Who is Haley McKenna, could you please introduce yourself?

I’m Haley, I am a registered holistic nutritionist and microgreens farmer. I’m married with two kids – a daughter 15yrs old and a son 12yrs old.  I also have a small parrot and an Australian Sheppherd that my family is utterly devoted to.

What is your business and when did you start?

I own a direct-to-community microgreens farm. My business model is grow-to-order and I have 6 different crops that I grow. I harvest and deliver on the same day to homes in the Oakville area. I started January 2023.

What inspired you to start your business?

I wanted to grow the most nutrient-dense food that I could for my family.  I found a course to teach me all the details of farming and it made me ‘think bigger’ than just growing for my family.  It is also a way to make use of my nutritionist knowledge.

What were the challenges in the initial stages of your business and how did you overcome them?

At first I was paranoid that my crops would not grow or that I wouldn’t have enough. I grew way too much but I took notes of what I did at each stage of the growing process. I am more confident now and I have growing more fine-tuned. Then I needed to find customers which has been more challenging than I thought. I’m still working on this one.

What motivates you about your business?

It is satisfying to dig in the dirt, especially when it is snowing outside. I like watching my seedling sprout and I like helping my customers get their microgreens from their fridges onto their plates.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Feeling doubt and being overwhelmed sometimes is part of the gig. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Interesting fact most of the people do not know about you?

I’m crafty. I make things, lots of things, probably too many things. (I knit hats, make soap, candles, jewelery, turn wooden bowls, incense holders….see what I mean? 😉

The best business advice I ever received was…

You can’t be working ON your business if you’re too busy working FOR your business.

My definition of success is…

Being debt free, growing passive income and travelling somewhere fabulous with my family every year.

If I could go back in time when I started my business, I would tell myself to…

Maybe start networking sooner rather than later? You don’t have to do everything by yourself.

Three books I recommend for entrepreneurs are…

E-myth Revisited by Michael Gerber – for the importance of systems

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – not a business book but you gotta work on yourself too!

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham – you have to know what to do with your profits!

My personal tagline is…

My life motto is…How hard can it be?