasm, she replies “I love being on the farm and a part of the process. It truly is a labor of love. Being in the Bay Area and having this opportunity is uncommon. I am happy that I can fully support and stand behind local farmers and the community they bring along with them. There are many professions that are undervalued, farming falls under that category of undervalued work that is important for all communities.”
Most importantly, there is a therapeutic aspect of farming. The natural rhythms of the seasons, caring for the plants, and playing in the dirt bring especially important life experiences. Carmen has been on a path of self-discovery. Finding fulfillment within herself, she believes, is more valuable than status. Farming fits into her aspirations to be creative in the way she lives her life, and to discover more abundant spaces for self-expression, peace, and harmony.